Batter Up: Get Ready For Baseball & Spring Allergies
The crack of the bats can be like music to our ears. Even for those not knee-deep in a little league season or watching the major leaguers on opening day, the start of baseball marks the start of spring and soon to follow the glorious days of summer. If March 29th is circled on your calendar, you’ll likely be watching for your favorite team’s home opener soon. Hopefully, your baseball experience won’t be hindered by spring allergies this year.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the U.S. with an annual price tag in excess of $18 billion. The CDC also reports more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. While allergies cannot be entirely prevented per se, the allergic reaction can. Strategies include being in an air-conditioned environment during peak hay-fever season as well as eliminating dust mites and animal dander from the home. Following are some easy-to-implement tips to tag allergies out this spring and all year-round.
- Air filters can help if you buy the right kind. Dealing with spring allergies by improving your indoor air quality usually starts with a small investment in an air filter. Standard paper filters are designed to trap large particles like dust which accumulate on the motor and fans of your HVAC system. Particles like mold, bacteria and types of pollen slip through the fibers of standard filters. HEPA filters or high energy particulate air filters can effectively trap more than 99 percent of pollen, dust and smoke particles to improve your indoor air quality and reduce the triggers of your spring allergies.
- You have more options than just adding an air filter. Now you’ve installed the right air filter to help reduce your risk of spring allergy attacks, the next step is looking at the maintenance of your HVAC system. To keep your HVAC system working at its optimal level of efficiency as well as reducing the chance of buildup on the blower fans and in your ductwork reducing the quality of your indoor air, you should have a regular schedule of professional HVAC service.
- Consider a whole-house air purifier. An air purifier can help you combat the effects of spring allergies by removing the triggering allergens from your home. A whole-house air purifier can be an excellent solution for those who suffer each year with the symptoms of allergies. Working with your HVAC system, these additions to your indoor air quality goals filter and purify the air you breathe, removing pollen, mold and up to 95 percent of microscopic particles such as pet dander, tobacco smoke, mold and other common allergens.
- Leave the outdoors at the front door! Shoes track in more than dirt – they can leave traces of the outdoors throughout your home. Do yourself a favor and slip off your shoes once you’re inside. Staying on top of vacuuming and dusting will also help keep allergens from taking over your living space. Also, change clothes and wash your hair after spending several hours outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen and outdoor contaminants.
Each day you spend hours inside your home, relaxing and enjoying your private abode. While you’re indoors, be sure the air you breathe is clean and conducive to a healthy life. By installing HEPA air filters, whole-house air purifiers, ensuring your HVAC system is properly maintained and keeping the outside out, you’re sure to find your spring will be a home run!
Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing will work with you to understand your indoor air quality concerns and customize a solution to work with your home and your current HVAC system. Since 1974, we’ve been the leader in HVAC service, installation and maintenance in the Athens area. You can count on us for the very best in heating and cooling service.
Contact Stiles Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing For An Appointment.