For many of us, the beautiful flowers and greenery that come with spring are far outweighed by allergens in the air. Let’s face it – you can’t enjoy the scenery while sneezing, coughing, and viewing the landscape through watery eyes. To make matters worse, those allergens follow us into our homes.
Debbie Abernathy, E. Smith vice president, has a few suggestions to help navigate the season. “Most people don’t know that indoor air is one of the top threats to public health for Americans according to the Environmental Protection Agency,” she says. “There are steps we can take to freshen the air in our homes. Also, installing an air purification system can help us breathe easier.”
Abernathy points out that monitoring pollen can help maintain air quality. While opening doors and windows offers fresh air and a cool breeze, it’s wise to keep them closed when pollen counts are highest, which is during windy conditions and in the early morning. Pollen also sticks to clothing. So changing clothes when you enter your home and cleaning outer clothing often contributes to allergen reduction.
“Planting wisely is also a good idea,” says Abernathy. Landscape outside your home affects what comes into your home. Allergenic trees, such as maple and birch, increase the likeliness of having those allergens trickle into your home. Instead, consider planting trees such as dogwoods and magnolias.
Although we love them dearly, our pets not only bring outside allergens into the home, but also naturally produce dander. Abernathy says the best way to reduce outside allergens brought in through pets as well as combat dander is to vacuum frequently, bathe pets weekly, and keep them off the furniture.
If you need a more clear-cut approach to improve your home’s air quality, an air purification system may be the answer. “Installing an air purifier can help reduce allergic reactions and maintain clean air,” explains Abernathy. “These systems have a complex filtration system to ensure the smallest particles are eliminated.”
Benefits of an air purification system include: healthier air that can reduce allergies and asthma by stopping dust and particle circulation; cleaner lungs, allowing you to breathe easier and gain more energy; and protected home décor and furniture, as dust and other allergens can discolor and devalue objects.
To find out more about air purification systems or for an appointment to schedule your spring tune-up as well as any other HVAC service, call 770-422-1900 or visit www.esmith.com.
E. Smith Heating & Air Conditioning is a proud sponsor of the Garden Gate Tour on Saturday, May 12, in support of the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County. For information, go to www.cobbmastergardeners.com/calendar/garden-tour.
This article originally appeared in the May issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, on page 9. Click here to view the digital edition.
