As the calendar flips to spring, many homeowners brace themselves for the onslaught of seasonal allergies. Pollen, dust, and mold spores that fill the air wreak havoc on sinuses and respiratory systems. Fortunately, a well-maintained HVAC system can be your first line of defense against these irritating allergens. Here are some crucial HVAC maintenance tips that will help you breathe easier this allergy season.
Keep Up With Air Filter Maintenance
One of the best ways to prepare your HVAC system for allergy season is to clean or replace your air filters at the right time. It’s important to note that while regular replacement of air filters is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality and system efficiency, changing them too frequently can be counterproductive.
Air filters are actually at their least efficient when brand new. This might seem counterintuitive, but a brand-new filter has yet to accumulate the fine layer of dust and particulates that help in trapping even smaller particles. If you think about the blue floss air filters that you can buy at any home improvement store, when they are new and you hold it up, you can see right through the filter, and after being installed in the system for a period of time, the filter looks like a piece of cardboard and you can no longer see through it.
In the beginning, a lot of small particles pass right through the filter, but as the larger particles are caught and begin to block the spaces, the filter catches smaller and smaller particles and its operating efficiency rises. While the increase in efficiency allows the filter to be more effective at trapping dirt, pollen, dust, and allergens, it will eventually reach a point when it becomes harder for air to pass through the filter. When air struggles to get through, it can cause the system to work harder and lose efficiency.
The key is to find the correct balance between effective filtration without negatively impacting the operation of your HVAC system. The average home can typically go 90 to 180 days before needing to replace the filter. If you have pets or a high level of activity in your home, you may need to replace the air filters more frequently.
It is recommended to consult with an HVAC professional as to the best type of air filter you should use in your system during the springtime. While the expensive allergy filters boast about their efficiencies at removing allergens, they restrict airflow far too much for many of today’s systems and are detrimental to your HVAC system’s operation. An HVAC professional can quickly and easily test your system’s air flow to determine which filters are best for both filtration efficiency and system operation.
Invest in a Professional HVAC Maintenance Program
An often-overlooked aspect of allergy-proofing your home is scheduling professional HVAC maintenance. A thorough inspection and tune-up by a certified technician can identify and rectify potential issues that could impair the performance of your system. This service ensures that your system is not only running efficiently but also effectively removing allergens from the air circulating in your home.
Enhance Indoor Air Quality With Germicidal UV Air Purifiers
Incorporating a germicidal UV (ultraviolet) system into your HVAC setup offers a formidable solution to reducing allergens and illnesses circulating within your home’s environment during the spring and throughout the rest of the year. These systems harness the power of UV light to destroy the DNA of microorganisms, effectively neutralizing bacteria, viruses, mold spores, and other pathogens before they can be distributed through your HVAC system. This can significantly improve indoor air quality, reducing the occurrence of allergy symptoms and the spread of infectious diseases.
Additionally, by curtailing the growth of mold and bacteria within the HVAC system itself, germicidal UV systems also contribute to the longevity and efficiency of the system, ensuring a healthier living space and potentially reducing maintenance and energy costs over time. This makes them an invaluable investment for those looking to enhance their indoor air quality and prepare their HVAC system for the upcoming allergy season.
Keep Your Air Ducts Clean
The ductwork in your home plays a crucial role in circulating air but can also act as a conduit for dust, debris, mold, and other allergens if not properly installed and maintained. A thorough inspection of ductwork can reveal hidden issues such as leaks, blockages, or accumulations of dust, mold, or other allergens that may be compromising indoor air quality. By identifying and addressing these issues, you can significantly reduce allergens circulating throughout your home, alleviating symptoms for allergy sufferers.
Manage Indoor Humidity Levels
Maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels is another important HVAC tip for those with allergies. Excessive humidity fosters an environment conducive to mold growth and dust mite proliferation, exacerbating allergy symptoms. A properly sized and well-maintained HVAC system is key to maintaining a balanced indoor humidity level (between 30% and 50%). If you’re preparing your HVAC system for allergy season, schedule a maintenance appointment with a professional HVAC technician.
Ensure Proper Home Sealing and Ventilation
Preventing outdoor allergens from entering your home is just as important as managing indoor air quality. Seal gaps around windows and doors to minimize intrusion. Next, ensure your home is properly ventilated to expel potentially contaminated air and introduce fresh, filtered air. This can be particularly effective when pollen counts are low, allowing you to refresh your home’s environment naturally.
Consider an Air Quality Test
If you’re still struggling with allergies despite following these HVAC tips, consider scheduling an air quality test. This test can identify the specific allergens present in your home, helping you take targeted steps to improve your indoor air quality.
Spring Into Action to Find Relief From Allergies
With the allergy season fast approaching, now is the time to prepare your HVAC system. You can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family by implementing the strategies noted above.
If you need help preparing your HVAC system for the allergy season, call on the experts at Style Crest. With our AC maintenance services in Melbourne, FL, we can provide you and your loved ones with much-needed relief from common allergy symptoms. Get ready to breathe cleaner, healthier air, and contact our professionals today.
