Reducing Spring Allergies at Home

It is quite common for people to suffer from allergies, especially in the spring season. Allergic reactions can be caused by virtually anything. If your body perceives something as a threat, it'll have your immune system kick into overdrive to fend it off.

Side effects of these allergens may include: 

• Nasal Stuffiness
• Sneezing
• Watery Eyes
• Runny Nose
• Postnasal Drip
• Asthma

Indoor air pollutants may exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms, so by taking measures to improve your home's indoor air quality, you'll reduce the chances of severe problems. The four most common indoor allergens are: 

1. Dust Mites Dust mites are tiny invisible insect-like pests that feed on dead human skin cells and thrive in warm humid environments. These allergens commonly cling to bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains. Dust mites don't drink water but instead absorb it from the air with glands on their forelegs. 

2. Mold grows on organic materials like wood, plywood, drywall, carpeting, and leather that have a relative humidity at the surface of over 70%. Mold produces airborne spores by the millions that float on air currents. It most often grows indoors in places where condensation occurs.

3. Pollen Pollen is an allergen that comes from trees and grasses outside. It affects many people in the spring and summer months as flowers and plants are blooming. Pollen can easily find its way into your home through clothes, shoes, hair, and most importantly, any air leaking into your home. 

4. Pests This may come as a surprise to you, but rodents and cockroaches can give off severe allergens. These small rodents can easily come in through small gaps and cracks in your home and leave potent urine and droppings during their stay. 

Improving Indoor Air Quality to Reduce Allergies & Asthma

One way to improve your indoor air quality is to remove old, dirty insulation. Just like any other part of your home, insulation doesn't last forever. If you don't remember when it was installed, it's highly probable that it's not doing its job anymore. It may have deteriorated, become wet, or wind-washed, making it an inadequate thermal barrier. Over the years, contaminants such as bacteria, pollen, animal droppings, and other pollutants collect within the insulation. It can be nauseating to consider how many particles of contaminated airflow through your family's home due to this unclean insulation. Getting rid of old, filthy insulation is the first step in reducing allergy and asthma symptoms. 

Once all the insufficient, dirty insulation is removed, air sealing and insulating will help to fill all of the nooks and crannies in your home. Most houses have excessive air exchange with the outdoors through small cracks and gaps in their foundation, floors, and walls. These gaps allow any air from the outdoors, whether it be humid, cold, or pollen infused, inside your home. These small openings are also gateways for rodents and other pests to make their way in. Air sealing with spray foam will fill these voids and keep pollen, allergens, and pests from invading your space. Another benefit of air sealing is that it will prevent hot and humid air infiltration during the summer months. This lowers the humidity indoors, making dust mites dry out and die, and decreases the chances of mold growth. Not only does air sealing and insulation dramatically improve your home's indoor air quality, but it also aids in making your home more comfortable year-round and reduces your monthly energy bills. 

Make sure your home is properly air sealed and protected from the outdoor elements. To improve your home's health and comfort for the spring, and the entire year, contact us or call [1-800-604-2252]. Schedule your FREE home evaluation today!