Fall Allergies: The Impact of Your HVAC System

How Your HVAC System Influences Indoor Allergens

Your HVAC system keeps you warm in the fall or cool during a warm day, but it also has a huge effect on your indoor air quality. Every time you turn on your furnace or air conditioning, air gets circulated throughout your home. And that air could be loaded with whatever allergens are in your environment. Dust, pollen, and mold can proliferate in poorly maintained systems. If you haven’t had your air ducts cleaned or your filters changed in a while, your HVAC system could be spreading allergens instead of trapping them.

Steps You Can Take to Breathe Cleaner Air at Home

You don’t have to live in an allergen-infested bubble. There are several proactive steps you can take to improve your home’s air quality. Here’s what you can start doing today:

• Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly: Your filters are designed to catch allergens and dust, but if they’re full, they won’t do much good. Swap them out every three months or more frequently during peak allergy seasons.
• Invest in a Humidifier or Dehumidifier: Mold and dust mites love certain levels of humidity. Keep your indoor humidity between 30-50% to minimize these triggers.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: An annual check-up with a local HVAC company is needed to keep your system running. Routine maintenance can also prevent issues like mold buildup in your air ducts.
• Consider an Air Purifier: For those with severe allergies, an air purifier can help a lot. Whole-home systems integrate with your HVAC setup to filter out particles more effectively than standard filters.

Focus on HVAC Maintenance

While it’s great to clean and take preventative steps on your own, your HVAC system needs professional attention to function optimally. Working with a trusted HVAC company ensures your system is clear of debris and functioning efficiently. Regular maintenance can prevent common issues, and if you notice problems like weak airflow or strange noises, you might need an air conditioning repair or furnace repair sooner rather than later. You don’t want to be left scrambling for a heating replacement when the first winter chill hits. An HVAC specialist can also recommend advanced solutions, like installing a UV light to kill bacteria or upgrading to a system that’s better for air quality.

Tips for Allergy Relief Beyond the HVAC System

While maintaining your HVAC system is critical, it’s also worth considering other ways to keep allergens at bay. Little lifestyle changes can help you breathe easier:

• Vacuum Often: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to pick up dust, pet dander, and allergens.
• Wash Bedding Frequently: Allergens love to settle into your bed. Wash your sheets in hot water once a week to keep them in check.
• Shut Windows During High Pollen Days: As tempting as it is to let in the fall breeze, outdoor allergens can flood your space. Instead, rely on your HVAC system to circulate air.

Do You Want to Take Control of Your Indoor Air Quality?

Your home shouldn’t be a battleground. By taking simple steps to maintain your HVAC system and understanding how it affects air quality, you can breathe a little easier. Aire Serv is here to help you take the right steps to maintain your HVAC system and improve your air quality. If you’ve been looking for a local HVAC specialist, give us a call and schedule a time for your next air conditioning repair, furnace repair, heating replacement, or maintenance service.