As the end of winter approaches, we’re all ready to start thawing and soaking up some warmer weather—but with higher temperatures come the usual seasonal allergens. In North Carolina, we have our fair share of springtime allergy triggers, the most common of which are mold and pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
The good news is that you can take measures to limit the concentrations of springtime allergens in your home. The tips below will help you improve your indoor air quality during this “sneezy” time of year.
1. Take your shoes off at the front door.
Not only is it more hygienic to switch from shoes to house slippers when you get home, but you’ll also avoid tracking in allergens from outside.
2. Change your clothes after being out and about.
While going about your day, your clothes can accumulate a lot more pollen than you may realize. Once you get home, change into an at-home outfit, and try to avoid putting the clothes you wore outside on your bed. Speaking of which…
3. Wash your bedding weekly on the hottest setting it can handle.
Not only can bedding accumulate pollen and spores, but it can also collect dead skin, the “favorite food” of dust mites. Dust mites are another common allergy trigger in North Carolina. The best way to kill and remove them from your bedding is to wash all of your bed covers weekly (including pillowcases) in water that’s at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Avoid line-drying laundry outside.
Even though line-drying is an eco-friendly option, you may want to do it indoors during spring. Leaving clothes outside to dry can allow them to accumulate allergens like pollen and mold spores.
5. For heavy-duty protection, invest in a whole-home air cleaner.
If pollen and other pollutants in the air cause you significant discomfort, you may want to install a whole-home air cleaner. Rather than a portable air filter that you need to move from room to room, a whole-home air cleaner works with your home’s HVAC system to improve your indoor air quality throughout your home.
Keep in mind that some air cleaners have different functions, such as removing odors, while others filter out or destroy actual contaminants. At Logan Home Energy Services, we highly recommend the REME HALO®, which uses ionized hydrogen peroxide molecules that actively move through your home and destroy pollutants like mold spores, pollen, viruses, and bacteria.
Allergy season shouldn’t feel like it lasts all year. For help improving the indoor air quality in your Winston-Salem home, consult our experts at Logan Home Energy Services: (336) 203-7630.