New research reveals the hay fever season is already upon us, with Brits turning to Google looking for answers and help for how to cope. Home improvement expert Anthony Threlfall, from Everest, gives his top tips on how to prepare yourself for this year's hay fever season, so hay fever sufferers can try to cope the best they can.
Anthony says: “Spring is a time of year we all look forward to after a long wet and cold winter season. However, with the increase in warmer temperatures, also comes misery for millions of people who suffer allergies such as hay fever. Luckily, there are some things you can do to prepare, and try to make sure that pollen is kept outside, and you are as comfortable in your own home as possible.”
5 top tips to prepare your home for hay fever season:
1 - Keep windows closed during the day
Despite the temptation to throw open your windows and enjoy that fresh spring air, this is also a bad idea for hay fever sufferers. During the day is when pollen counts are at their highest. You should aim to keep all windows shut during the day for this reason, and only let fresh air in at night when pollen levels are lower.
Also, one thing that is often overlooked is that trickle vents need to be closed. Although trickle vents are designed to ensure a constant flow of fresh air for essential ventilation, during high pollen months, it would be better for hay fever sufferers to keep these closed as well.
2 - Don’t introduce any flowers into the home
When spring arrives and flowers are blooming, it is so tempting for someone in a household to bring home some fresh cut flowers to make the house look beautiful. However, for anyone already starting to suffer hay fever, with their airways already inflamed and reactive, this can add an unwelcome amount of suffering to someone. During the hay fever season it is wise not to introduce any known allergens into your home.
3 - Spring clean
Now is the time to prepare your home for spring by ensuring all the dust and cobwebs are taken care of whilst you can. A thorough top to bottom clean of your home, wearing a facemask to protect against dust if you are the one who suffers is highly recommended. For people with allergies such as hay fever, dust can be a major coexisting allergy so it is best to prepare early and keep on top cleaning throughout the spring and summer months.
4 - Keep pet’s extra clean
Pet’s are a major source of pollen in the home. When they come in from outside and shake themselves, or rub up against you, the pollen that will have collected on their coats will transfer into your atmosphere inside the house. Especially dogs who love to roll and scratch around on grass. Try and regularly brush, or wipe down with a towel your beloved family pet. Especially after walks.
5 - Invest in an air purifier
Investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter is a smart choice for those suffering with hay fever. HEPA filters can catch the tiniest of particles helping to remove pollen from the air inside your home. You don’t have to spend a fortune either.
Anthony continues: “For homeowners who suffer serious allergies, there is an alternative (although more costly) remedy for removing airborne allergens in the home, and that would be looking at a complete home renovation to the EnerPHit Passivhaus retrofit standard. Although not as strict as Passivhaus standards, an EnerPHit renovation will create an energy efficient environment that removes airborne allergens through mechanical and filtered air ventilation. However, it does come at a major cost, somewhere between £800 to £1000 per square meter for the retrofit.”
