Spring brings showers and blooming flowers, but for some people, this season also brings allergies. About 7 percent of the population experiences seasonal allergies, according to Time.
If you’re one of these people, or a seasonal allergy sufferer lives in your home, it may be a good idea to begin taking steps to reduce the effects that allergens and other irritants have on you and your family.
Get Your HVAC System Inspected
The air that circulates throughout your home plays a big role in keeping you healthy and your home allergen-free. However, if your HVAC system is worn out, dusty or even contains mold, turning on the air conditioning may only serve to make allergy symptoms worse.
At the turn of the season, scheduling HVAC maintenance can help keep your home’s ventilation system free of contaminants and irritants. Additionally, a round of air condition maintenance will ensure you’re ready for the hot days of summer.
In addition to fixing up any minor or major issues in your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to change the filters. Over time, dust and debris collect on the filter and can cause your air conditioning or heating system to blow allergens back into your living space. Replacing an aging filter with a fresh one will maintain higher air quality.
Clean or Replace Carpeting
Your carpets might feel cushy to walk on, but they are major collectors of dust, pet hair, pollen and more. Vacuum your carpets thoroughly using a high-efficiency particulate air filter, Mayo Clinic suggested.
Hardwood flooring can help reduce allergens in your home.If you’re looking forward to making home improvements this summer, consider nixing carpeting altogether. Hardwood or linoleum flooring won’t trap allergens the same way carpet will. If you’re not a fan of these flooring types, keep in mind that low-pile carpeting is less prone to irritant build-up than high-pile carpeting.
Change our sheets and drapes
Your carpets aren’t the only allergen traps in your home. Any fabric is a good candidate for pollen or pet hair to cling onto. Take the time to clean all fabric or upholstered surfaces, including:
- Drapes or curtains.
- Sheets and pillowcases.
- Blankets.
- Upholstered chairs and couches.
Most of these items are essential, but some can be replaced with more allergy-friendly solutions. For example, you might consider replacing curtains with blinds, This Old House pointed out. Or, you can encase your couch with a removable, washable couch cover. This way, you can remove the fabric and wash away allergens.
Spring cleaning can help reduce the presence of irritants in your home. Getting your HVAC system inspected and filters replaced is an important part ridding allergens from your home. To arrange for a service professional to review your HVAC system, reach out to SMO Energy.