The spring season is a time of growth and renewal, featuring fresh greenery and blooming flowers but also the misery of allergies. Uncomfortable seasonal allergies include congestion, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Avoiding allergens and pollen is nearly impossible, but you can minimize exposure and protect yourself and your loved ones with the right proactive steps. Start with the inside of your home by investing in a whole-home air purification system. These effective solutions can make an indoor living area an allergy-free haven.

Spring Allergies and What Triggers Them

Spring allergies might have multiple sources, but the predominant one is pollen coming from weeds, grasses, and trees. As plants release pollen into the local atmosphere, it’s not hard for it to get into your home. Once in your home, the pollen can settle in carpets, on surfaces, or stay in the air. When you breathe in this pollen, common symptoms you and your family may suffer from include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, scratchy throat, or itchy or watery eyes. Some family members might suffer physical fatigue. Pet dander, mold, and dust can make these symptoms worse if they happen in conjunction with outdoor allergens. Anyone with a respiratory condition, such as asthma, might find that spring allergens impact their overall health by triggering serious reactions.

Whole-Home Air Purification Is Important

Regular cleaning of your home, including vacuuming, can help keep allergens at bay. Sealing your windows and doors also helps, but these steps are only partially effective. Whole-home air purification technology can handle much of the rest by going beyond the surface-level solutions. When the air in your home is filtered continuously, it removes irritants, pollutants, and allergens.

Broad Coverage

You might already be using portable air purifiers targeting individual rooms, and they’re great for spot relief in problem areas. However, a whole-home system can purify all the air in your entire home, ensuring every room can benefit from the cleaner air to reduce overall allergen exposure.

Efficient Removal

Whole-home air purifiers can capture particles at the microscopic level, including dust mites, mold spores, and pollen. When HEPA filters are used, as they are common elements of such systems, they can trap particles measured down to the microns at rates of 99.96% and higher.

Indoor Air Quality

Whole-home systems remove allergens, but they can also handle other airborne pollutants you don’t want to float around. These include bacteria, smoke, and volatile organic compounds. Allergy sufferers will benefit from a healthier indoor environment, but everyone should notice easier breathing, too.

Maintenance and Convenience

Many whole-home systems can be seamlessly integrated into the current HVAC system in your home. When installed properly, they operate quietly and have minimal upkeep requirements. Once established, they do their work automatically and provide your home with clean air every season of the year.

Getting Your Home Ready for Spring Allergies

To make the most of the advantages that a whole-home air purification system can bring to your home, you need to use it in conjunction with other strategies that are also effective at preventing allergies. Whole-home air purification technology might be your strong start or finishing touch in the fight against allergies, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that you do to protect your home and household.

Install an Air Purification System

If your home doesn’t already have a whole-home air purification system, it’s a good time to invest in one. Consulting an HVAC professional helps you determine which system is best for your home. There are several options you can pick from, each with its benefits. HEPA filters are effective in capturing particulates, while activated carbon filters can remove allergens, VOCs, and unpleasant odors. UV-C light systems can kill viruses, mold, and bacteria. When you have a system installed, make sure it functions properly. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacements and adhere to that schedule.

Caring for the Whole HVAC System

Schedule a professional inspection to cover the HVAC system your home already has and make sure it’s cleaned before spring arrives. Air ducts need to be clear of debris and dust. Also, make sure to replace the air filters, preferably every three months or more often if you have pets. Any filter with a MERV rating of 13 or higher is an efficient option that keeps allergens from moving around your home.

Sealing the Home

Check your windows and doors for cracks and gaps or hire a professional who provides this service. Sealing them keeps outdoor pollen from coming in. Caulk and weatherstripping can make effective barriers. Keep your windows closed when peak pollen hours are happening, which is usually the evening and morning.

Cleaning, Monitoring, and Minimizing

Reduce allergens in your home by regularly vacuuming rugs and carpets. Wash curtains, bedding, and fabrics in hot water to kill off dust mites. Use a damp cloth to dust surfaces so that you trap allergens rather than spreading them back into the air. Keep pets bathed and groomed to minimize pet dander and consider establishing pet-free zones or rooms so that sufferers can find more relief. If your whole-home air purifier has humidity controls, keep the range between 30% and 50% to keep dust mites and mold at bay. Entryway mats can trap pollen and dirt before spreading into your home. Make sure to check the daily pollen forecasts to plan outdoor activities effectively. Plants can sometimes improve air quality, but some can attract mold or produce pollen. Low-allergen plant options include peace lilies and snake plants but be aware that overwatering might cause mold growth.

The Advantages Whole-Home Air Purification Systems Provide

Investing in whole-home air purification technology can alleviate the allergy symptoms suffered by those in your household, but the benefits don’t stop there. Other long-term advantages are possible, including better sleep, higher energy levels, and protection from illness. Reduced irritation and congestion can result in more restful nights. Combine that with breathing cleaner air whether awake or asleep, and everyone can enjoy improved energy levels, focus, and concentration. Respiratory infections decrease when viruses and bacteria are removed.

Whole-home air purification systems might save you money in the long run in two different ways. First, enhanced air quality might help your HVAC system last longer. Second, it might reduce any potential medical expenses associated with respiratory issues and allergies.

Spring Into Action

Don’t let spring allergies impact your household. Getting your home ready involves proactive measures. A whole-home air purifier is a great investment if you want a sanctuary where everyone can be comfortable and breathe freely. Clean interior air free of allergens is important for anyone seeking allergy relief, but it’s also necessary for overall health and wellness. Invest in your home’s indoor air quality now, and you’ll be thankful you did later in the spring.

Landen Heating and Cooling provides residents of Zebulon and the surrounding areas of North Carolina with HVAC services, including ductwork and indoor air quality services. Contact us today for help with your spring allergies and get more information about your whole-home air purification options.

company icon