Have you become accustomed to waking up with a stuffy nose, unable to breathe, and a pounding headache — regardless of the time of year? Well, you’re not alone. Nearly 40% of the population suffers from seasonal allergies. People who are lucky enough to be allergy-free don’t often realize how debilitating they can be. It’s comparable to having the flu 24-hours a day — it’s not an enjoyable way to live your life.
There are steps that you can take to reduce your allergy symptoms just by adjusting your daily routine in the home. Let’s take a look at what some of those home improvement tips are.
Clean Your Air Conditioner
Many people forget to service their air conditioner throughout the year. A professional maintenance check-up will not only fix cooling issues you may have, but it will also reduce the amount of dust, dirt, pet dander, and other harmful particles that might be floating around the air in your house.
The air filters in your AC will become clogged with dust and dirt over time if they’re not regularly changed or cleaned, and that can drastically affect any allergies — especially if you have an allergy to dust. Not to mention that all of the bacteria and toxic particles can enter into your lungs, which can be incredibly damaging to anyone who has asthma.
Find a contractor with 24-hour emergency services so you’ll know you can rely on them day or night. It’s recommended to have your HVAC system checked out a few times a year, and be sure to professionally maintain your air conditioner every summer.
Vacuum Once or Twice a Week
Even if you have hardwood floors throughout your house, it’s still important to get out that vacuum and use it at least once a week. If you have dogs, cats, or other pets, you might want to vacuum more, especially if you have carpet.
Vacuuming is an excellent way to suck up any dust particles and keep allergens low. Remember to empty the vacuum and always to wear a mask.
Groom Your Pets
Do you have a dog or a cat? Pets bring so much joy to so many people — but they can also bring a lot of undesirable pet dander if groomed infrequently.
Bring your dog to the professional groomers a couple of times of the year, particularly in the summer, so they can shed some fur for the hot season. If it’s cats that strike your fancy, try to brush them once a day.
Keep your pets out of the bedroom if your allergies are severe. You can also cover your vents with a dense material such as cheesecloth, and wash your animals’ toys often.
Close the Windows
Limit your allergic reaction to pollen by keeping the windows and doors closed. In the summer, use the AC as a way to stay cool instead of letting in the hot, pollen-full breeze.
There’s no other way to say it; allergies can be awful! However, with a little home maintenance, you can reduce the symptoms dramatically.
