Three Ways to Breathe Easier in the Spring
Spring is a season full of excitement and anticipation. Everyone starts looking forward to a fresh start with better weather, and people take the time to make summer plans. The only downside to springtime is the allergies that come with the abundance of vegetation that shares the same excitement about the change in season.
During the spring, plants, and trees focus all their energy on reproducing. In doing so, plants release tons of pollen into the air. When humans inhale pollen, they have inflammatory responses known as allergies. For most people, allergies are uncomfortable and serious enough to quell their excitement with spring. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case.
This year, instead of letting allergies ruin the spring, take some action. By cleaning up the air in the home, homeowners can reduce their allergy symptoms and shorten their allergy season. Here are the top tips from local indoor air quality specialists.
Let the Fresh Air In
Every single study done on the matter proves that indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air becomes stale and laden with dust and pollutants resulting from everyday activities in the home. After being recirculated all winter, spring is the perfect opportunity to freshen up the air by opening windows.
To successfully turn over the air in the home, start by waiting for warm afternoons. Open windows on the home's southern side to keep cool air from causing the heater to cycle more. For faster turnover, open windows on the opposite sides of the home in the direction of prevailing seasonal winds. By letting nature do the work, homeowners can refresh the air in their homes and save money on heating and cooling bills.
Replace Air Filters as Part of Spring Cleaning
Opening the windows to freshen the air is usually done on days with low pollen and mold counts. Keeping the windows closed is a better idea for the days when allergens are high. On those days, let the central AC system clean up the air by keeping clean filters in place.
As a part of spring cleaning, homeowners should remember to replace air filters. Air filter replacement in the spring allows the AC to remove more dust and allergens than it could with a dirty filter. For some, upgrading to a higher-quality air filter in the spring can help ease spring allergies.
Clean Up Dust
While allergens saturate the air outside, hiding inside is the best option. However, with already-polluted air and dirty home, the problem might get worse. Luckily, homeowners can take control of their indoor air by coupling the previous steps with good housekeeping. Keeping the home clean and tidy by dusting flat surfaces, running the vacuum, and removing clutter can greatly reduce seasonal allergies. Start with an extensive spring cleaning session today and feel immediate relief.
About Barker Heating & Cooling
Barker Heating & Cooling has 25 years of experience helping homeowners beat seasonal allergies. Their same-day and emergency service means no one must suffer alone through a tough spring. Call today for indoor air quality solutions in Livermore, CA & the Tri-Valley.
