Allergy Sufferers: Don’t Suffer, Strategize!

Pollen allergies

Spring has arrived here in Northeastern PA – great news for Phillies fans, not so great news for those of us with allergies (if you’re both, what can we say – it’s going to be an up and down couple of months for you).

If you’re prone to springtime allergies, don’t settle for suffering – follow these three strategies to keep your springtime allergies under control.

1. Minimize pollen exposure. Try:

Wearing sunglasses – the eyes are one of pollen’s favorite entry points.
Reducing the time you spend outdoors –especially during sunrise and sunset, when pollen counts are highest.
Keeping track of high-pollen days (see #2 below), taking extra precautions if one is forecast.
Cleaning pollen-carrying clothing when you come in from outdoors; wash your skin and hair also.
Using indoor racks and clothes dryers for clothing – pollen can stick to sheets, towels, and clothes.

2. If a high pollen day is forecast…

Minimize your time outdoors – including exercise time.
Always take allergy medications before your symptoms start.
Use the air conditioning in your house and car; keep windows and doors closed whenever possible.

3. Protect your indoor air quality. Try:

Washing bedding every week in hot water. Throw rugs, too (thanks, WebMD).
Vacuuming once or twice a week using a HEPA-filtered vacuum.
Getting annual maintenance for your HVAC equipment.
Checking your HVAC filter every 30 days when your equipment is in use.
Adding an indoor air quality system to your home’s HVAC system. If you have a forced air system (one with vents and ducts), you can add a whole house air cleaner or UV Air purifier (or both) to purge pollen and other allergens from your home’s air. These units are compact and easily integrate with your home central A/C and heating system, so they can easily be installed in a single afternoon.

Keep your allergy suffering at bay this spring with an indoor air quality solution from Oehlert Bros. Contact us today to learn how affordable one can be!