4 Home Air Quality Tips To Fight Off Winter Allergies

Anyone who’s ever had to deal with seasonal allergies knows all too well that they’re a big nuisance. They wreak havoc on your sinuses, what with the cold, dry air blending with dust, mold, pet dander, and other such allergens.

And as you spend more time indoors during the winter, your allergies will most likely exacerbate. That being the case, one of the best ways to nip your allergies in the bud is by improving the air quality in your home.

We’ve compiled this list of tips to help keep your allergies at bay during the winter, so you’ll be free from runny noses, hives, and sore throats all season long!

1. Keep the house clean

Dust, mold, pet dander, and cockroach droppings can hide in any spot in the house – without you realizing it, all of these cause you to sneeze, cough, and become congested. Given this, cleaning the house is one of the easiest ways to prevent winter allergies from flaring up.

While it’s impossible to eliminate indoor allergens completely, you can still limit exposure by maintaining a regular cleaning schedule. We recommend vacuuming frequently (especially under and behind furniture), wiping down any surface you use often, and cleaning off any holiday decorations that were stored in dusty and moldy areas.

All Year’s Whole House Fan Installation and Service can help you with this problem by providing constant circulation of air throughout the house and keeping it clean. Contact us today at 16-922-7796 or email us at info@allyearah.com.

2. Change your air filters

If you suffer from airborne allergens (like mold, dust, and pollen), one way to alleviate your allergies is to replace the air filter in your HVAC system as often as necessary.

Generally speaking, you should change your air filter every three months. However, if you or someone in your family has problems with allergies, then we suggest replacing your air filter at least once every 20-45 days. As soon as you notice a drop in air quality (such as stale air or foul odors), don’t hesitate to swap out your air filter immediately.

The best air purifiers contain a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter, which is revered for trapping 99.97% of indoor air pollutants down to 0.3 microns in size. It works by forcing air through a fine mesh that shuts in allergens such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. If your HVAC system doesn’t already include a HEPA filter, consider investing in one to fight off those pesky winter allergies.

3. Turn on the humidifier

If the dry air in winter causes your allergies to flare up, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to your home.

The right humidity level in the house can help relieve symptoms like coughing and congestion. However, it’s important to know that if not maintained properly, humidifiers can actually make your allergies worse. Remember to change the filter regularly and clean the water tank to prevent waterborne bacteria from forming.

4. Reduce pet dander

Pet dander is usually an issue year-round for those who suffer from allergies, but with the extra heavy pet hair that accumulates during winter, this time of the year can be extra challenging. In the interest of keeping your allergies from acting up, there are certain steps you can take to keep your pets’ fur under control:

bathe and brush your pets regularly
vacuum daily
implement pet-free zones in the house
wash the pets’ bedding routinely

Related indoor air-related blogs we’ve written before:

Reduce Allergens And Improve Air Quality In Your Home This Winter

Don’t let your seasonal sniffles keep you from enjoying the season! Improving the air quality in your home is a good step towards preventing winter allergies from acting up. Although it would be difficult to eliminate exposure to allergens completely, you can abide by these DIY tips to reduce your risk of a pesky allergy flare-up.

All Year’s Duct Sealing and Repair Services can keep those troublesome allergens out of your home so you can enjoy every minute of the jolly winter season. Contact us today at 16-922-7796 or email us at info@allyearah.com.