Unfortunately, allergy season in Texas lasts pretty much all year due to the state’s diverse plant life and unique climate. Allergies are characterized by sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, coughing, fatigue, and scratchy throat. The good news is, there are some things you can do to limit your family’s exposure to allergens, such as replacing your windows for a better fit.
Here’s a look at the main allergens per season:
- Spring: Oak, elm, and pecan pollen
- Summer: Grass
- Fall: Ragweed
- Winter: Cedar
Throughout the year, other allergens include:
- Mold
- Ashe juniper trees
- White sagebrush
- Bermuda grass
- Chinese mustard
- Four-wing saltbrush
Steps You Can Take
Your windows play a big role in how allergen-proof your home is. While you can’t keep every allergen out, you can do your part to limit their entry. From sealing gaps to replacing drafty windows, here’s how you can enjoy a more comfortable season.
Repair Caulking
Just one small crack in your caulking can allow pollen, mold spores, and dust to get inside your home. Now is a good time to check the condition of caulking around your windows and doors. Look for tears, cracks, and gaps, and then re-seal as necessary.
Add an Air Purifier Near Each Window
When seasonal allergies are at their highest, keep your windows closed and run the air conditioner or heater instead, which have filters that trap allergens and keep them from infiltrating your indoor air.
However, there’s no denying the benefits of fresh air. When you have the windows open, keep an air purifier with a HEPA filter near each window to trap contaminants before they can trigger allergy symptoms.
Clean Windows and Window Treatments
Dust in curtains, shades, blinds, and on windowsills offer a welcoming environment for dust mites to thrive. Be sure to dust often and clean your windows and sills once a week. Use a water solution with a splash of bleach to kill mold spores and dust mites. When dusting, use a damp microfiber cloth to trap the dust rather than simply moving it around. Don’t forget to clean your ceiling fans, too.
Wash your fabric curtains and drapes in hot water monthly to remove contaminants and kill dust mites. You’re best off not using curtains and drapes if you suffer from allergies. Instead, choose window treatments that are easier to clean, such as roller shades, composite shutters, and vertical blinds. Clean these weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
Add a Pollen Filter
If you suffer from seasonal allergies yet enjoy keeping the windows open, place a screen pollen filter on the outside of each window to trap pollen and other allergens before they can make it inside.
Replace Your Windows
Consider window replacement in Texas if your current ones are aging and inefficient. New windows are the best way to ensure a tight seal and keep out allergens.
Contact Amazing Exteriors and Breathe Easy About New Window Installation
While you can’t do much about allergy season in Texas, you can do something about limiting the allergens that get inside your home. Book your consultation today on our Infinity by Marvin® replacement windows when you contact us at 512-428-8417.
