It’s officially Spring! That means, it’s allergy season once again. Allergies may not be devastating, but they are definitely a nuisance. If you or any member of your family is having a tough time dealing with allergies, especially during the spring, you might want to take some steps to remove irritants from your home.

This mini guide can help you reduce allergens around the house and take steps to reduce the sneezes and wheezes for the entire family.

Clean the air

According to the EPA, indoor air is 70% more polluted than the outdoor air. That’s alarming considering that most of us spend a decent amount of time inside our homes. How do we keep the indoor air clean and fresh? Changing your HVAC air filters would be a great place to start.

Air conditioner and furnace filters are your first line of defense against dust, mold, pet dander, and indoor pollen. They filter out dust and other irritants that would otherwise circulate throughout the house.

Mind your mattress

If you are allergic to dust, then we suggest that you cover your pillows sand mattress with zip-on dust mite proof covers to protect your sleeping area. Wash pillow cases, blankets and sheets in hot water at least once a week. Also, avoid putting stuff under the bed as clutter attracts dust bunnies.

Implement a no shoes policy

Encourage family members and guests to slip off their shoes at the door to keep pollen and dusts from entering your home. This will prevent you from spreading allergens throughout the house.

Provide exterior and interior doormats to trap shoe muck. Don’t forget to provide indoors slippers for your guests so they don’t have to roam around the house barefooted.

Get rid of wall-to-wall carpeting

Just about every type of allergen accumulates in the carpet, and walking on carpet fibers release these allergens into the air. Tile and hardwood floors are preferable. If getting rid of the carpet is not an option, be sure to vacuum it weekly. Use a vacuum with HEPA filter.

Stick to a regular cleaning schedule

Keeping pet dander, pollen and dust at bay is a continuous process. So be sure to dust and vacuum the house at least once a week. Wear a mask and gloves when cleaning and vacuuming.

During the cold Colorado winter months, most people spend the majority of their time indoors to stay out of the cold. As the weather starts to warm, it’s time to rediscover the outside world and check those areas of your home that need maintenance.

Maintaining a happy and healthy home goes beyond just cleaning and vacuuming. Here are 4 maintenance tips to keep your Denver Colorado home humming for spring.

Check outside faucets

Subzero temperatures can cause water inside the pipes to expand, which results in a massive pipe burst. Once the weather starts warming up, the water thaws and begins to move again. The longer water is allowed to flow, the more you can expect to pay for repairs. As such, it is important to check your outdoor faucets and deal with the problem immediately.

Check the gutters

A debris-clogged gutter can lead to water damage, foundation issues, and extensive roofing damage. The problem is that most homeowners do not give their gutters much thought, unless there’s a problem with them. That’s why it’s important to keep your gutters clean.

Clean your gutters to keep them working like they should. Also, make sure that the downspouts are clear and free from debris and draining away from the foundation. Don’t forget to check for loose or leaky gutters.

Inspect your roof

Winter can take a toll on your Denver home’s roof. Spring is an excellent time to inspect your roof to ensure that it is in top condition.

Get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder. Do you notice gaps in the shingles, loose shingles, wear and tear around the pipes or loose materials? If so, then you should address the problem in the soonest possible time. If left unaddressed, you may find yourself facing water damage. Your roof is your first line of defense against water damage. You want to make sure your it is equipped to handle the elements.

Keep allergens away

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, 8% of Americans experience seasonal allergies. With the changing of seasons comes an increased output of pollen from weeds, grass, trees, and the specter of allergic rhinitis.

Don’t wait for spring allergies to happen. Keep allergens at bay by starting your spring cleaning early. Clean and dust every surface of the house. Wash the curtains. Vacuum the floors. Don’t forget to change your air filters.

As tempting as it may be the let the spring breeze in, keep the windows closed to keep pollen out. This will create a safe retreat during the peak pollen season. Change your clothes once you get home. Pollen sticks to fabric, so you may end up spreading them throughout the house.