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Spring is almost here, and many people look forward to the change in seasons and the transition to warmer weather. However, spring is also allergy season, and anyone who suffers from allergies knows how annoying they can be. Although you can’t avoid allergens when you go outside, there are things you can do to remove them from your home’s indoor air. Let’s go over things you can do to boost your home’s indoor air quality for everyone in your household—not just allergy sufferers.
Common Allergerns in Montana
Montana’s diverse landscape, ranging from mountain ranges to vast plains, contributes to a variety of common allergens that affect residents and visitors. Seasonal allergies in Montana are largely driven by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, while indoor allergens also play a role year-round.
- Tree Pollen: In the spring, tree pollen is a major allergen, with species like cottonwood, aspen, birch, and pine being common culprits. These trees release fine pollen that becomes airborne, triggering allergic reactions such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
- Grass Pollen: During late spring and early summer, grass pollen is a primary allergen in Montana. Grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, brome, and timothy grass release pollen that can cause hay fever symptoms.
- Weed Pollen: In late summer and early fall, weeds like ragweed, sagebrush, and Russian thistle (tumbleweed) release large amounts of pollen, leading to allergic rhinitis in many individuals.
- Mold Spores: Mold is another significant allergen, particularly in damp environments or after heavy snowfall. Mold spores thrive in decaying leaves, soil, and indoor areas with poor ventilation.
- Pet Dander and Dust Mites: Year-round allergens such as pet dander and dust mites can also contribute to allergy symptoms, particularly during Montana’s long winters when people spend more time indoors.
Upgrade HVAC Filtration With HEPA Filters
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are your best defense against allergens. These filters capture up to 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores. This makes them a great choice for anyone with allergies or respiratory issues. Remember that HEPA filters need to be cleaned or replaced regularly, typically every 6 to 12 months depending on usage and air quality.
Improve Ventilation With HRVs and ERVs
Good ventilation is key to maintaining fresh indoor air and preventing allergen buildup. HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) and ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) are energy-efficient solutions that improve airflow by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while preserving heat or cooling energy. HRVs are best for colder climates because they retain heat during ventilation.
Without proper ventilation, allergens and pollutants can accumulate indoors, worsening allergy symptoms. At Ambient Air Solutions, we can install an HRV system to ensure a constant supply of clean, filtered air while removing irritants.
Whole-House Air Purifiers for Clean Indoor Air
Consider installing a whole-house air purifier for an added layer of protection. These systems, equipped with UV lights or activated carbon filters, trap and target airborne particles and pollutants, including bacteria, smoke, and pet dander, when professionally installed inside your HVAC unit.
Contact Ambient Air Solutions today for professional indoor air quality services in Helena, MT. Simplifying Heating & Cooling!