If you're an allergy sufferer, we wouldn't be shocked to hear you're not looking forward to the spring. Sure, feeling the warm air on your skin and smelling the fresh flowers is lovely, but seeing that dreaded pollen floating through the air is anything but.
Here are three ways to defend your home against allergies this spring:
1. Use a doormat
We often don't realize it, but our shoes drag pollen into our homes. Use a doormat to wipe your shoes off before entering your house or, even better, leave them at the door.
2. Clean your HVAC systems
HVAC systems become dirty very quickly. Not only can filthy systems cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more to run each season, they're also worsening your allergy symptoms.
It doesn't matter where you live in the U.S., HVAC systems need constant maintenance. If you're not sure how to properly maintain your system, it's best to call an expert. However, if you feel comfortable working on the system, here are a couple of tips:
- Change your AC filters at least once a month.
- Clean the condenser fins, which are blades that rest around the unit. These become dirty as the AC unit pulls in debris.
3. Keep the windows closed
This one should be obvious, but often allergy sufferers open the windows when they're desperate for fresh air. Don't! You're only letting more pollen in. Pollen counts are highest between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., so make sure to keep windows closed during the day. If you really want to open the windows, do so later at night when pollen has settled down.
For more information on how to prepare for allergy season, check out part three of our series. For more allergy solutions, visit Allergy Be Gone's store for a wide range of allergy control products.
