When spring rolls around, it’s time to get outside to tend to your garden, hit the ballpark, and plan some outdoor cookouts. But if you suffer from allergies, spending too much time outdoors might send you scrambling back to the safety of your home. Use these steps to ensure your home is a refuge from air pollutants.

Lay some ground cover

You already know we’re big proponents of regular HVAC filter replacements. We recommend changing air filters every three months and checking them monthly to ensure there isn’t too much dust and dirt buildup.

Dirty filters not only cause your HVAC system to work overtime to get air passed through, but they can also cause dirt and dust to build up in your ducts and household furniture. So keep them clean and allow all the air in your home to filter freely.

If you let your filter go too long without replacement, you might want to think about scheduling an air duct cleaning with your HVAC professional. At the very least, we recommend cleaning ducts every 6 years as part of regular maintenance to clean your system of any trapped debris built up over time.

Bring out the big guns

Now you’re ready to hit your home allergens where it hurts — at the source. Installing a home air purification system in your ducts protects the air in your home. In-duct units are mounted into air conditioning and heating system’s air ducts, which can relieve those suffering from allergies and other respiratory issues.

When it comes to whole-home air purification, the REME HALO™ is tough to beat. The award-winning system recreates a natural process for cleaning the air while killing indoor air pollutants throughout your home, including pollen, dander, dust, odors, and more.

Get some natural relief

Looking to add some beauty to your home while fortifying your air defense? Plants should not be overlooked as an effective tool in your air-cleaning arsenal. In fact, NASA commissioned a study that concluded plants could have a huge part in removing chemicals from the air inside our homes and offices.

Here are our 4 favorites (because they’re easy to maintain in the Tennessee climate while doing a darn good job of cleaning the air):

• Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
• Boston Fern
• Aloe Vera
• Bamboo

For more great houseplants, check out these 10 from the Huffington Post.

Don’t let dust, dander, and pollen take over your home. Use every weapon available to make your home a safe haven from allergens.