As soon as spring arrives, many people brace themselves for allergy season—itchy eyes, runny noses, and non-stop sneezing. While pollen often takes the blame, the root of your allergy symptoms might not be coming from outside at all. In fact, indoor air quality can play a major role in triggering or worsening seasonal allergies.
Let’s explore how your home’s air could be impacting your health, and what you can do to breathe easier.
Allergens Aren’t Just Outdoors
Pollen is a common spring allergen, but it doesn’t stop at your front door. Once inside, it can settle into your carpets, furniture, and HVAC system—especially if your air filters aren’t catching it effectively.
Beyond pollen, indoor air can be filled with other hidden triggers, such as:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from cleaning products or off-gassing materials
These allergens can accumulate over winter when homes are sealed tightly, and ventilation is reduced.
How Poor Indoor Air Quality Affects Allergies
Poor indoor air quality doesn’t just make your home uncomfortable—it can actually intensify allergy symptoms by:
- Increasing the concentration of airborne irritants
- Triggering respiratory inflammation
- Disrupting sleep and recovery
People with asthma, young children, and the elderly are especially sensitive to indoor pollutants. But even healthy adults may feel the impact when the air inside isn’t clean or balanced.
For an overview of indoor air pollutants and health effects, visit the EPA.
Common Signs Your Air Might Be the Culprit
Not sure if indoor air quality is contributing to your allergies? Here are some telltale signs:
- You feel worse indoors than outside
- Symptoms persist even when pollen counts are low
- You notice musty odors or visible mold
- Your HVAC filters get dirty quickly
What You Can Do to Improve Air Quality
You don’t have to suffer through seasonal allergies. A few strategic steps can drastically improve your indoor air environment:
1. Replace Air Filters Regularly
High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can trap common allergens. Be sure to change them every 1–3 months during high-use seasons.
2. Invest in an Air Purifier
Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can reduce airborne particles in bedrooms or living spaces where you spend the most time.
3. Keep Humidity in Check
Humidity over 50% can encourage mold and dust mites. Use a dehumidifier in basements or bathrooms, and aim for a 30–50% range.
4. Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Test
A professional IAQ test can reveal what pollutants are present and recommend solutions tailored to your home.
5. Clean Smart
Choose unscented, non-toxic cleaning products to reduce VOCs, and vacuum regularly using a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner.
When to Call the Professionals
If you’ve taken steps to clean your air and you’re still struggling worsened seasonal allergies, it might be time to get a full assessment. Professional indoor air quality testing can detect invisible threats like:
- Mold spores
- Chemical pollutants
- Radon gas
- Poor ventilation or airflow issues
By identifying the exact causes, you can take targeted steps to create a healthier living space—just in time for allergy season.
Breathe Easier This Spring
You may not be able to stop allergy season from arriving, but you can control the air you breathe at home. By addressing indoor air quality, you not only reduce your allergy symptoms—you also support better sleep, energy, and overall well-being.
Need help improving your air quality?
Roberts Environmental offers certified indoor air testing and customized solutions to help you breathe easier, season after season. Contact us today to schedule your in-home assessment.