Use Your HVAC System To Manage Seasonal Allergies

image of a homeowner experiencing allergies

Millions of Americans are affected by allergies every year. Those who are more sensitive and who live in harsher environments are more likely to suffer. If you identify as one of these people, you may want to consider making adjustments to your house to improve your comfort. You no longer have to suffer. By modifying your behaviors and depending on technology, like your HVAC unit, you can confront the problem head-on. You will go through the allergy season with minimum discomfort if you take a proactive approach. Whereas, the converse is true. Without preventative maintenance, your HVAC system may even work against you (HVAC allergies). Continue reading to learn how to use your HVAC system to manage seasonal allergies.

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How To Significantly Minimize Your Seasonal Allergies

We’ll discuss how to make your HVAC system a health ally in this article.

HVAC Filter Replacements

air conditioner filter with dirt

There are pollutants in the air we breathe, which can cause allergies and respiratory problems in certain people. They are difficult to notice with the naked eye, although you may occasionally glimpse light bouncing off of them while looking through the windows. Filters are already installed on heating and cooling systems to collect dust and grime in the air that travels through them. These can help reduce allergies while also safeguarding the equipment. It is recommended by manufacturers that HVAC filters be replaced on a regular basis in order to avoid full air blockage, which might lower system performance and shorten its life span. Replace your air filters on a regular basis, ideally every one to three months, based on how quickly dirt accumulates.

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Upgrade Your HVAC Filters To HEPA Filters

The majority of HVAC equipment is equipped with standard air filters that are capable of capturing only relatively big particles. Pollen and other tiny allergens cannot be screened by the large mesh of these filters. This is because manufacturers are primarily concerned with preventing equipment from being damaged by airborne particles, rather than with preventing users from developing health problems.

You’ll need HEPA filters if you want to get the latter result. These are high-efficiency particle air filters with a more dense mesh that catch allergens and render them harmless. They will, however, decrease air flow, requiring extra changes to ensure proper operation of the HVAC system. Consult an HVAC contractor to determine your system’s best alternatives.

Maintain Clean Surfaces At Home

image of homeowner removing dust from home to improve indoor air quality

Allergens that do enter the home will not remain suspended in the air indefinitely. They will ultimately settle on surfaces like your floor, desk, or bed. Make a point of cleaning these surfaces on a regular basis, especially in your bedroom. Avoid using a feather duster or a broom since they will just serve to re-disperse the particles into the air. Remove all the dust, debris, and pollen using a strong vacuum cleaner instead. Using a clean cloth dipped in water is an alternative if you do not have one. Squeeze off any extra moisture and use it to wipe down the surfaces to ensure that dirt sticks instantly. The bedding should be washed at least once per week, if not more frequently than that.

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Regularly Operate the HVAC System

homeowner adjusting hbvac unit using thermostat

We are all aware of the dangers of stagnant water. It enables insects to reproduce and bacteria to grow more quickly. Even air that has become stagnant might be dangerous. Pollutants cannot escape if the air within the residence is stagnant. They will just accumulate within until hazardous amounts are reached.

One technique to increase ventilation is to sometimes switch on the air conditioner, even if you do not feel the need. Fresh air from outside will be brought in and stale interior air will be expelled as the air moves. Maintain this routine for not less than 20 minutes every day.

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Install A UV Light To Help With Sanitation

There’s no denying the disinfecting properties of UV light. When we dry our garments in the sun, it is not only to accelerate the evaporation of water. Additionally, UV light is used to eliminate bacteria and freshen the clothing. Concentrated UV light is also utilized for water treatment because of its capacity to eliminate microorganisms on a molecular level. UV devices of a smaller size can also be put in HVAC systems to kill allergies that develop within. This will keep polluted air from being carried throughout the house by the air conditioner. As such, the indoor air quality will increase significantly.

Fill Gaps In Walls & Windows

image of a person sealing the window and preventing air drafts

Even if you close all of your windows and doors, pollen may still find a way in. There are fractures and gaps in the doors and windows of several residences. Examine your home to determine whether it contains any of these tiny areas that enable unfiltered air to circulate. If any are discovered, consider blocking the flow with caulk, weather stripping, or spray foam. During the morning peak pollen hours, ensure that all windows are closed.

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Use a Humidifier For The Entire House

Determine the interior humidity level to have a better understanding of your unique environmental circumstances. This should, under ideal circumstances, remain around 40%. If the air becomes excessively dry, allergens can linger longer in the air and have a greater chance of triggering bodily reactions in sensitive persons. Mold and mildew may become a significant problem if the environment becomes very humid. A whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier can be used to restore equilibrium, depending on the situation.

Get Your HVAC System Cleaned & Serviced Every Year!

Allergies are just too complicated to handle alone. If you are experiencing severe allergic reactions, see a physician. Additionally, if you want to increase your home’s interior air quality, you can contact HVAC contractors. Every year, make it a point to clean the equipment and do equipment maintenance. Breathability will be greatly improved as well as system efficiency and dependability.

 

Conclusion

In the spring, allergies can get out of hand. Throughout the season, pollen and other allergies are abundant. Keep your house protected by covering windows, keeping surfaces clean, and filtering the air with your HVAC system. Do not be hesitant to use HVAC specialists for routine maintenance work, such as changing the HEPA filter and installing UV light fixtures. They’ll do everything they can to make you feel more at ease by improving the quality of the air in your home.

For Any of Your HVAC Needs, Contact Wilcox Energy

Wilcox_LOGOWilcox Energy offers unparalleled heating and cooling solutions on the southern Connecticut shoreline. We recruit qualified professionals only who can conduct superior HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installs, as well as replacements. All our technicians are well-versed in all aspects of HVAC repair and maintenance.

Wilcox Energy ensures the most affordable cooling and heating service charges in the area. The comfort and energy efficiency of your house will be improved and your heating and cooling charges will be reduced with the help of our routine maintenance services. If you find yourself in need of HVAC repair or replacement, we can make recommendations for the most cost-effective options for your house. To assure your complete satisfaction, we provide a guarantee on all of our services. Give Wilcox Energy a call now to book a service appointment. Our in-home estimates are provided at no cost to you.

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For more information about our HVAC services, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (860) 399-6218 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations.