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Updated: September 2, 2024
Any Texan who suffers from seasonal allergies probably dreads the change of seasons in the winter and spring months. All the sneezing, congestion and itchy eyes—it’s just too much.
Common seasonal allergies in Texas
If you live in Texas, you’re exposed to a high number of allergens each year. Some of the most common allergies that arrive seasonally include:
- Mold
- Tree pollen
- Ragweed
- Grass
- Fibers from synthetic carpets and furniture fabrics
- Pet dander and dust mites
- Radon gas
- Formaldehyde and other chemicals used in building materials
- Volatile compounds found in insecticides, pesticides, cleaning and personal care products
- Irritants from smoking and wood-burning fireplaces
- Gasses from cooking appliances and water heaters
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to minimize your suffering. Follow our top tips to make your allergy season more tolerable!
Top tips for minimizing seasonal allergies
- Install the proper HVAC system for your home. Believe it or not, the right HVAC system can make or break your allergy experience. Your HVAC system’s job is to provide clean, pure air to breathe, which can improve allergy symptoms if you have the correct system for your house. This entails having the right size HVAC for the square footage of your home and staying up-to-date on maintenance, etc.
- Replace the air filter. If your AC’s filter is clogged, it will affect its efficiency and functionality, causing it to work harder to keep your air clean. It’s important to replace your air filter as needed. The best defense against poor indoor air quality is a good air filter. All air filters are assigned a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, also known as a MERV rating, which gives each filter a rating according to its ability to remove different sized particles from the air you breathe. At Richmond’s Air, we recommend that allergy sufferers look for a filter with a MERV rating of at least 8. It’s also critical to check filters monthly and replace them every 3 months (or sooner if they appear dirty).
- Close windows and doors. If your allergies include pollen, grass and other outdoor irritants, it’s crucial to keep your windows and doors shut. This way, the clean air in your home stays clean. On days when the pollen count is high, try to avoid going outside or doing yard work (if possible).
- Boost your immune system. When you suffer from a bad allergy flare-up, it can compromise your immune system and make you more susceptible to other illnesses. Be sure to stay hydrated, get an adequate amount of vitamin C and wash your hands often.
- Purchase an air purifier. When your allergies are particularly bad, an air purifier can be just the thing you need. They come in whole house or room sizes, so you can choose whichever is best for your level of allergies. Frequent cleaning and dusting can also help.
