6 Ways to Beat Spring Allergies at Home

For many people, spring is a season filled with sunshine and new beginnings. For allergy sufferers in Fairfax, Virginia, however, spring can mean nonstop sneezing and congestion — but there are ways to alleviate them. While avoiding pollen and other allergens outdoors can be tough, you can do so much more easily at home. Follow these six tips to beat spring allergies at home.

Dust Regularly

When you’re trying to keep spring allergies at bay, dusting couldn’t be more important. Whether you’re allergic to dust mites, pet dander, or pollen, you can keep these allergens under control with frequent cleaning. If dusting isn’t part of your regular cleaning routine, schedule in a thorough dusting session at least once a week.

When you dust, use either a damp cloth or one that is lightly treated with a mild cleaning solution. A slightly damp cloth will do a better job of trapping dust and allergens instead of simply reintroducing them into the air supply. Be sure to clean HVAC vents and registers first and then tackle the rest of the room.

Take Precautions Against Pollen

Pollen is easy to spot when it covers the sidewalk or your car with a yellow film, but it is not as simple to detect when you are dusted with just a light coating of this irritating substance. If you spend any time outside during the spring, you’ll almost certainly enter your home with at least a light dusting of pollen in your hair, on your clothes, or on your shoes.

Do the allergy sufferers in your family a favor and leave the pollen at the door. Leave your shoes outside or in the garage, and change your clothes as soon as you arrive at home. Consider taking a shower and washing the pollen out of your hair before you settle in for the evening.

If you can shift your family’s activity schedule, avoid runs and outdoor exercise in the morning and plan them for later in the day when pollen counts tend to be lower. The small inconveniences can be a big payoff where your health and comfort are concerned.

Change Your Air Filter

Air filters are designed to keep pollen, pet dander, dust, and other airborne contaminants from meddling with your HVAC system. While the most basic filters will keep your system running smoothly, higher-quality filters can do wonders during allergy season.

Improve your home’s indoor air quality with a high-quality filter. You’ll want to purchase a filter that can trap the smallest particles possible to cover all bases, but take care not to select one that will compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system. For professional advice, don’t hesitate to call the experienced air conditioning technicians at Brennan’s.

Use the Air Conditioner

When spring arrives, you might be tempted to throw open the windows and let in the fresh air. While airing out your home after a long winter might sound appealing, this process can introduce a host of problems for allergy sufferers.

Pay attention to pollen reports and keep windows closed when these and other allergens are reported at levels problematic for allergy sufferers. Be sure to schedule preventive maintenance for your air conditioner to confirm that it is clean and runs efficiently.

Check for Mold

Many people consider pollen to be the primary cause of allergy symptoms during the spring season, but mold can also trigger allergy attacks. This substance thrives in humid environments, which often results during the spring.

Start by looking for visible signs of mold in vents, accessible ductwork, and moisture-prone parts of your air conditioning system. Even if you don’t see mold, you might be able to smell it. Stay on the alert for mildew odors in your HVAC system or elsewhere in your home.

Get a Dehumidifier

If you suspect mold problems or struggle with high humidity levels indoors, a whole-home dehumidifier can help. This device works with your existing HVAC system to keep humidity levels in check. Since dust mites and other allergens thrive in moist environments, a dehumidifier is often your best ally against spring allergy season.

Whether you’re shopping for a new air conditioner or in need of service for your existing cooling system, we’re here to help. Call Brennan’s Heating & Air Conditioning at 703-783-0145 for all of your HVAC needs this spring.

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