The spring season ushers in more than just warmer temperatures and drier weather. For many Americans, with the warm breezes of spring come airborne pollen and mold spores, just to name a few common allergens that wreak havoc with scores of people’s respiratory systems. If you suffer from springtime allergies, you likely feel them every time you inhale.
The body’s battle with allergies typically leads to these common symptoms: sneezing, itching, and congestion. If that isn’t enough, spring also is considered tree pollen season. Spring prompts trees and plants to come to life, which serves as the main instigator of allergies for many people. It is estimated that 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. Many of these allergens make it into our homes, as we venture outside more often and are more likely to leave doors and windows open. But one major way we can combat allergens, at least inside our homes, is by fine-tuning and enhancing the effectiveness of HVAC units. That’s right. Keeping doors and windows closed more often and operating your air conditioner can go a long way toward limited the number of allergens circulating inside your home.
Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with Your AC System
Begin by scheduling regular HVAC maintenance at least twice a year – including right before summer. This will accomplish the goal of potentially greatly reducing the amount of dust, dirt, and other allergens accumulating inside your air conditioner and throughout your home. During an HVAC maintenance visit, HVAC technicians will inspect your unit and clean important components, diminishing allergen accumulation. Your indoor air quality can be significantly improved simply by establishing a healthier and cleaner HVAC system during the most active pollen times of the year. Clean HVAC Air Filter Keep in mind that a clean, clear air filter is your primary defense against poor air quality inside your home. When air filters are dirty, they are not able to adequately control outdoor allergens, which cause seasonal allergies, from coming into your home. A compromised air filter makes it possible for allergens to enter your home through your HVAC unit, and specifically the ductwork. Each air filter is assigned a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, commonly known as a MERV rating. This rating reveals the filter’s ability to remove various size particles from the air. We recommend you check your air filter on a monthly basis and clean or replace it as necessary. This will help to ensure your indoor air quality is good, and not laden with seasonal allergens. Dust Registers and Vents If your air return vents and registers are dusty, the whole house will also be dusty because air circulated by your HVAC system is distributed through these vents and registers. The vents and registers should be cleaned in each room. We suggest using a damp cloth so you don’t disturb the particles and exacerbate your allergy symptoms. Clear Away Dust and Debris Knowing that the outdoor portion of your AC unit draws in the fresh air that will be circulated throughout your home, make it a priority to rid your outside unit of dust and debris. Do your best to always have that area clear. Seal Your Ducts Be aware that air ducts can develop leaks, cracks, and loose connections. These openings allow fumes, as well as allergens and other irritating particles, to come into your home. This is especially the case if the ducts pass through your garage or an unfinished area. Depending on the location of your HVAC ducts, you probably will need the assistance of a company like Apollo Heating & Air Conditioning. Invest in HVAC Products that Enhance Indoor Air Quality Consider increasing the capabilities of your HVAC system in filtering outdoor air before it comes into your home by adding any or all of these HVAC products to your unit:
- Ultraviolet Air Cleaners
- Media Air Cleaners
- HEPA Filters
- Humidifiers
- Dehumidifiers
All of these HVAC products will work with your air conditioner unit to limit outdoor allergies and prevent them from impacting your indoor air quality.
Look to Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning for Expert Maintenance of Your HVAC
Look to the HVAC experts at Apollo to ensure your energy system is in excellent condition and operating at optimal efficiency so you can stay cool and comfortable this summer. Our experienced team of highly trained technicians will work with you and exceed your expectations during HVAC repairs and AC unit replacements. Apollo field technicians will work closely with you in deciding what HVAC system is the best, and tailor it to fit your unique needs and preferences! We are committed to delivering premium quality HVAC service, maintenance, products, and documentation in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and beyond! Learn more by contacting Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning! Call us at (509) 396-COLD (2653).
