With the approach of warmer weather, seasonal allergies caused from outdoor irritants may be an issue for you or a loved one. In addition to outdoor pollen, many people are also sensitive to indoor pollutants including pet dander and dust mites. Learning what action steps to take within your home can help allergy sufferers find relief from both indoor and outdoor irritants.
The following day-to-day adjustments can minimize reactions to outdoor allergens:
- Spend less time outdoors on dry, windy days, as pollen counts tend to be high during these conditions
- Avoid gardening and lawn care chores which tend to stir up respiratory irritants
- Don’t hang your laundry outdoors as pollen can adhere to clothing
- Wear a dust mask if you have outdoor chores you must complete
- Promptly change your clothing after being outside, rinsing your skin and hair to remove pollen can also help
Spending time indoors to reduce your allergy symptoms will only work if you are careful to minimize indoor air pollution and create high indoor air quality (IAQ) within your home. There are plenty of simple steps you can take to improve your IAQ including:
- Thoroughly cleaning all surfaces to control dust mites as well as frequently vacuuming and encasing your pillows and mattresses in a plastic cover is recommended.
- If you have indoor pets, consider restricting their indoor access. Pet dander is responsible for many allergy issues; keeping your pet(s) outdoors is the most effective way to reduce your exposure.
- Use your air conditioner during warm weather and keep your doors and windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home.
- Control mold growth by ventilating humid areas in your home such as the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Consider installing a whole house or portable air filtration system to reduce the overall level of airborne pollutants in your home.
If you live in the Warren, Madison Heights or surrounding areas of Southeastern Michigan, the professionals at Aladdin Heating & Cooling would love to help you learn how to minimize your suffering from allergies. We’ve been serving the area for over 65 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about allergy prevention and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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