Many of us at Snell are looking forward to spring in Northern Virginia, but as beautiful plants and trees begin to bloom, pollen will be blown into the air and allergy symptoms will skyrocket. Your best bet for comfortable living is to learn how to deal with allergies both outside and inside your home.
To avoid sneezing and sniffling during spring allergy season
- Don’t go outside during peak pollen hours, which is usually in the morning before noon, or on dry, breezy days which are more likely to blow pollen through the air.
- Keep car windows closed, and keep windows in your home closed as well to prevent allergens from blowing in. Also avoid using an attic fan. You may need to turn on the air conditioner to keep the air circulating.
- After you’ve been outdoors, remove your shoes and clothing inside the house to avoid tracking pollen into your living area. Also take a shower to wash pollen out of your hair and off of your skin.
- Try an over the counter antihistamine to reduce symptoms. If that doesn’t provide relief, see an allergist who may recommend allergy shots.
How Your HVAC System Can Help Reduce Indoor Allergies
Use a HEPA Filter – Your air filter needs to be able to trap the tiniest particles, including pollen. Using a high-quality filter rated for allergen filtration will help clean the air as it cycles. High-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters will trap these smaller particles and keep allergens from recirculating back into the living space.
Improve Air Filtration – Using an air cleaner along with a HEPA air filter can improve the effectiveness of indoor air filtration. Air cleaners are designed to remove pollen, mold, mildew, dust, and pet dander from the air inside the home.
Install UV Lamps – Installing ultraviolet lamps inside the heating and cooling unit will kill mold and bacteria that develops around the coil due to moisture. There are also lamps that sterilize the moving air which are effective at killing germs.
Use a Dehumidifier – A dehumidifier will maintain balances the indoor environment by removing excess moisture from the air, helping to prevent the development of allergy-causing mold and mildew.
Snell Heating and Air Condition Can Help You Breathe Easier this Spring
If you deal with spring allergies, you’ll have a hard enough time breathing outdoors. Your home should be a safe haven for easy breathing, so let us help you improve your indoor air quality as much as possible. Give us a call today, before peak pollen season begins.