If your sinuses are sensitive to the seasonal plants in the area, then you’re probably well aware of Texas’s infamous allergy seasons. Unlike in other parts of the country where most allergens go dormant until spring, Texas’ allergies come out in full force in the cooler months too. As long as you don’t spend too much time outside, you’ll be fine, right?
Cavalry Air Care is here to tell you that the inside of your home can become concentrated with allergens really quickly. If you want to bolster your home’s defenses against allergy season, you need to know what particles are invading your space and some options to increase your San Antonio indoor air quality.
Texas Allergies
So, what exactly makes many Texas cities some of the worst places for allergies? It’s all in the natural plant life. Most spring allergies across the nation come from tree and grass pollens that are released during the growing seasons. However, certain plants are actually triggered by the cold season instead of the warm season. Texas just happens to be home to both kinds of plant life, making San Antonio the heart of allergy symptoms.
Oak
All of our beautiful oak trees in the area turn against us in the spring. Oak pollen is a common allergy that affects many people, and it can be combined with a multitude of other grass and tree pollens in the spring.
Grasses
In the summer, grasses take over. With so many kinds of grass present everywhere we go, it can feel impossible to escape the irritating effects. Plus, flowers and trees are often in full bloom, adding to the allergens in the air.
Ragweed
If you experience allergies in the fall season, your sinuses are likely being attacked by ragweed. Ragweed releases extra light pollen that can be carried by the wind for many miles. Each plant can release up to a billion grains of pollen each season.
Cedar
Cedar trees are plentiful in San Antonio, and they are triggered in the winter after the first cold fronts of the season. Cedar fever is a well-known phenomenon in the area, sometimes causing severe symptoms like the flu!
If you know you’re allergic to these pollens, then you can be sure they are following you into your home every single day. Don’t give up hope yet!
Managing San Antonio Allergies Indoors
While it’s impossible to rid your home entirely of allergens, there are some things you can do that could significantly reduce the effect they have on you inside your home. Try out some of these tactics and sail a lot smoother through t the worst of allergy season.
- Circulation — Don’t open your windows to circulate the air in your home! Instead, use some of the technology inside to help move the air more efficiently. Fans, vents and your HVAC system all need to work hand in hand in order to provide some relief to your home. Make sure the allergy-riddled air in your home is constantly being vented for the best chance of getting rid of some of the particles.
- HVAC Filter — Keep a close eye on the status of your air filters. During allergy season, these filters are your number one defense against allergens. If you allow them to get clogged up, they can no longer remove particles from the air. Also, consider upgrading your filter to a different material for catching specific particles in the air.
- Clothes, Shoes & Pets — Anything that goes outside and then comes back inside is carrying pollen. Whether it’s from the air or ground, your clothing, shoes and pets are prime suspects for bringing pollen inside. Be diligent about taking off your shoes before entering the home. Consider bathing or grooming your pet more often as well.
- Whole-Home Air Cleaners — If some of these DIY air quality techniques aren’t working enough, pull out the big guns. A professional HVAC technician can install a powerful air filtration system inside your HVAC system to provide extra filtration. You can feel confident that you’re doing everything you can to keep your air allergy-free year round!
Interested In Air Cleaners?
Cavalry Air Care is your go-to team for better indoor air quality. Our air cleaners and air quality solutions can’t be beaten — even by tough allergens! Count on the team that actually knows what you’re going through. Contact us today to schedule an IAQ test or an air cleaner installation!
