Sneezing, asthma, itchy eyes… Spring is a magical season, but beware of allergies. There are solutions for a pollen-free home.
Unfortunately, these small particles are not only rampant outdoors. Anticipate from the construction stage to ensure a pollen-free home. To benefit from moments of peace and best protect your family, it is better to block these small pollutants outside. But be careful to ensure the renewal of the air.
What pollens should homes in the South West protect themselves from?
In the South-West, some plant species present a high allergic risk. But not all departments are subject to the same risks.
Protecting your home from grass pollen in the Landes and Lot et Garonne
The moors and the Lot et Garonne but also the Haute-Garonne are regions where grass pollen can have high concentrations. In the prairies, forests, grasses are found everywhere, especially in more rural areas. They have a strong allergenic potential with a peak in June.
Beware of cedar pollen in the Toulouse region and the Pyrenees
The South-West departments are particularly exposed to Cypress pollen. The risk is high in April and May in the Toulouse region. This year, the alert was given from the beginning of March as reported by the south west newspaper
Trees: equally troublesome pollen
In the Arcachon basin, swept by the winds, allergenic pollens are less frequent. If in April the region is covered with yellow pine pollen, it is very weakly allergenic. On the other hand, as in other regions, trees such as alders oaks, birches hornbeams can bother sensitive people the pollen season begins in February.
See the pollen vigilance map updated by the RNSA national aerobiological monitoring network
Good ventilation for a pollen-free home
Today, new homes provide renewal thanks to ventilation. See the Sic house article: how to ensure indoor air quality in a house rt 2012.
Single flow ventilation
Fresh air enters through air inlets placed on the windows of the house. Mixing and renewal are ensured by a machine which sucks the air through the extraction vents, and rejects it outside. It is therefore more difficult for pollen to enter the dwelling because the opening of the windows is limited, even in summer. To go further, some air inlets are equipped with filters.
Double flow ventilation for a pollen-free home
There, the air inlet and extraction flows are controlled. The purpose of this system is to limit energy loss, thanks to a heat exchange between the outgoing air and the incoming air. But it also offers greater protection against pollen.
Filtration on the air inlets prevents pollen, dust mites and pollution from entering. Indoor air is healthier.
The air/air heat pump traps pollen
Intended to heat the house but also to cool it in summer, the air/air heat pump stirs the air in the house, 6 to 8 times per hour. Equipped with a filter, the device therefore recovers the allergens present in suspension in the air of the house.
visit Maisons Sic technical production test center to discover the different home equipment solutions.
Pay attention to the very regular maintenance of the filters!
Be careful however, these equipments, if they are effective must nevertheless be well maintained. A filter only protects against pollutants and ensures optimum air quality if it is clean! Maintaining the filters also ensures proper operation of the device and lower energy costs. Depending on the model, the filters will be changed or washed regularly. About every 6 months, before and after the pollen season. And even more in a very polluted environment.
