While we welcome spring with newfound hope, it also has its fair share of inconveniences. Spring allergies are fairly common, and the allergy season in South Carolina can be challenging for homeowners, especially when it comes to maintaining indoor air quality.
Pollen, mold, and other allergens can easily find their way into your home, causing discomfort and health issues. To help you breathe easier, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips to improve your indoor air quality during this allergy season.
Change Air Filters Regularly.
- Filters trap contaminants and prevent them from being recirculated inside your home. Replace your HVAC air filters every 30 to 90 days to help capture airborne allergens like pollen, dust, and mold spores.
- When choosing a filter, select one with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating for increased filtration efficiency. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MERV refers to “a filter’s ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns (µm)”. Refer to this table of MERV ratings for more information.
Use an Air Purifier.
- Invest in a high-quality air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove allergens and improve indoor air quality. Place the air purifier in areas where you spend the most time, such as the living room or bedroom.
- A HEPA filter is a type of mechanical filter that can, in theory, remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (m). Learn more about HEPA filters.
Keep Windows and Doors Closed.
- When allergens make their way inside, they can settle on surfaces and circulate through your home’s ventilation system. This can cause allergy symptoms to worsen, leading to sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and other discomforts for those who are sensitive or have existing allergies.
- By keeping windows and doors closed, you create a barrier that limits the entry of outdoor allergens, helping to maintain better indoor air quality. Using air conditioning can help maintain a comfortable temperature while keeping your home sealed from the outside environment.
Maintain Humidity Levels.
- Allergens, such as mold spores, dust mites, and pollen, thrive in certain humidity conditions. By controlling the humidity levels in your home, you can minimize the growth and spread of these allergens, leading to better indoor air quality and reduced allergy symptoms.
- Aim to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent by using a dehumidifier or running your air conditioning.
Regularly Clean Your Home.
- Dust and vacuum frequently to remove allergens that may have settled on surfaces. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to prevent allergens from being recirculated into the air.
- If you find the task of cleaning your home challenging, you can always ask for professional assistance and advice.
Wash Bedding and Linens.
- Washing beds and linens during allergy season is essential because allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, can accumulate on these surfaces.
- Wash your bedding and linens weekly in hot water to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Use allergen-proof covers for your mattress and pillows to prevent allergen buildup.
Ventilate Your Home.
- Proper ventilation helps remove indoor pollutants and allergens. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom to eliminate moisture and odors.
- You can periodically open windows on low pollen count days to promote air exchange. Also, as mentioned, maintain clean HVAC systems and use air conditioning to circulate filtered air throughout your home.
Avoid Indoor Smoking.
- Cigarette smoke contains numerous irritants and chemicals that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, making allergy sufferers more sensitive to allergens and worsening symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and coughing.
- Additionally, secondhand smoke can also affect non-smokers, increasing their risk of experiencing allergy-related discomfort.
Avoid Indoor Smoking.
- Cigarette smoke contains numerous irritants and chemicals that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, making allergy sufferers more sensitive to allergens and worsening symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and coughing.
- Additionally, secondhand smoke can also affect non-smokers, increasing their risk of experiencing allergy-related discomfort.
Minimize the Use of Chemical Irritants.
- Many cleaning products, air fresheners, and candles contain chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system. Choose fragrance-free or natural cleaning products, and avoid using aerosol sprays.
Schedule Regular Mold Inspections and Cleaning.
- Mold can trigger allergies and negatively impact your indoor air quality. Schedule regular mold inspections and cleaning with ServiceMaster of the Upstate to ensure your home remains mold-free.
By following these tips and seeking professional assistance from ServiceMaster of the Upstate, you can breathe easy knowing your home is free of allergens. Contact us today for mold remediation and specialty cleaning services in Greenville, SC, designed to keep your indoor environment healthy and allergen-free.
Got Mold? We Can Help!
Protect your air quality this allergy season by taking immediate action. Schedule a mold inspection in Greenville, SC, or get professional mold remediation from ServiceMaster of the Upstate. Contact us at (864) 310-7891 or message us online for a FREE estimate. We’re ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.