Milford Heating & Cooling understands that with the arrival of spring on March 19th, Ohio residents may also experience seasonal allergies. Commonly known as hay fever, these allergies can cause multiple unpleasant symptoms. If you’re one of the many people in Ohio who suffer from allergies, we’re here to help. Our team of experts offers practical solutions to combat allergens in your home.
Know All About the Symptoms of Hay Fever
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is the most common type of allergy in Ohio. It occurs when your body’s immune system reacts excessively to allergens like pollen, triggering the production of histamines that cause allergy symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and persist for weeks or even months.
· Sneezing: The act of expelling air forcibly through the nose and mouth due to irritation or inflammation of the nasal passages.
· Runny or stuffy nose: Experiencing a discharge of fluid from the nose or having difficulty breathing through the nasal passages.
· Itchy eyes, mouth, throat, or skin: Sensations of irritation or discomfort in the eyes, mouth, throat, or skin that elicit the desire to scratch or alleviate the discomfort.
· Ear congestion: A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ears, often caused by a buildup of fluid or pressure in the Eustachian tubes.
· Postnasal drip: The condition in which excessive mucus from the nose drips down the back of the throat, causing throat irritation or coughing.
If you frequently experience these symptoms during the spring and summer months, it is likely that you are suffering from hay fever caused by allergens in Ohio.
Know Why Ohio’s Landscape Causes Allergies
Before diving into the issue of allergens, it’s crucial to grasp why Ohio experiences such high pollen and allergy levels. The diverse landscape of Ohio, featuring urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers, hosts a variety of plants and trees that release pollen. This landscape diversity, coupled with various environmental factors, exacerbates allergies and extends the allergy season from February to November.
Know the Types of Allergens in Ohio
In order to have a comprehensive understanding, it is important to be familiar with the various kinds of allergens that exist in Ohio.
These services encompass a wide range, providing comprehensive solutions for all your needs.
· Tree Pollen: Pollen from trees like oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory can trigger allergies, especially in the springtime.
· Grass Pollen: Grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass release pollen, leading to allergies, particularly in late spring and early summer.
· Weed Pollen: Ragweed, a major weed in Ohio, produces abundant pollen in late summer and early fall, causing allergies for many people.
· Mold Spores: Mold spores are a common allergen in Ohio. Mold can grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter.
Know Effective Strategies to Combat Allergens with Home Solutions
While it may be challenging to completely prevent allergies, there are practical solutions you can implement in your home to minimize the impact of allergens.
1. To minimize the impact of pollen, keep your windows closed during peak seasons like spring and summer.
2. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to regularly remove allergens from carpets and furniture.
3. Wash your bedding and curtains frequently in hot water to eliminate pollen and other allergens.
4. After being outdoors, take a shower immediately to wash off any pollen or allergens that may be stuck to you.
5. Dust your home regularly, paying extra attention to areas like bookshelves and surfaces that accumulate dust.
6. Change your air filters regularly to prevent the circulation of allergens in your home. A good rule of thumb is every 1-2 months.
Fun Fact: Were you aware that hay fever impacts approximately 1 in 5 individuals during their lifetime?
Know Effective Strategies to Combat Allergens with Expert Solutions
While incorporating practical home solutions into your daily routine is the best way to achieve immediate relief, there may be instances where seeking professional solutions or services becomes necessary. Here are a few suggestions that you might want to take into consideration:
Consider Getting a Whole-Home Purifier – Our whole-home air purification system (the iWave) can be seamlessly installed to work in conjunction with your HVAC system, ensuring continuous air cleaning and purification in your home. Utilizing advanced ionization technology effectively reduces allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. Experience cleaner, healthier air with this state-of-the-art system.
Consider Getting a Whole-Home Dehumidifier – Installing a whole-home dehumidifier can effectively reduce moisture levels in your home, creating a less favorable environment for allergens like mold and mildew. By doing so, you can significantly improve indoor air quality, minimize allergens, and decrease potential health risks associated with high humidity.
Consider Getting a Smart Thermostat – A smart thermostat is a valuable tool for keeping track of the humidity levels in your home. It also offers the convenience of scheduling temperature changes and remotely controlling your HVAC system, helping to ensure a comfortable and allergen-free environment.
Consider Getting a Duct Cleaning – Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. This pollution includes allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores that can accumulate in your home’s ductwork. Professional air duct cleaning can enhance the overall air quality in your home and alleviate allergy symptoms. Additionally, this service is typically required every three to five years.
If any of these options catch your interest, feel free to reach out to us for a discussion on which one would be the best fit for you, your family, and your home!
At our company, we understand that allergies can be a common problem for many individuals. That’s why we offer practical solutions to help reduce their impact on your daily life. By gaining a deeper understanding of the causes and symptoms of allergies and implementing effective home and professional solutions, you can enjoy springtime without enduring constant suffering. Take control of your allergies today, and remember to reach out to us for all your HVAC air quality needs. We’re here to provide you with the expertise and comprehensive home services you need.
Count on Milford Heating & Cooling for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (513) 655-5112, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
