Spring is just around the corner! This year, it starts on March 19th. While we welcome the warmer weather and blossoming flowers, it’s important to be prepared for seasonal allergies that may affect Ohio residents. Allergies can bring about unpleasant symptoms, commonly known as hay fever. If you’re among those who suffer from allergies in Ohio, Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air has practical solutions to help you combat allergens in your home. We’re here to provide expert assistance and make your living space more comfortable. Give us a call to ensure a healthier and happier spring season!
Know the Symptoms of Hay Fever
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is the most common type of allergy in Ohio. It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts excessively to allergens like pollen, resulting in the production of histamines that cause allergy symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and may persist for weeks or even months.
Some typical hay fever symptoms include:
· A Postnasal drip
· Sneezing
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Itchy eyes, mouth, throat or skin
· Ear congestion
If you frequently experience these symptoms during the spring and summer months, it is likely that you are suffering from hay fever caused by allergens in Ohio.
Know Why Ohio’s Landscape Causes Allergies
Before delving into the issue of allergens, it’s crucial to comprehend the reasons behind Ohio’s elevated pollen and allergy levels. The diverse landscape of Ohio, encompassing urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers, harbors a wide array of plants and trees that produce pollen. Consequently, this ecological diversity introduces various environmental factors that can exacerbate allergies and lead to the release of different types of pollen throughout the year. As a result, the allergy season in Ohio tends to be longer, typically spanning from February to November.
Know the Kinds of Allergens in Ohio
These include but are not limited to:
· Tree Pollen: Pollen from trees like oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory can cause allergies, especially in the spring.
· Grass Pollen: Grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass release pollen, which can trigger allergies, particularly in late spring and early summer.
· Weed Pollen: Ragweed is a prevalent weed in Ohio that produces a large amount of pollen during late summer and early fall, leading to allergies in many individuals.
· Mold Spores: Mold spores are a prevalent allergen in Ohio. Mold has the potential to grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter. So, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with mold exposure and take necessary precautions to address any mold-related issues in your environment.
Know How to Combat Allergens with Home Solutions
While it may not be possible to completely prevent allergies, there are practical solutions that you can implement in your home to reduce the impact of allergens.
1. To minimize the impact of pollen, it is advisable to keep your windows closed during the peak season, which typically occurs in spring and summer.
2. Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA filter can effectively eliminate allergens from carpets and furniture.
3. To eliminate pollen and other allergens, make sure to wash your bedding and curtains regularly in hot water.
4. After being outdoors, it is recommended to shower immediately to wash off any pollen or allergens that may have stuck to your body.
5. Dusting frequently is important, especially on surfaces like bookshelves, where dust tends to accumulate.
6. Changing your air filters regularly is crucial to prevent the circulation of allergens in your home. A good rule of thumb is to replace them every 1-2 months.
Know How to Combat Allergens with Professional Solutions
While incorporating practical home solutions into your daily life is the best approach for immediate relief, there may be situations where seeking professional solutions or services becomes necessary. Here are a few recommendations you might want to consider:
Use a Whole-home Purifier – Our whole-home air purification system (the iWave) can be seamlessly installed in your HVAC system to consistently cleanse and purify the air in your home. Utilizing advanced ionization technology, the iWave effectively reduces allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
Use a Whole-home Dehumidifier – High humidity levels can create an ideal environment for allergens like mildew and mold to thrive. By installing a whole-home dehumidifier, you can effectively reduce moisture in your home, making it less favorable for these allergens and harmful contaminants.
Use A Smart Thermostat – A smart thermostat is an effective solution for controlling humidity levels in your home, minimizing the growth of mold and dust mites. Moreover, it provides the convenience of scheduling temperature changes and remote control of your HVAC system, ensuring a comfortable and allergen-free environment.
Schedule a Ductwork Cleaning – Indoor air pollution can be up to five times worse than outdoor air, as stated by the EPA. This pollution includes allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores that accumulate in your home’s ductwork. Professional air duct cleaning can enhance the overall air quality in your home and alleviate allergy symptoms. Our service is typically recommended every three to five years, ensuring your home remains a healthy and comfortable environment.
If any of these options catch your interest, feel free to give us a call. We’ll be happy to discuss which one might be the best fit for you, your family, and your home!
At our company, we understand that allergens can be a common problem for many people. That’s why we’re here to provide you with practical solutions that can help reduce their impact on your daily life. By gaining a better understanding of the causes and symptoms of allergies, as well as implementing effective home and professional solutions, you can enjoy the spring season without constantly suffering.
Take control of your allergies today, and remember to reach out to us for all your HVAC air quality needs. We have the expertise and experience to ensure you get the most out of our top-of-the-line products and services. So, don’t hesitate to give us a call and let us assist you with all your home service needs.
Count on Lewis Center-Powell Heating & Air for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (614) 490-7530, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
