Seasonal allergies are a source of aggravation for many families throughout Tri-Cities & Yakima area. While spring and fall allergies are commonly caused by mold spores, pollen, and other airborne pollutants outdoors, they can become trapped inside your indoor air supply. In some cases, your indoor air can even be far more polluted with allergens than the air outside.
Thankfully, there are steps that homeowners can take to reduce their allergy symptoms while improving their indoor air quality. Read on to find out what you can do to alleviate seasonal allergies in the spring and fall!
5 Ways To Decrease Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes — indoor air pollutants can wreak havoc on allergy sufferers in the springtime and the fall. No matter what time of year your seasonal allergies act up, the following tips can help reduce your symptoms while improving your indoor air quality:
1. Dust Your Air Vents
Dust mites are one of the leading causes of allergy symptoms. Removing dust buildup near vents and registers on your air conditioner and furnace can help reduce the number of dust mites being circulated throughout your home.
Especially if it’s the first time powering on your system for the season, it’s important to dust the area before switching on the unit. Since windows are closed and dust settles more often in the winter, it’s a good idea to make a habit of dusting your home during this time.
2. Add an Air Scrubber or Purifier
Installing an air scrubber or air purifier in your home is a great way to eliminate unwanted contaminants. Especially if you’re worried about mold spores and other allergens in a particular room, installing an air purification system can provide targeted relief for the most sensitive members of your family.
Through an air scrubber’s purification system, negative ions are released into the air and attach themselves to contaminants in your indoor air supply. This process neutralizes the allergens, killing 99% of airborne and surface contaminants, including norovirus, swine flu, MRSA, E. coli, staph, and strep.
3. Replace Your Air Filters
Clogged air filters don’t just allow allergens to wreak havoc on your indoor air supply. They are also a leading cause of HVAC repair requests and reduced system efficiency. It’s recommended that you replace your air filters at least once every 45 to 90 days, depending on the type. If you have pets, you may need to replace your filters more often.
Clean vs. Dirty Air Filters
When selecting an air filter, it’s best to choose a high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA). This type of filter is designed to remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold spores, and other contaminants that cause allergic reactions.
4. Watch Your Humidity Levels
In the spring and summer, indoor humidity levels can be much higher. When indoor humidity climbs above 50%, it can provide a great environment for dust mites, cockroaches, and even mold growth. These allergens can cause serious reactions if humidity levels aren’t kept below 50%. If you struggle with high humidity in the home, it may be worth getting a dehumidifier.
Likewise, indoor humidity levels tend to dip in the winter. When indoor humidity falls too low, it can dry out your skin, nasal passages, throat, and eyes, leading to allergy-like symptoms. Consider installing a steam humidifier if your indoor humidity levels are too low during the fall and winter seasons.
5. Clean Your Air Ducts
Your air ducts can trap lots of unwanted contaminants, blowing them around your home whenever your HVAC equipment is in use. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to have their air ducts professionally cleaned. Not only will cleaning out air ducts prevent allergens from getting blown around your home, but it will also help improve your HVAC system’s efficiency and overall performance.
Before & After Professional Duct Cleaning
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With Campbell & Company
Looking to reduce your allergy symptoms by improving your indoor air quality? Campbell & Company is here to help. Our team offers several indoor air quality solutions that can help alleviate your allergies while dramatically improving your air supply. Not only do our solutions help provide cleaner, safer breathing air, but they also help increase HVAC efficiency and system reliability.
Schedule indoor air quality services in Yakima or the Tri-Cities by contacting Campbell & Company at (509) 412-3146 today!
