Spring is officially here on March 19th! The weather is slowly but surely starting to warm up, and the flowers are blooming. While this has been a long-awaited time of the year for many, others also dread this particular season. Why? Allergy sufferers are bracing themselves to get ready for all the uncomfortable allergy symptoms that come along with the season. This is commonly known as hay fever. So, if you find yourself among those experiencing these dreaded allergies this season, Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning has practical solutions to help you combat allergens in your home with the hopes of aiding you to better enjoy your spring season.
Hay Fever’s Symptoms
Hay fever, which is also known as allergic rhinitis, is the most prevalent type of allergy in Ohio. It occurs when the immune system reacts excessively to allergens like pollen, triggering the release of histamines that result in allergy symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and persist for weeks or even months.
Some common hay fever symptoms include:
· Sneezing
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Itchy eyes, mouth, throat or skin
· Ear congestion
· Postnasal drip
If you frequently experience these symptoms during the spring and summer months, it is likely that you are suffering from hay fever caused by the allergens in Ohio.
Ohio’s Geography
To better understand the high pollen and allergy levels in Ohio, it is crucial to address the issue of allergens. Ohio’s diverse landscape, comprising urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers, harbors a wide range of plants and trees that produce pollen. This variety in the environment introduces various factors that can worsen allergies and results in the release of different types of pollen throughout the year. Consequently, Ohio experiences a prolonged allergy season from February to November.
Types of Allergens
To better understand the high pollen and allergy levels in Ohio, it is crucial to address the issue of allergens. Ohio’s diverse landscape, comprising urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers, harbors a wide range of plants and trees that produce pollen. This variety in the environment introduces various factors that can worsen allergies and result in the release of different types of pollen throughout the year. Consequently, Ohio experiences a prolonged allergy season from February to November.
These are some common allergens in Ohio:
· Tree Pollen: Allergies can be triggered by pollen from trees like oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory, especially in the spring.
· Grass Pollen: Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass release pollen, leading to allergies, particularly in late spring and early summer.
· Weed Pollen: Ragweed, a major weed in Ohio, produces abundant pollen in late summer and early fall, causing allergies for many individuals.
· Mold Spores: Mold spores are another common allergen in Ohio and can grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter.
Home Solutions
While it may not be possible to completely prevent allergies, there are practical solutions you can implement in your home to minimize the impact of allergens. These measures can help reduce the discomfort caused by allergens in your living environment.
1. Close your windows during peak pollen season (typically spring and summer) to minimize allergen exposure.
2. Regularly vacuum with a HEPA filter to effectively remove allergens from carpets and furniture.
3. Wash your bedding and curtains frequently in hot water to eliminate pollen and other allergens.
4. Shower immediately after coming indoors to wash off any pollen or allergens that may be clinging to your body.
5. Dust regularly, paying special attention to areas like bookshelves and surfaces that tend to accumulate dust.
6. Change your air filters regularly (every 1-2 months is recommended) to reduce the circulation of allergens and other airborne particles in your home.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that hay fever affects approximately 1 in 5 individuals during their lifetime?
Professional Solutions
Implementing practical home solutions in your daily life is the best way to find immediate relief. However, there are times when seeking professional solutions or services becomes necessary. Here are some suggestions for you to consider:
· Whole-home Purifier: Install a whole-home air purification system, such as the iWave, in your HVAC system to continuously clean and purify the air in your home. It utilizes advanced ionization technology to reduce allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
· Whole-home Dehumidifier: High humidity levels can create a breeding ground for allergens like mold, for example. Therefore, installing a whole-home dehumidifier can help reduce moisture in your home, making it less welcoming for these allergens and decreasing the likeliness of them being able to thrive.
· Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat can monitor the humidity levels in your home, which is very helpful and will let you know if and when you need to take appropriate action. Many thermostats also have a feature where it will notify you if your air filter is in need of a change.
· Duct Cleaning: According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air due to allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores that can accumulate in your home’s ductwork. Professional air duct cleaning can improve the overall air quality in your home and reduce allergy symptoms, ultimately boosting the IAQ (indoor air quality) within your home. Luckily, this service typically only needs to be performed every three to five years.
If any of these options interest you, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll be happy to discuss what suits you, your family, and your home best!
We understand that allergies can be a common problem for many individuals. However, with our practical solutions, you can effectively reduce their impact on your daily life. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of allergy causes and symptoms and implementing both home and professional solutions, you can enjoy springtime without constant suffering. Take charge of your allergies today, and remember to reach out to us for all your HVAC air quality needs.
Count on Troy Furnace & Air Conditioning for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (937) 230-5521, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Count on our expertise to provide a wide range of home services tailored to your needs. Give us a call, and let us help you create a comfortable and allergen-free environment.
