While most of us welcome spring when it arrives, it can also deliver an unpleasant wave of allergens. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 33% of adults in the US report that they have eczema, a food allergy, or a seasonal allergy.
As pollen counts rise, it’s nice to be able to improve your indoor air quality, so you or ones you love don’t have to suffer terribly. Here are 6 strategies for a better breathing environment during spring allergy season.
1. Keep the Outdoors Outside
The first defense against seasonal allergens is the most obvious: limit their entry into your home. Keep windows closed during peak pollen hours, typically midday and early afternoon. Another easy thing to do is to leave shoes at the door to prevent tracking outdoor allergens inside.
2. Upgrade Your Filtration Systems
Your HVAC system plays an important role in maintaining indoor air quality. You can install high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in your heating and cooling systems. These filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, which includes most pollen, dust, and pet dander. You’ll want to change these filters regularly, especially during high pollen seasons.
For additional filtration, look into standalone air purifiers for bedrooms and living spaces. There are some models with HEPA technology, while many of the advanced models include activated carbon filters that can reduce odors and certain volatile organic compounds.
3. Maintain Optimal Humidity
Controlling indoor humidity helps prevent dreaded mold growth, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Aim to keep indoor humidity between 30-50%. Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements, and keep bathrooms and kitchens well-ventilated. Consider using a hygrometer (you can get one for under twenty bucks) to monitor humidity levels throughout your home.
4. Clean Strategically and Regularly
Adapt your cleaning routine during allergy season to target allergens more effectively:
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery twice weekly using a vacuum with a HEPA filter
- Use microfiber cloths for dusting, which trap particles rather than dispersing them
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water (at least 130°F) to kill dust mites
- Consider removing or reducing fabric items like decorative pillows that collect allergens
5. Invest in Allergy-Resistant Bedding
Since we spend approximately a third of our lives sleeping, making the bedroom an allergy-safe zone is particularly important. There are allergen-proof covers for mattresses and pillows that create a barrier against dust mites. You can buy washable bedding materials like cotton or microfiber over more allergenic materials like feathers.
6. Monitor Air Quality
Various weather apps or websites do some of the work for us by providing outdoor pollen counts. Having the ability to know the pollen count is incredibly helpful during allergy season. On days when counts are particularly high, take extra precautions to increase indoor filtration efforts. If your AC unit happens to be struggling, consider a regular HVAC maintenance plan.
By doing these things during the spring allergy season, you can reduce indoor allergen levels and create a more comfortable environment for allergy sufferers. This may not eliminate symptoms entirely, but it can provide some relief.
If you have any questions or concerns about your air conditioning system, please get in touch.