March 19th marks the onset of spring this year. While this season brings warmer weather and blooming flowers, it also triggers seasonal allergies among Ohio residents. Now, as we know, allergies can lead to various unpleasant symptoms. So, the spring season is a dreaded time of the year for many. In fact, many people commonly refer to spring allergies as hay fever. If you are among the many individuals in Ohio dealing with allergies, here are some practical solutions from Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling to help you combat allergens in your home, allowing you to hopefully alleviate your symptoms and enjoy the springtime.
Do You Know What the Symptoms of Hay Fever Are?
Hay fever, scientifically referred to as allergic rhinitis, arises from an exaggerated immune response to allergens like pollen, resulting in the release of histamines that trigger allergic symptoms. These symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe and persist for extended periods, spanning weeks or even months.
Common hay fever symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion or rhinorrhea
- Pruritus of the eyes, mouth, throat, or skin
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Excessive mucus production and drainage
If you consistently encounter these symptoms during the spring and summer seasons, it is probable that you are suffering from hay fever triggered by allergens in Ohio.
Why Does the Landscape Cause Allergies?
Before delving into the issue of allergens, it is helpful to understand the factors contributing to Ohio’s elevated levels of pollen and allergies. Ohio’s terrain encompasses a blend of urban areas, farmlands, forests, lakes, and rivers – each hosting a diverse range of plants and trees that produce pollen. Additionally, this landscape diversity introduces various environmental elements that can intensify allergies and prolong the pollen season, which typically spans from February to November.
Do You Know the Types of Allergens That Are Common in Ohio?
These encompass a wide range of possibilities, including but not restricted to:
· Tree Pollen: Pollen from various tree species, such as oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory, can elicit allergic reactions, particularly during the spring season.
· Grass Pollen: Different types of grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass, release pollen, leading to allergies, especially in late spring and early summer.
· Weed Pollen: Ragweed, a prevalent weed in Ohio, produces abundant pollen during late summer and early fall, causing allergies in many individuals.
· Mold Spores: Mold spores are a common allergen in Ohio, often found on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter.
Do You Know How to Counter Allergens with Home Solutions?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent allergies, there are several practical measures that can be implemented in your home to mitigate the impact of allergens. Here are some practical methods you can use:
1. Ensure your windows are closed during peak pollen season, typically in spring and summer.
2. Regularly vacuum with a HEPA filter to effectively remove allergens from carpets and furniture.
3. Maintain cleanliness by regularly washing your bedding and curtains in hot water to eliminate pollen and other allergens.
4. After spending time outdoors, promptly shower to remove any lingering pollen or allergens from your body.
5. Dust frequently, paying particular attention to areas such as bookshelves and other dust-prone surfaces.
6. Regularly change your air filters to prevent the circulation of allergens in your home. A good rule of thumb is to do so every 1-2 months.
Fun Fact: It is estimated that hay fever impacts approximately 20% of individuals during their lifetime.
Do You Know How to Counter Allergens with Professional Solutions?
While incorporating practical home solutions into your daily routine is an effective approach for immediate relief, it may be necessary to explore professional solutions or services. Here are a few recommendations you might want to consider:
Get a Whole-home Purifier – Whole-home air purifiers are great options to consider adding to your home. For instance, the iWave is a comprehensive whole-home air purification system that seamlessly integrates into your HVAC system, ensuring a continuous and thorough purification of the air in your home. Utilizing state-of-the-art ionization technology, it effectively reduces allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that may contribute to allergies and respiratory concerns. It’s definitely worth considering adding this component to your home if you endeavor to boost your home’s indoor air quality.
Get a Whole-home Dehumidifier – If you are dealing with high humidity levels in your home, you may want to think about getting a whole-home dehumidifier. This is because elevated humidity levels can foster optimal conditions for allergens like mold. By installing a whole-home dehumidifier, you can effectively diminish moisture within your residence, rendering it less conducive to these kinds of allergens.
Install A Smart Thermostat – A smart thermostat can assist in monitoring humidity levels in your home. Additionally, a smart thermostat can also notify you when your air filters are in need of a change. This feature is especially helpful when you get caught up in the chaos of life and may have missed a filter change.
Schedule a Duct Cleaning – According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This pollution includes allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores that can accumulate in your home’s ductwork. Engaging professional air duct cleaning services can enhance the overall air quality in your home and alleviate allergy symptoms. Moreover, this service is typically only recommended every three to five years. So, it’s not something you have to have done often.
Are any of these options catching your interest? Feel free to reach out to us for a discussion on what could be the best fit for you, your family, and your home.
With the implementation of these practical solutions, you can effectively minimize the impact of allergens on your daily life. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the causes and symptoms of allergies and adopting suitable remedies, you can fully embrace the joys of spring without enduring constant discomfort. Take charge of your allergies today, and remember to contact us for any of your HVAC air quality requirements.
Count on Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (740) 212-5849, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
