Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal allergies every year. Many people take allergy medicine to control the symptoms, but there are simple things you can do around your home to alleviate seasonal allergies. As spring settles in, it’s time to clean and upgrade your HVAC system.
What does an HVAC system have to do with allergy season? It is responsible for circulating air throughout your home, and you could breathe in any particles or allergens that may be floating around in it. Poor indoor air quality leads to increased allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, itchy eyes, sore throat, and sneezing. This can also lead to disrupted sleep and fatigue.
While there is no miracle product to eliminate all allergens in the air, there are several things you can do to keep indoor air clean this season.
In the springtime, pollen is public enemy number one. On warm, dry days, you may hear your morning news anchors warn you about high pollen counts. Air filters are designed to trap allergens like pollen. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters will catch even the tiniest of particles. They are so efficient at trapping particles that they could potentially cause your system to use more energy, especially if your HVAC equipment is outdated. Medium efficiency filters are usually sufficient for most homes, as they will still capture small and tiny particles. But you should consider upgrading your equipment for maximum results. If you’re unsure which filter to select, call one of our HVAC technicians for a professional opinion. Professionally installed high efficiency low restriction air filtration systems are available to better protect the air you breathe and your equipment.
Mildew and mold can hide in your HVAC system. They thrive in cool, damp places. If there is a leak in your unit or condensation buildup somewhere in your home, you could be harboring harmful toxins in your equipment. Mold spores could be blowing through your vents without you even knowing it, and that may be a major reason why your allergies act up when your furnace or A/C is running. It’s very important to check for mold regularly and to take steps to prevent it from creeping in. Consider a high intensity UV air purifier installed at your cooling coil to prevent bacteria, molds, and viruses from spreading through your HVAC system and into the air you breathe.
Besides regular maintenance and cleaning, you can take advantage of additional equipment to support your HVAC system. To control the humidity, try using a dehumidifier. The best option is a professionally installed < href="https://www.aprilaire.com/whole-house-products/dehumidifier">whole house dehumidifier that runs in conjunction with your HVAC system. It runs quietly in the background of your home, but it makes a big impact on reducing dust mites and mold spores. Another item to consider investing in is an air purifier. Air purifiers work alongside your air filter to trap tiny particles in the air, thus cleaning your air that much more. At Allied, we use the highest quality air purifiers from brands like Respicaire and Aprilaire.
You don’t have to suffer from allergies this spring! Do yourself and your family a favor and call Allied Air Conditioning and Heating to schedule your HVAC spring cleaning or to upgrade your equipment.
