A Guide to Spring Allergies & Your HVAC System
Many people experience spring allergies as pollen counts rise. Homeowners should know how to maintain their HVAC system to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms. Here is some insight into how these appliances can minimize issues.
How Do Allergens Affect HVAC Systems?
Even if you keep the windows and doors closed in the spring, microscopic plant parts can enter the house in the air, on clothes, and on animal fur. However, your HVAC system lowers the pollen count in your home by circulating the air through a filter.
High humidity can worsen allergies by encouraging mold, mildew, and dust mites to multiply. The AC lowers the amount of moisture in the air by removing water vapor with the evaporator coil and transferring it outside. By including a dehumidifier or setting your HVAC system to remove humidity, you can reduce the likelihood of your symptoms worsening indoors.
How Can You Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Homeowners should keep doors and windows shut as much as possible to reduce the chances of pollen entering the building. If your doors and windows are not waterproofed, they are more likely to let allergens inside, so seal around them with caulk.
Vacuum carpets and sweep wood or tile floors several times a week to reduce pollen transfer from pets and visitors. Deep-clean upholstered furniture twice a year to prevent embedded contaminants from worsening your allergies. Regular cleaning also keeps pollen from getting into the HVAC system and circulating throughout the house.
Install an air purifier and change your HVAC filter every month or two to mitigate the spread of contaminants like pet dander. Dirty filters can cause clogs, which reduce air quality and strain the HVAC system. As a result of minimal air intake, it requires more electricity to operate.
If your home needs HVAC maintenance, contact Alpine Heating & Cooling in Wayne County, OH. Their experienced technicians have more than 25 years of experience providing repairs and installations for residents and business owners alike. Call the Wayne County-area company at (330) 263-0013 or visit the website for more information on their services.
