Did you know that March 19th marks the first day of spring this year? While spring brings warmer weather and beautiful flowers, it also brings seasonal allergies to many Ohio residents. Allergies can cause some unwelcome and uncomfortable symptoms commonly known as hay fever. So, if you’re one of the many people dealing with allergies in Ohio, here are some practical solutions from Upper Arlington Heating & Air to help you combat allergens in your home.

Know the Symptoms of Hay Fever

Hay fever, scientifically known as allergic rhinitis, is one of the most common allergy types in Ohio. It happens when your immune system goes a bit overboard and reacts to stuff like pollen, producing histamines that bring on allergy symptoms. These symptoms can be mild or severe, and they can stick around for weeks or even months.

Here are a few typical hay fever symptoms:

· Sneezing

· Runny or stuffy nose

· Itchy eyes, mouth, throat or skin

· Ear congestion

· Postnasal drip

If you find yourself dealing with these symptoms often during spring and summer, chances are you’ve got hay fever from allergens in Ohio.

Think About Ohio’s Geography

Before we dive into allergens, let’s understand why Ohio has crazy high pollen and allergy levels. Ohio’s got it all – from cities to farms, forests, lakes, and rivers. Each of these types of landscapes comes with its own mix of plants and trees that love to produce pollen. With all this diversity, we end up with a longer allergy season (usually February to November) due to various environmental factors that worsen allergies.

Familiarize Yourself with the Types 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 trigger allergies, especially in the spring.

· Grass Pollen: Grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass release pollen, leading to allergies, particularly in late spring and early summer.

· Weed Pollen: Ragweed is a major weed in Ohio that produces a lot of pollen in late summer and early fall, causing allergies for many people.

· Mold Spores: Mold spores are a common allergen in Ohio. Mold can grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter.

Understand How to Fight Allergens with Practical Home Solutions

While it’s hard to completely prevent allergies, there are some practical solutions you can try at home to minimize the impact of allergens.

Here are a few tips to help you deal with allergies:

1. Keep your windows closed during peak pollen season (usually spring and summer).

2. Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter to get rid of allergens from your carpets and furniture.

3. Make sure to wash your bedding and curtains regularly in hot water to remove pollen and other allergens.

4. After being outside, take a quick shower to wash off any pollen or allergens that might be stuck to you.

5. Stay on top of dusting, especially areas like bookshelves and surfaces that tend to collect dust.

6. Don’t forget to change your air filters regularly to prevent allergens from circulating in your home. Every 1-2 months is a good rule of thumb to follow.

Fun Fact: Did you know that hay fever affects around 1 in 5 people during their lifetime?

Understand How to Fight Allergens Using Professional Solutions

When it comes to finding immediate relief, incorporating practical home solutions into your daily life is the way to go. However, there may be times when exploring professional solutions or services is necessary. Here are a few suggestions you might want to consider:

· Consider getting a whole-home purifier! Whole-home air purification systems such as the iWave can be installed to work in conjunction with your HVAC system to keep your home’s air clean and fresh. It uses advanced ionization technology to reduce allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can cause allergies and respiratory problems. So, why not breathe easier and enjoy a healthier home? Call us for more information!

· Consider getting a whole-home dehumidifier! High humidity levels can make your place a haven for unwanted allergens. With a whole-home dehumidifier, you can reduce moisture and make your home less welcoming to these pesky allergens. If high humidity has been an issue for you, it may be worth looking into.

· Consider getting a smart thermostat! With a smart thermostat, you can monitor humidity levels in your home. Plus, most smart thermostats will notify you if your air filter is in need of a change,

· Consider getting your ductwork professionally cleaned! Did you know that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Don’t let allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores build up in your home’s ductwork. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned can improve air quality and reduce allergies. And the best part? You only need this service done every three to five years!

Interested in any of these choices? Just give us a ring, and we can chat about what might work best for you, your family, and your home!

By understanding the causes and symptoms of allergies and trying out home and professional solutions, you can fully enjoy springtime without constantly suffering. So, take control of your allergies today, and remember, we’re here for all your HVAC air quality needs. Give us a call!

Count on Upper Arlington Heating & Air for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (614) 490-7507, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!