Your home is your sanctuary. However, if you suffer from spring allergies, your home can hardly feel like a haven. With pet fur, dander, dust mites, and pollen in the air, you might feel like spending time indoors is just as bad as being outside. That's because you may have poor indoor air quality (IAQ).
IAQ refers to the air quality within your home, particularly as it relates to the health and comfort of your family. When you're exposed to poor IAQ—even just one exposure—you can experience headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation in your nose, eyes, and throat. When you're exposed to pollutants in the air for extended periods of time, you put your family at risk for several health issues, including asthma.
While many spring-allergy sufferers resort to nasal sprays and neti pots to find relief from sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes, you may not need a trip to the pharmacy to feel better. Living a healthier, more comfortable life starts with the air you breathe. You can't control the season's blooming trees and budding flowers, but you can control the air around you in your home. Find your local Lennox® dealer to start a conversation about creating your own version of perfect air—in the spring and all year long.
Keep reading for some best practices on how to keep your home healthy and allergen-free during peak allergy season.
Keep Your Windows Closed
It's tempting to open your windows for some fresh air, but it's best to keep them shut. Pollen particles can travel up to 50 miles, according to NBC News, so even if you live in an urban area, allergens can waft right into your home.
Purify Your Home's Air
You can enjoy all the benefits of fresh air—but without the troublesome allergens—with an air purification system such as the PureAir™ S from Lennox. This whole-home air purification system combats the three major types of indoor air pollutants: airborne particles, germs, and chemical odors. The system works seamlessly with the iComfort® S30, an ultra-smart thermostat that makes perfect air a breeze. The thermostat's Allergen Defender monitors your area's air quality and pollen levels, automatically turning on the fan to clean your home's air when outdoor levels are high.
Wash Your Window Treatments
Blinds and shades don't trap as many allergens as fabric curtains, but you can still enjoy your favorite window treatments with a weekly washing. Remove all hooks and curtain weights and soak the fabric in cold water. Then wash carefully according to the type of fabric. To keep your window treatments looking crisp, you can iron the curtains while still slightly damp. Remember to dust and clean windowsills before hanging the curtains back up.
Garden with Low-Allergen Plants
If the beautiful weather inspires you to update your landscaping, be smart about what you plant. Some of the best low-allergen plants include orchids, begonia, impatiens, azalea, and zinnia. You could also spruce up your yard with low-allergen trees such as a crepe myrtle or a eucalyptus plant. Just be sure to wear a pollen mask to help cut back on your exposure to mold spores and pollen.
Nip Spring Allergies in the Bud
Allergies are often most severe in the spring. However, this doesn't mean that you and your loved ones must contend with coughing, stuffiness and other symptoms all season long. Lennox can help you achieve perfect air. Find your local Lennox® dealer and explore ways to save with rebates and special financing.
