It is an unfortunate fact that many people struggle with their allergies as soon as the weather begins to warm up, and that reaction can make everyday tasks
unbearable. If you are tired of dealing with itchy eyes and a runny nose every
spring, then it might be time for you to carry out a few simple chores and
projects that will keep your home pollen-free this spring.
Seal
Up Openings
As the
weather continues to change, all of the materials that your home was built with
will expand and contract. Over time, that is going to result in small cracks
and holes around vents, windows, doorways, and pipes. To seal those pipes and
keep pollen out of your home, you should invest in a caulking gun and some
high-quality caulk. Sealing up the openings could also reduce your heating and
cooling bills. In particular check around your dryer vent area, door
thresholds, and bedroom windows.
Deep
Clean All Fabric
Very few materials are going to trap pollen as much as the fabric in your home. That is just one of the many reasons why you should deep clean all of the fabric throughout your home a few times a year. In addition to carpets and drapes, you also need to spend a little bit of time cleaning and sanitizing your furniture, tablecloths, and linens. Whenever someone walks into your house, you might want to ask them to leave their shoes and jackets near the door as well.
If you
have outdoor patio furniture with pillows and cushions, you should also clean
this fabric regularly. While it might seem inconvenient, doing so will make the
time you spend outside more enjoyable even after your allergy season has
passed.
Check
Your Roof For Cracks
If pollen settles on your roof, then it is going to make its way into your home if there are any cracks or holes. To check your roof for signs of damage, you can head up into the attic once or twice a year during the middle of the day to see if any sunlight is visible. Luckily, your roof should remain relatively damage-free if you have standing seam roofing or another similar roofing layout. However, if you notice missing tiles and areas where pollen can get into your home you should call a roofing company to come to check it out.
While you
are checking your roof be sure to clean the pollen out of your gutters. This is
one area that is often overlooked but that can make a big difference for both
your allergies and the state of your roof.
Service
The HVAC System
Well before you plan on using your air conditioner for the first time of the year, it needs to be cleaned and serviced by a professional. For older HVAC systems, homeowners might want to have the ducts flushed and the vents cleaned as well. Those areas of an HVAC system tend to collect dust, dander, and pollen. At the very least you should be sure to replace the filter to prevent unnecessarily pollen from entering your home.
In
addition to these few projects, you should also make sure that the trees and
plants around your home are well-maintained. When a yard isn't properly
maintained, it could result in an explosion of unwanted weeds that trigger your
allergies.
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