Your home should be a sanctuary from seasonal allergies, not a place that makes them worse.
As spring blooms and pollen flies, many of us find ourselves sneezing even inside our own homes. Here’s something that might surprise you – indoor air can actually be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. During allergy season, that’s the last thing we need!
Spring allergies hit when our immune systems overreact to pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. While you can’t control Mother Nature outside, you can definitely take steps to breathe easier indoors. Here are four simple but often forgotten ways to improve your home’s air quality.
1. Change Those Air Filters (Yes, Right Now!)
Your AC’s air filter is like a bouncer for airborne allergens – but even bouncers need breaks. During high pollen seasons, these filters get overwhelmed fast. Most need replacing every 1-3 months, but during peak allergy season, it’s worth checking them monthly.
A clogged filter not only lets more sneeze-inducing particles into your home but also makes your AC work harder. Setting a monthly phone reminder to check your filter can make a huge difference. If allergies hit your family hard, consider upgrading to filters with a MERV rating of 8-13—they catch much more of the small stuff that makes you miserable.
2. Create an Allergen-Free Bedroom Zone
Think about it – we spend about a third of our lives in our bedrooms. Yet many of us focus on cleaning common areas while neglecting this important recovery space.
Make your bedroom a breathing sanctuary by using allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to knock out dust mites. Remove or regularly clean dust collectors like decorative pillows and heavy drapes. Hard flooring instead of carpet makes a massive difference, as carpet fibers are basically allergen hotels. And yes, as much as we love them, keeping pets out of the bedroom helps create a more breathable sleeping environment.
3. Keep Those Surfaces Clean
The surfaces in your home collect allergens that launch into the air when disturbed. Most of us think about air filters but forget how much regular cleaning helps clear the air.
Damp dust rather than dry dust just sends particles flying. Microfiber cloths are great for trapping dust instead of just moving it around. Don’t forget often-missed spots like ceiling fans, door frames, and window sills – they’re like allergen magnets. If you’ve severe allergies, wear a mask while cleaning and choose gentle cleaning products that won’t irritate your airways. And here’s a bonus tip: less stuff means fewer surfaces for allergens to land on. If you haven’t used something in a year, maybe it’s time to let it go!
4. Consider Air Purification Technology
Regular filters help but aren’t designed to catch the tiniest allergen particles. Modern air purification technologies can provide much more comprehensive protection, especially during peak sneeze season.
Portable HEPA purifiers work wonders in bedrooms or living rooms, removing nearly 100% of the tiny particles that trigger symptoms. For whole-home solutions, professionally installed UV lights can kill airborne bacteria and mold spores as air passes through your system. Electronic air cleaners catch even smaller particles before they circulate through your home.
Combining several approaches often works best for families with severe allergies or asthma. The right solution depends on your specific home and health concerns.
Call the Pros
Our technicians at Ballard can evaluate your home’s specific challenges and recommend targeted solutions. From professional duct cleaning to installing advanced air purification systems, we can help make your home a true refuge from allergens.
Regular AC system maintenance goes a long way toward keeping indoor air clean. Annual service ensures your system keeps you cool and allows you to breathe easily.
Don’t let poor indoor air make your allergies worse! Call us today at 909-297-1914 or schedule service for an indoor air quality assessment.
