Allergies can quickly turn a beautiful spring into a miserable time of year for many St. Louis residents. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 471-7625!
With springtime on the way, all the allergens that have been stuck in your ductwork will be able to air out when you open up your windows. The problem is that although opening the windows clears out the old air, if you are prone to seasonal allergens in the springtime, then not only are you airing things out – but you are inviting in new allergens to get trapped and wreak havoc on your sinuses. Allergies can make sufferers miserable, so minimizing the potential that allergens can get trapped in your ductwork and recycled through your home is always a good idea.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, it is estimated that as many as one out of every four Americans (25% of US citizens) suffer from allergies ranging from mild to severe asthma, which can be highly dangerous and in some instances deadly. That is why keeping your HVAC system clear isn’t just a good idea for the winter, but also to prevent any potential problems that the spring can bring. These are some easy tips that could save you and your family a whole lot of misery and reduce your exposure to allergens in your HVAC system.
Identify What You Are Allergic To
Sometimes the hardest part of keeping your ductwork clean of those things that make you miserable is to identify what they are in the first place. Understanding what they are will help you to better target how to keep them at bay. The best place to start is to get an evaluation from a dermatologist (if you have skin conditions), an ophthalmologist (if you are experiencing eye irritation), or an otolaryngologist (if you have pervasive sinus issues).
Keep Things Closed Up
Although it may be tempting to air out your house from the long winter, timing is everything. If your allergens are ramped up at the beginning of the spring, wait for the pollen to clear before you air things out. It is a good idea to have your ductwork cleaned instead of opening up windows to air things out. You might be unwittingly letting in more harmful allergens than letting them out if you don’t time it right.
Control the Humidity in Your Home
If you are allergic to mold or mildew, then you will want to ensure that you plan ahead for humid conditions. Humidity allows mold and mildew to flourish, so keeping a constant temperature and low humidity can help prevent any growth. If you have houseplants, you might want to consider letting them grow outdoors instead of increasing the humidity inside your home.
Timing is everything when it comes to letting the winter air out of your home this spring. If you know what your allergen triggers are, then you can time things properly to get your ductwork cleaned out the right way – instead of just introducing more allergens to get trapped and make you or your family miserable.