It’s officially spring! And we all know what that means: allergies! Warmer weather means pollen is released into the air and rainfall can create more opportunities for mold to grow. Vigorous spring cleaning releases dust mites into the air. If these common allergy causes are a problem in your household, Atlantic Bay Contracting can help. If you have a central air conditioning system, it can go a long way to preventing seasonal allergy symptoms.
Why are my allergies so bad in the spring?
Spring allergies can be particularly severe for some people because this is the time of year when many trees and plants start blooming and releasing pollen. Pollen is a common allergen that triggers the immune system in some people, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, congestion, and watery eyes. Wind can then carry this pollen over long distances, causing it to spread and be a trigger in people who are sensitive to it.
Other common seasonal allergy triggers during spring include dust mites or mold spores, which can thrive in the warmer, more humid conditions of spring.
When is Spring Allergy Season?
Spring allergy season in North America typically starts in late February or early March. However, in some areas, it may start earlier or later.
How Long Do Allergies Last in Spring?
The duration of spring allergies can vary depending on various factors such as the type of allergy, the severity of symptoms, and the individual's immune system. Generally, spring allergies can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even the entire spring season. If you have a long history of allergic reactions or asthma, you can develop symptoms that last longer and are more serious.
That's why we recommend visiting a doctor to treat allergy symptoms if you notice that your condition starts to get worse. Usually, you will be prescribed some antiallergic medicine or, in the worst cases, allergy shots.
What Allergies are Most Common in Spring?
Grass Pollen
Grasses produce pollen as part of their reproductive process, and when this pollen is released, it can be inhaled by people, causing an allergic reaction. The symptoms of grass pollen allergy can include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and throat irritation.
Mold Spores
Springtime is a season when mold spores can thrive due to increased humidity and dampness. Allergy sufferers may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Furthermore, mold can become a much more severe problem if not handled correctly as it can lead to complications such as asthma, respiratory infections, neurological symptoms, and even organ damage. We recommend undergoing a mold remediation process to ensure that no spores are present on your property during the Spring season.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a type of allergic reaction that affects the nasal passages. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching or tingling in the nose or throat, and watery or itchy eyes. In some cases, people with allergic rhinitis may also experience fatigue, headache, and difficulty sleeping.
Allergy Asthma
Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander. When a person with allergic asthma comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system overreacts and produces an inflammatory response in the airways, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
Insect allergies
Spring is a season when insects such as bees, wasps, and mosquitoes become more active, which can trigger reactions in some people. Depending on how allergic you are to insect bites, you might experience localized swelling, redness, and itching, as well as more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, nausea, and dizziness.
Dust allergies
Dust mites can be a common allergen, particularly for those with indoor allergies. During the spring, people may do a spring cleaning or open their windows, which can stir up dust and increase exposure to dust mites.
Here’s how your AC helps with your allergies
Keep that air dry.
We all know that mold grows in damp places. Humidity control from your air conditioning helps prevent the conditions that allow mold to grow. Central ACs cool your house by removing heat and moisture from the air and cycling the cool, dry air back inside. If moisture doesn't build up in your house, there are no places for mold spores to settle and start to grow. Sometimes the damage is already done.
Functional air conditioning can prevent mold from growing, but it can't get rid of mold that is already there. Mold remediation is the solution to an existing mold problem. Dry air also helps keep dust mites at bay. Dust mites thrive in humidity because they absorb water from the air. AC helps prevent and control dust mites because they cannot survive in humidity levels below 50%.
Trap those particles.
The second element of air conditioning is air filtration. As the AC system cycles the warm, damp air out and the cool, dry air in, it catches the particles in the filters. While keeping the humidity low reduces dust mites and mold, air filters keep the pollen out of your house. Pollen does have water-soluble proteins, but it floats more freely in dry air. Humidity outside may be great for pollen allergies, but you don't want to keep your house humid just to control pollen.
If you notice that your pollen allergies are flaring up indoors, that's a sign you need to change your filters. If your allergies persist after changing the filters, you may need to clean your air ducts. Air duct cleaning can rid your home of more allergy causes than just pollen. Mold can grow in damp spots and cause serious health problems beyond allergies.
Reduces exposure to outdoor allergens
By keeping windows and doors closed and using AC instead, you can prevent outdoor allergens from entering your home, such as dust, pollen, and insects. The less exposure you have to these triggering agents, the safer you are from developing symptoms.
How to Get Rid of Spring Allergies with AC
Keep your AC unit properly maintained
Ensure that your air conditioning unit is properly maintained, including changing the filters regularly and having it inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year.
Keep windows and doors closed while using the AC
This will prevent outdoor allergens from entering your home.
Set the AC to the "recirculate" mode
This will keep indoor air circulating and filtered, rather than drawing in outside air that's potentially contaminated with allergens.
Clean your home regularly
Cleaning your home regularly will help reduce the amount of dust and allergens and prevent them from circulating in your home once the AC is on. These include vacuuming and washing clothes.
Consider using a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier will help reduce humidity levels and prevent the growth of mold and dust mites.
Consider using a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter
HEPA filters are highly effective at trapping and removing small airborne particles, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. These are an ideal option for an allergy-free spring.
When does Spring Allergy Season End?
In North America, spring typically ends in late June, around the time of the summer solstice. However, the exact date can vary depending on the location and climate. However, it doesn't matter when allergy season starts or ends, what matters is preparing your home for this season with professional HVAC contractors!
Clear Allergy Causes with Atlantic Bay Contracting
If your allergies are caused by mold, dust mites, or pollen and your AC can't keep up, contact Atlantic Bay Contracting. Whether you have a residential or commercial system, our trained and certified technicians can get it back in action and get rid of the allergy causes plaguing your home or business.
