Every year, millions of people suffer from spring allergies once trees, grasses, and weeds start releasing their pollen. Whether you get itchy eyes, a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, sinus pressure, or a little bit of everything, you know that allergies aren’t fun. At our air duct cleaning company, we have a few suggestions that can help you get ready for the upcoming season:
HEPA Filters
High efficiency particle air (or HEPA) filters are the best type of filter for trapping allergens, dirt, and other debris. They can be used in portable air cleaners to purify bedrooms and other small spaces, but they’re best used in your home’s HVAC system.
Adjust Your Schedule
If your normally spend time outdoors during peak allergy hours (generally 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., then again at dusk), adjust your schedule so that you can avoid the worst of the airborne allergens. Do your running routine in the early afternoon or take your dog for a walk after the sun sets.
Natural Supplements
While over-the-counter allergy medicines can help with allergies, starting a regimen of natural supplements can help reduce your symptoms once the season hits full-on. Try butterbur, which helps block some of the chemicals that trigger nasal swelling. Or quercetin, which is found in many fruits and vegetables and can help block the release of histamine, which causes inflammation. Local honey is also a great natural vaccine; when you eat honey produced by bees that have processed the local pollen, your body will produce antibodies when you run into the full-strength pollen.
The Spring Breeze
As tempting as it is to open your windows and doors and let the spring breeze roll through, you’re better off keeping them closed. By shutting out the pollen, you’ll be able to breathe easier.
Clean Your Ducts
Just like dirty air filters, dirty ducts can make your allergy symptoms worse. Dirty ducts trap allergens, dirt, dust, and more, so give your home a nice freshening-up and your allergies will thank you, too. Give our air duct cleaning experts a call today to set up your duct cleaning.
Showers
Once allergy season hits, relieving your symptoms can be as simple as showering after you come in from outside. By getting the airborne pollen out of your hair and off of your skin and clothes, you can lessen the amount you sneeze, itch, cough, and more. (In addition, don’t forget to leave your shoes outside – they can trek in pollen.)