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It’s crazy to think, but Autumn tricks you. It looks like the cozy and cute season, right? Besides, in shows like Gilmore Girls, it’s like the ultimate comfort season, thanks to the crunchy leaves, pumpkin-scented everything, crisp mornings that make you want to pull out the blankets. 

Like, it’s all sheer perfection, but you’d probably be surprised to hear that it’s not exactly the healthiest for your home, though. Oh yeah, have you ever noticed your eyes watering, sneezing, and well, spring all over again? Well, none of this is in your head, because yeah, there are autumn allergies, and no, closing the window doesn’t immediately fix the issue either (usually the problem gets inside your house too).

Those Leaves aren’t Innocent

Sure, leaves look gorgeous when they’re turning color, but the second they hit the ground, they start breaking down. And when they break down, they collect mold. It’s something that’s obvious, but a lot of people don’t immediately think about it at the same time. So, if you step through a pile, track it inside on your shoes, or let the dog run through them, well, those spores are floating around your living room.

You Still Deal with the Dust

Shutting up the house feels good when the air turns chilly, but it traps everything inside. Meaning, you have to deal with dust, pollen, pet dander, and yeah, it all hangs around. But if you dip on the heat for the first time and you can practically smell the dust being pushed through the vents. So that’s why your allergies feel worse indoors in October than they did outside in May.

It might help to look into a company that offers HVAC services because, other than installing and repairing, they might be able to clean the ducts for you, too. Of course, this doesn’t solve everything, but it’s something that at least helps.

Indoor Air Gets a Little Gross

Honestly, it seems like autumn is the most indecisive season. It’s like this every single year, so it’s like one day you’re cranking the heat in the morning, then by afternoon you’re throwing open a window because it feels like late summer again. 

That back and forth keeps the air swirling in ways that stir up all the stuff you don’t want to breathe. But there’s still mold, leftover pollen, and even dust from the summer months you’re dealing with as well, so basically, a whole bunch of allergens, and your body is on overdrive. Usually, an air purifier can do the trick.

Usually it’s Just the Small Fixes that Help

So, an air purifier and HVAC professionals were mentioned earlier, and yeah, those two are definitely recommended. But it’s also going to help to just vacuum a little more, especially when it comes to rugs and carpets, where allergens love to hide. A lot of people own Roombas nowadays, and sure, that can help, but you’ll still need to clean the nooks and crannies that Roombas can’t get to.

If you have washable rugs, well, it helps to wash those every couple of weeks, and start washing your bedding with hot water too, because the chances are pretty high that theres dust mites all over it. Also, try and clean your pet’s paws before they come into the house (or in the mudroom if you have one of those. It’s usually this simple to fix the allergy problem.