Believe it or not, you can still have allergies during the winter. While it might sound crazy, the truth is that most of the allergens that cause them are a result of your own home. If you want to eliminate some of these allergens from your home this winter, follow this short guide.
Allergen: Dust Mites
That’s right! Those little critters can actually contribute to your at-home winter allergies. They thrive on dry, dusty air that your HVAC system produces during the winter.
Solution: Wash Those Sheets
To prevent dust mites from irritating you in your sleep, wash your sheets in hot water at least once every week. This kills dust mites and can help prevent them from returning in such large numbers. In addition, you should be using hypo-allergenic sheets and pillowcases.
Allergen: Pet Dander
Everyone’s skin gets dry and itchy during the winter, including your pets! Pet dander is a huge issue for a lot of people, especially during the winter when skin is dry and flakes off more frequently.
Solution: Bathe and Brush
You should be brushing your shedding friends at least once every day, no matter the season. In addition, make sure they’re getting bathed properly and regularly. However, keep in mind that over-bathing can make dry skin even worse.
Allergen: Dry, Dusty Air
This is the number one culprit of winter allergies, and believe it or not, it comes straight from your heating systems. Turning up the heat can make air hot, dry, and full of dust.
Solution: Manage Your HVAC System Efficiently
First thing’s first: if your home is excessively dry, have your HVAC system inspected. Improper equipment installation can reduce efficiency by up to 30%, and can make your furnace do strange things. Home heating repair is an absolute must if you’re noticing issues with the air quality in your home. Your heating and air conditioning company should be able to handle any necessary repairs.
Winter allergens are no fun, but once you know how to successfully manage them within your home, you should have a mostly sniffle-free winter!