How to Use Your HVAC System to Alleviate Your Allergies
Allergies sufferers may suffer from seasonal allergies while others endure allergy symptoms year-round. Unfortunately for both types, the usual ways to manage allergies range from eye drops to antihistamines, and none provide truly long-term relief. But one way to battle allergy symptoms in your home and stay comfortable for long periods can be achieved through a home’s HVAC system.
Keep Filters Fresh
Air filters can be the first line of defense when battling allergens in a home. Depending on the home’s geographical area and those living in a home, many factors can contribute to the need to change filters more frequently. The longer a single filter is in place in an HVAC system, the more allergens, dust, pet dander, hair, etc., will clog a filter. When this happens, an HVAC system has to work harder and can send return particles back into the home’s air.
Filters that are changed before any build-up begins can significantly impact the quality of a building’s air. For additional protection against allergens, consider investing in a high-quality filter. Not all filters are created alike, and the few extra dollars spent may help reduce allergy symptoms significantly.
HVAC Maintenance
For those with an outside unit as part of their HVAC system, don’t forget that it will need AC maintenance regularly. Outdoor units are exposed to excessive amounts of possible allergens that can enter a home’s air.
Make sure that the outdoor unit is cleaned frequently by using a broom or vacuum and having an HVAC technician come to perform maintenance. Also, ensure that the unit is free of branches, leaves, and overgrowth as they can cause issues with the unit’s performance.
Regular maintenance will help keep contaminants like mold, dust, and outdoor allergens such as pollen to a minimum or eliminate it in indoor air. When your HVAC system is clean and running properly, it can significantly reduce these contaminates from entering and growing in your home.
Make Sure Vents are Dust Free
Air vents in a home can accumulate dust, dander, and other allergens if not dusted regularly. Running a cloth over vents once a week can go a long way in keeping dust particles from entering an HVAC system.
If cleaning the vents doesn’t reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms, talk with an HVAC expert about the possibility of adding air purification or scrubbing devices to the HVAC unit. Doing this can provide additional protection against allergens entering a home.
Consult with an HVAC Professional
The conveniences in homes have streamlined the accessibility of heat and air conditioning, but this technology is sometimes complex enough to require an HVAC technician’s expertise.
An experienced technician can inspect and make recommendations for reducing allergens in a home. Anyone suffering from allergies can agree that such expertise is easily priceless.
Conclusion
Filters, air purification systems, regular cleaning, and other tools can positively impact the quality of air in any home. Using an HVAC system to maximize the ability to reduce allergens and allergy symptoms can considerably improve a person’s quality of life.
