While you may be looking forward to cooler temperatures, changing leaves, and fall flavors, the one thing that isn’t ideal is the fall allergies that also like to tag along during the season. If you feel under the weather during your favorite time of the year, know what common fall allergens are in the atmosphere and how to improve your air quality.
Identifying Common Fall Allergens
When the weather starts to cool off, a new period of growth for certain allergens is initiated.
Pollen from Ragweed
The most common allergy in the fall is ragweed because of the amount of pollen in the air. Once it releases, it attaches to clothes and vehicles and enters the home. Because it travels easily, it can travel with you over long distances and is hard to get rid of.
Dust Mites
Cooler weather usually means people spend more time indoors. While dust mites are found all year, they tend to be more active in the fall because people spend more time indoors, feeding off skin flakes from pets and humans.
Pet Dander
Another common allergy in the fall is pet dander. Again, this allergy can appear anytime, but it’s more prevalent in the fall because pets shed their summer coats, and their winter coats come in, releasing more dander into the air.
Mold Spores
When plants and vegetation die off around the home and property, mold spores develop and release allergens. These mold spores can become very problematic in areas with high humidity, as they breed near water leaks and dark places. If they aren’t discovered, they will continue to grow, worsening the condition of the air around them and keeping you sick.
Assessing Indoor Air Quality
If you aren’t sure about the air quality in your home, there are some ways to check and see how pure the air is. Several air monitors will test for pollution and allergens, but they can also test for more specialized toxins in the air.
Mold Test
If you think you may have mold spores, you’ll want to have it tested for mold by professionals to see if/where it is present. If there are signs of active spores, you’ll want to get them removed immediately.
Radon and Carbon Monoxide Tests
While you’re testing your home, make sure you utilize an indoor air monitor that tests for levels of radon and carbon monoxide so that you know if you need additional testing or removal service.
Strategies for Improving Air Quality
If you’ve discovered that your indoor air quality needs to improve, there are some things you can do to ensure this happens and that you stay as healthy as possible in the fall season.
Use an Air Purifier
One of the best things you can do is use air purifiers in spaces that you frequent. This assists your HVAC system in cleaning the air and ensuring only the best air is circulating in your home. Air purifiers suck in the air and remove debris and allergies, filtering out only fresh air back into the atmosphere.
Air Filters
The air filters in your home are also another source to capture and clean out the air coming into your home. Before the fall season starts to ramp up, it’s a good idea to ensure you have a fresh air filter so that the air coming through leaves the debris in the filter and comes out the other side clean and fresh.
Add Purifying Plants
Many indoor plants, like peace lilies, spiders, and snake plants, can be purchased from your local nursery and will naturally help purify the air. These hypoallergenic plants make it easy to keep the air fresh in your home. If you have pets, you’ll want to check first to see what is safe to purify your home and keep your pets safe.
Maintain Your Ductwork
It’s a good idea to have your HVAC system and ductwork checked before the fall season starts. Most airborne allergens in the home travel through the ductwork first, and you don’t want them to cycle into the home. Having it checked and your HVAC system serviced will ensure that only the best air is coming in, reducing your exposure to fall allergens.
Is Your HVAC System in Need of a Cleaning?
The best way to ensure good home air quality is to have an efficient HVAC system. A dirty HVAC system will only circulate unclean air and continue to make you sick. If you think your HVAC system needs a good cleaning or you just want a consultation, contact Steamatic of Kansas City today for your appointment.
Image Credit: J.J. Gouin / Shutterstock
