Did you know that March 19th is the first day of spring this year? It’s a time when we can enjoy warmer weather and beautiful flowers blooming all around. But, for many Ohio residents, spring also means dealing with seasonal allergies. You know, those pesky and uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, etc. Some people know it as hay fever. So, if you’re one of those folks who suffer from allergies, don’t worry! We’ve got some practical solutions from LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling to help you combat those allergens in your home. Let’s make your space allergy-free!
Discover the Symptoms of Hay Fever
Ever heard of hay fever? It’s also known as allergic rhinitis and happens to be the most common type of allergy in Ohio. Basically, when your immune system goes into overdrive because of allergens like pollen, it starts producing histamines that trigger those annoying allergy symptoms. And let me tell you, these symptoms can range from mild to downright severe, sticking around for weeks or even months.
If you’re experiencing hay fever, you might notice some common symptoms like:
· Sneezing
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Itchy eyes, mouth, throat or skin
· Ear congestion
· Postnasal drip
If you find yourself dealing with these symptoms often during the spring and summer, chances are you’ve got hay fever caused by allergens in Ohio.
Discover Why Ohio’s Landscape Causes Allergies
Before we dive into the issue of allergens, let’s understand why Ohio has such high pollen and allergy levels. You see, Ohio’s landscape is quite diverse, with a mix of urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers. And guess what? Each of these places has different types of plants and trees that produce pollen. So, you can imagine the wide variety of pollen being released throughout the year, making the allergy season longer (usually from February to November). It’s like nature’s humorous way of keeping us on our toes!
Discover the Kinds of Allergens in Ohio
These include but are not limited to:
· Tree Pollen: You know, pollen from trees like oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory can really trigger allergies, especially in the spring.
· Grass Pollen: Grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass can be a sneeze-inducing culprit, causing allergies, especially during late spring and early summer.
· Weed Pollen: Ragweed is a big weed in Ohio that releases a ton of pollen in late summer and early fall, which causes allergies for a lot of people.
· Mold Spores: Did you know that mold spores are a pretty common allergen in Ohio? Plus, mold can actually grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic stuff.
Discover How to Fight Allergies with Simple Home Solutions
Allergies can be tough to completely prevent; here are some practical solutions you can try at home to help reduce the impact of allergens inside of your house.
1. Keep your windows closed during peak pollen season (usually spring and summer).
2. Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from carpets and furniture.
3. Wash your bedding and curtains regularly in hot water to get rid of pollen and other allergens.
4. After being outdoors, take a quick shower to wash off any pollen or allergens stuck on you.
5. Don’t forget to dust regularly, especially on bookshelves and other surfaces that collect dust.
6. Change your air filters regularly (about every 1-2 months) to prevent allergens from circulating in your home.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that hay fever affects about 1 out of 5 people in their lifetime?
Discover How to Combat Allergens with Professional Solutions
When it comes to finding immediate relief, incorporating practical home solutions into your daily life is the best approach. However, there might be times when seeking professional solutions or services becomes necessary. Here are a few suggestions you might want to consider:
A Whole-Home Purifier – If you are interested in a whole-home air purifier, think about getting the iWave! With this awesome whole-home air purification system, you can have clean and fresh air in your home all the time! It’s installed right in your HVAC system and uses advanced ionization technology to get rid of allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can mess with your allergies or respiratory health. Breathe easy and enjoy a healthier home!
A Whole-Home Dehumidifier – Did you know that high humidity levels can create the perfect breeding ground for allergens like mildew and mold? You can reduce moisture in your home and make it less hospitable for these allergens by installing a whole-home dehumidifier.
A Smart Thermostat – A smart thermostat can actually help you control the humidity levels in your home, which in turn reduces the growth of mold and dust mites. Plus, it lets you schedule temperature changes and control your HVAC system from anywhere, making it super convenient to maintain a comfy and allergen-free environment. How cool is that? (No pun intended!)
A Duct Cleaning – Did you know that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA? Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores can build up in your home’s ductwork. So, getting your air ducts professionally cleaned can really make a difference. It improves the air quality in your home and helps reduce those annoying allergy symptoms. The best part? You only need to have this service done every three to five years.
Are you interested in any of these options? Just give us a call, and we can chat about what might be the best fit for you, your family, and your home!
Allergies can be a real hassle for many of us. But with these practical solutions to help minimize their impact on your daily life, you’ll begin to understand what causes allergies and recognizing the symptoms, you can take steps to manage them both at home and in professional settings. So, don’t let allergies hold you back from enjoying the springtime. Take control today, and remember, we’re here for all your HVAC air quality needs. Give us a call!
Count on LRF Maintenance, Heating & Cooling for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (614) 837-4822, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
