Are you suffering from symptoms of allergies? Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes? If you are, even if these symptoms are only mild, you’re in the right place. We hope you find this article helpful. Although dirt, mold, dust, pollen, and other sorts of allergens can feel inescapable at times, you are not defenseless in your fight against most of these annoying symptoms. And you aren’t alone. We’ve put together a list of measures you can take around your house to make allergy season more tolerable. Our experts at Five Star Dayton Heating & Cooling suggest the following:

Easy Steps to Reduce Allergens in Your Dayton, Ohio, Area Home

Dusting Smarter

If you are an allergy sufferer, you are probably aware that the usual allergy culprits are mold, dust particles, dirt, pollen, and other particles. To get these under control, we suggest something called “smart dusting.” What is “smart dusting?”

Think of it this way: When you go about cleaning your home and dusting things that need dusting, you want to remove it all instead of moving it around, right? To do so, start with the things that are at the highest points in your home. Dust off those areas first. Then, work your way down to the lower items. Because the dust naturally falls, doing it this way will prevent the dust from landing in areas you might have already cleaned. This helps you remove the dust more effectively.

To make your dusting even “smarter,” experts suggest you should use a damp cloth instead of a dry one, or a feather duster. Using a damp cloth confines the dust instead of just moving it from one area to another.

With your damp cloth, you’ll start by targeting ceiling fans, curtains, and blinds first, then lower items at the end.

Air Filters Are Important

This is one of the most fundamental, critical, suggestions we give our customers: Make sure your air filters are in good shape and they’re in working order and clean. When it comes to indoor air quality, air filters are essential. Homeowners need to be certain they have the exact size of air filter that their specific type and model of system requires.

If you’ve checked both of these and you are still having allergy symptoms, you might want to give us a call and talk about further options.

Not only can you get additional filters, but you can also consider any one of our Indoor Air Quality products (air purifiers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, the new iWave-R, UV Lights, and more).
You should never attempt to increase the thickness of your air filter or try utilizing a HEPA filter without first consulting a professional, as it could damage your system if not done properly.

Clean Pillows, Use Covers

If you are like us, there’s nothing like coming home and getting in bed with your favorite pillow after a long day at work.

However, we aren’t the only ones who love our pillows. This might sound gross, but dust mites love pillows, too, and they can flourish in them. This disgusting fact came to light in research showing how pillows and mattresses gain weight over time from the collection of the droppings and other waste products from these little critters. Once you realize this, you probably won’t look at your pillow the same way again.

But you should also realize now how washable pillowcase covers have their place in a home as a necessity. With a pillowcase, you can still love your favorite pillow, but you can keep it clean by washing those pillowcases at least once a month. And, depending on the type of pillow you have, you can always wash it (or have it dry-cleaned) as well with the changing of each passing season.

Mattresses and Beds

If you are sold on the idea of using a cover for your pillow, you can take it one step further to use covers for your mattresses as well. This is another essential accessory for allergy sufferers. Mattresses, just like pillows, are sanctuaries for dust mites. Additionally, we suggest cleaning headboards and bed frames frequently, particularly if either is encased with fabric.

Prevent Stuff From Coming Inside

As much as possible, if you’re trying to fight allergies, keep your windows closed to prevent pollen from getting inside. In addition to that, another smart strategy is to make everyone take off their shoes when coming inside. Designate an area for shoes outside or keep a mat near your entryways for everyone to clean off their feet. Otherwise, people coming in and out will continue dragging allergens inside with them.

Keeping Things Cool Helps Curbs Humidity

Have you heard of anyone ever having to have their home treated for mold? If you have, you’ve probably heard of how deadly mold can be in a home, and how insidious it can be. Often, homeowners aren’t even aware they have it.
In any case, mold and mildew can wreak having on your breathing faculties. Health implications transcend the mere annoyances of allergies. One way to prevent this is in maintaining cool indoor temperatures, which helps curb humidity. Mold and dust mites thrive in damp or even humid conditions. Sometimes, a dehumidifier might even be in order.

Using a HEPA Filter on Vacuum Cleaner

When it comes to fighting allergens, research clearly indicates that not all vacuum cleaners are equal: Some are better at stopping the spread of allergens indoors than others. As such, we suggest using a bagless vacuum cleaner outfitted with a HEPA filter. If you are changing your flooring, keep this in mind: Wood and other types of hard flooring can be dusted and mopped, making them much better than carpeting for anyone who suffers from any allergy problems.

Don’t Skimp Out on Seasonal Maintenance

Last but certainly not least, if you need to get a handle on your allergy symptoms, scheduling an appointment for routine seasonal maintenance with one of our friendly, certified, technicians will benefit you in a host of ways.
Not only do we keep your system firing on all cylinders, which has a direct impact on the quality of your indoor air, but we can also identify any concerns that might be festering that may lead to future problems or even full-scale breakdowns.
We conduct a variety of cleaning procedures, fine-tuning your system with various checks and inspections and we examine your air ducts and air filters, and other areas.

When it comes to your home’s expensive HVAC systems, it always pays off, sooner or later, to be proactive with your system than to be reactive — especially for those who struggle with allergy symptoms. For more information, call Five Star Heating & Cooling Dayton today at (937) 708-8278, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!