HVAC Allergies: How To Get Rid Of Pollen From Your Home This Spring
Millions of Americans deal with allergies every year. Some experience it far worse than others. Many are sensitive, or environmental conditions trigger their allergies. If this is the case, it is recommended that you make a few changes to ensure you have a safe and comfortable home. After all, going home shouldn’t make you sneeze or trigger any allergic reactions. Tackle this problem by changing a few habits. This way, you go through allergy season without many issues. Otherwise, you will likely experience HVAC allergies more than you should. Fight against seasonal allergies and get your HVAC unit to help you.
HVAC Allergies: How To Help Reduce Your Seasonal Allergies This Year
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Read on to find out how you can turn your heating and cooling system into a proactive health ally.
Replace Your HVAC Filters
Impurities are mixed in with the air we breathe. These can trigger your allergies and respiratory problems. These impurities are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you can sometimes see them floating under the sunlight. Your HVAC system is equipped with filters that trap these contaminants so you can breathe in cleaner air. They minimize allergies as well as protect the unit.
As time passes, the filters get clogged with dust and dirt, so experts recommend that HVAC filter replacement be done regularly. This will ensure that your HVAC unit remains efficient as well. Air filter replacement is typically done once a month or every three months, depending on how fast the contaminants build up.
Upgrade To HEPA HVAC Filters
Most HVAC units come with basic filters that can capture large particles. They cannot catch small allergens like pollen because they have wide mesh. Manufacturers’ primary concern is to protect the system from any airborne contaminants that can harm the system and not smaller ones that can trigger health problems for the homeowners. Therefore, you might want to consider installing HEPA filters.
These are highly efficient in trapping small particulates as they have a tighter mesh. However, they can also affect the airflow, so ensure that you also make the necessary adjustments to your HVAC system. Consult an expert HVAC technician to help you find the best air filter for your needs.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Allergens inside your home will not float forever, and they will eventually drop on different surfaces around your house, like a table, the floor, and your bed. Make sure to clean surfaces at all times, especially those that are in your room. It is best to use a powerful vacuum cleaner instead of a broom or a feather duster. This will ensure that the impurities do not go back floating into the air as your vacuum will suck up all dirt, pollen, and dust and dispose of them properly. If you do not have a vacuum, you can use a damp rag to wipe the surfaces. The contaminants will stick to it immediately. Make sure to change and wash your beddings as often as possible as well.
Run The HVAC System Regularly
Stagnant water is a hazard because insects can breed in it. It also encourages bacteria and mold to grow. Having stagnant air is also dangerous because it does not allow pollutants to escape outside. Dirt and dust will continue to pile inside until they become more of a hazard. To prevent this from happening, switch on your HVAC system regularly even if you don’t think you need it. This will allow the air to circulate as your AC will pump fresh outdoor air inside and release the stale indoor air outside. Do this at least once every day for 20 minutes.
Install A UV Light For Sanitation
Ultraviolet light acts as a disinfectant. Hanging our clothes dry under the sun makes them dry faster and smell fresher. It also kills bacteria as UV light can destroy pathogens. UV light in concentrated form is also used to treat water. There are also small UV devices that can be installed in your HVAC unit to eliminate any allergens growing in it. This way, you prevent your system from distributing contaminated air throughout your house, and you’ll have healthier indoor air quality.
Seal Gaps On The Walls & Windows
Pollen and other particles can still get inside your house even though you keep all doors and windows closed. They might be passing through the gaps and cracks along the sides of the windows and doors. Therefore, conduct a thorough check throughout your house and look for anywhere unfiltered air can pass through. Use weather stripping, spray foam, or caulk to seal them. It would help if you kept all windows and closed during the peak pollen hours as well.
Use A Whole House Humidifier
Measure the humidity inside your home to gauge the environmental condition. The ideal humidity level is at 40%. An air that is too dry will result in allergens staying in it longer. This will trigger the allergies of sensitive people more frequently. On the other hand, air that is too humid causes mildew and mold to grow. Aside from affecting your health, these can also cause structural damage. Therefore, a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier is needed to ensure you have the perfect balance of indoor humidity.
Get Annual HVAC Cleaning & Maintenance
Consult a doctor for any severe allergic reactions you have. Consider talking to your local, trusted technician to find out ways you can have a healthier indoor air quality at home. Ensure that your HVAC system receives annual checkups and maintenance. This will ensure that you have healthy indoor air and that your HVAC unit is highly efficient and reliable at all times.
Conclusion
Spring season means that there are more pollen and other allergens mixed in the air. This can cause allergies to flare up, so sensitive people tend to stay indoors. They close their windows, keep surfaces clean, and rely on their HVAC equipment to filter the air. Call your HVAC technician to consult on what you can do to ensure you have healthy indoor air quality. They can suggest UV light installation or HEPA filter replacement. They will also conduct regular maintenance on your system. This way, you can be sure that you have a comfortable and safe home.
Call Lawes Company For All Of Your HVAC Requirements
Lawes Company offers excellent heating and cooling services in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey. We have highly skilled and professionally certified technicians for all our HVAC services needs, including air conditioner maintenance, furnace replacements, boiler repairs, heat pump installations, and more. Rest assured, each of our techs has extensive knowledge and experience to conduct accurate and prompt heating and cooling services at all times.
Our company guarantees one of the most affordable HVAC service rates in the area. We offer maintenance services to improve comfort and energy efficiency while reducing your monthly HVAC bills. If you are looking for the most suitable repair or replacement solutions for your home, we can recommend the best ones within your budget. Call Lawes Company today and schedule a service appointment. We provide free, in-home estimates.
Contact us now at (732) 741-6300 to find out more!