Some people tend to think that allergies are only a problem when you’re outdoors or when you eat something that your body can’t handle. However, believe it or not, AC repair experts say that this isn’t really the case, as you can also get allergies within your home, especially if you have pets.
In addition to where you can contract it, some homeowners also think that there are only certain times of the year when allergies will worsen, like in the spring. While it’s true that one’s allergies can flare up during the spring season due to pollen, allergies can also worsen during the winter months.
In this article, Air Products & Services, the pros to turn to if you need an AC troubleshooting system or residential HVAC services, lists six possible reasons why your pet allergies worsen during the winter months.
1. Your home is closed up – During the winter season, many homeowners close their homes up as much as possible to keep the heat in. While this is an understandable move, doing so can actually exacerbate your pet allergies at this time of year, as stale air can be sealed in while fresh air is prevented from entering your home to replace it. As such, experts recommend that you consider opening your windows every now and then to let stale air out and fresh air in.
2. You have a weaker immune system – When the winter months arrive, most homeowners tend to stay indoors to stay warm. Again, while this is an understandable thing to do, it can also worsen your pet allergies. This is because, according to air conditioning replacement experts, the combination of harsh weather and a lack of Vitamin D can weaken your immune system, worsening your allergies in the process.
3. Your exposure to indoor allergens is increased – Since you’re ensconced in your home for the majority of the winter, your exposure to indoor allergens like pet dander is most likely increased, which in turn exacerbates your pet allergies during this season. With that in mind, if you want to reduce your pet allergies as much as possible during the winter, don’t hesitate to take a break outdoors every now and then so you’re exposed to sunlight and fresh air. For assistance in reducing the amount of indoor allergens in your home, don’t hesitate to turn to a duct cleaning expert like Air Products & Services to get the job done.
4. You only just started using your furnace again – Furnaces tend to accumulate allergens as the year goes by. For most of the year, your furnace is shut off; however, if you live in an area that sees snow and ice during the winter season, you’ll have to turn your furnace on to keep your home warm and comfortable. According to AC repair pros, doing so can actually worsen your pet allergies. This is because turning your furnace on stirs up the accumulated allergens that built up in your furnace over the time it was turned off. Therefore, make it a point to have a professional regularly clean your ductwork to remove any allergens that got trapped there. This will help somewhat alleviate your allergies during the winter season.
5. You’re around your pets more – Of course, when winter rolls around, it isn’t just humans that stay at home more; if you have pets, they’ll need to stay indoors too. This means that you’re more exposed to your pets and the allergens they produce, especially if your pet is the type that grows a winter coat. If they grow winter coats, their fur is thicker, meaning that it can trap more allergens and spread them throughout the house. Unfortunately for some homeowners, this can further exacerbate the allergies you already had to begin with.
6. Your home has dry air – Finally, if your pet allergies tend to worsen during the winter months, air conditioning replacement experts say that another possible reason is that your home has dry air. If this is the true cause, the dry air will dry out the mucous membranes of your nose and throat, exposing you to further allergens in the process that can make you sick during the winter season.
Luckily for homeowners like you, there are plenty of ways to keep your indoor allergies at bay. For instance, home improvement experts recommend that you lower your home’s indoor humidity to reduce the amount of dust mites and mold within your home. The ideal percentage is below 45%. If you can lower it to less than 35%, that’s even better. To accomplish this, HVAC pros recommend that you install a dehumidifier in your home.
In addition to using a dehumidifier, you can also replace your old filter with a newer one if you want to reduce the pollutants within your home and avoid exacerbating your pet allergies during the winter season. When it comes to replacing air filters, HVAC experts recommend that you install a HEPA filter so you can effectively trap dust, mites and mold spores to prevent them from further spreading throughout your home.
Finally, if at all possible, consider replacing your wall-to-wall carpeting with a different material. This is because, at some point, repeatedly cleaning and vacuuming your home will no longer be enough to remove all the dust mites and pet dander that get deposited on it. However, if you do have to vacuum, it’s highly recommended that you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to prevent mites and mite waste from returning to the air.
If you need someone who can help you improve your HVAC unit and prevent severe pet allergies, look no further than Air Products & Services. IWhether you’re in need of an AC troubleshooting system or commercial HVAC services, we’re the leading professionals to turn to, and we won’t let you down. With 40 years in the HVAC maintenance and installation industry, we’re committed to providing homeowners nothing but the best products and customer service. Give us a call at (818) 989-2030 or fill out our contact form to get in touch with us and schedule an appointment! We serve homeowners in Tarzana, CA, and other nearby areas.