Have allergies? Don’t make these 4 mistakes

If you’ve moved to Florida from the north and you have allergies, you may regret leaving your snow shovel behind… not for the snow, but for the pollen! It doesn’t take but a step out the front door to see the “blizzard” of pollen taking over our driveways and vehicles. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, we don’t have to tell you that the pollen doesn’t keep to the outside. And that is why we’re here with some tips to deal with allergens inside your home.

1. Invite the outside in

If you’re reactive to pollen, the last thing you want to do is literally open the door (or window) to it. Even when the temps are nice, your A/C unit is your ally in the battle against allergens. Keep it running to recirculate the air inside the home. As a second front against pollen particles from entering the house, we suggest using HEPA filters and changing them at least once per year. (HEPA stands for “high-efficiency particulate air [filter]”) and these specialty filters are proven to remove 99.97% of airborne particles. You can find out more here.

2. Let your car get covered in pollen

If you have oaks in your yard, they will literally rain pollen on your car. Then you open the door and disturb the pollen, sending it flying all over. If possible, put your car in the garage to avoid the daily dusting of pollen. If you cannot, rinse it off as often as possible.

3. Bring the allergens home with you

Did you know that your shoes (and your pets’ feet) allow more pollen into your home than anything else? Keep a good rug by your exterior doors and get in the habit of taking off your shoes as you enter. Pets feet should be wiped frequently as well.

4. Neglect cleaning

No matter how hard you try, some allergens will still find their way inside. Frequent dusting, cleaning and vacuuming can help get rid of spores in your home. When you vacuum, check your filters often, empty your vacuum often, and be sure to empty it outside to avoid a sneeze-inducing plume of pollen dust in your home. Did you know that there are vacuum cleaners designed specifically for allergen removal? Check out Best Vacuums for Allergy Sufferers from Consumer Reports. Keeping your A/C ducts clean should be a top priority as well. We would be glad to help!

Despite what your itchy eyes are telling you, pollen season won’t last forever but these tips might make it a bit more manageable. If you need help installing new filters, cleaning your ducts or cleaning your A/C unit, we would love to help. You can find out more on our website here.