While allergies are prevalent primarily during the spring and summer when pollen is heavy, you can have problems with allergens throughout the entire year. Allergy sufferers often experience sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, runny noses, or shortness of breath. When allergens in the air increase, many people become downright miserable. Among other things, an HVAC system is a tool to help you manage these allergens. Let’s take a look at how your HVAC system can help with indoor air quality during the allergy season.
Some Ways HVAC Systems Improve Air Quality Indoors
By their very design, HVAC systems help those who live in your home become more comfortable. While this is typically related to indoor temperature and airflow, it also pertains to the quality of air you breathe. Here are a few ways a well-maintained system can improve the air quality for allergy sufferers in your home.
Removes Airborne Allergens
While most HVAC systems don’t include HEPA (high-efficacy particulate air) filtration without modification, you can install a HEPA filter. HEPA provides a fine mesh filter that will capture airborne particulates such as pet dander, dust, mold, and pollen. This kind of filter can even hamper bacteria, and when well-maintained, a HEPA system will theoretically remove up to 99.97% of these allergens from the air as long as they are at least 0.3 microns in size.
Since HEPA can sometimes interfere with airflow, many HVAC system users opt to purchase filters with a lower MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating than HEPA. While HEPA filters may have a higher MERV rating, not all filters with a high MERV rating are HEPA. As a result, you can purchase a filter with a 10 rating, which should be your base level, and not worry about either allergens or restricted airflow. For those set on HEPA, HEPA ratings start at a MERV 17.
When it comes to materials, the filter you choose can come in a variety of compositions. Here’s a listing of potential materials:
- Polyester
- Fiberglass
- Pleated cotton
- Plastic
- Activated carbon
- Metal mesh
Removes Odors
Outside air conditions aren’t always the source of every allergen. Sometimes, the odors of certain foods, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, pets, or even fabric softeners affect allergy sufferers who haven’t even ventured outside. Some HVAC systems use air purifiers to reduce the incidence of allergy-inflaming odors in the air. These devices trap the airborne particles that cause them. Just remember that scheduling regular maintenance on your HVAC system provides optimal odor management.
Ventilates the Air
In both the warmer and colder months, HVAC systems consistently renew the indoor atmosphere by bringing in fresh air through the ducts and filtering it before it reaches you. In doing so, the system removes most foreign particles that could aggravate allergies and does it before the contaminants become a problem.
Controls Indoor Humidity Levels
In the past, some older systems would dry out air when it passed over either the condenser coils in the summer or the furnace’s heating coils in the winter. One of the more useful features of a modern HVAC system is how well it controls humidity levels throughout the home all year round. Newer HVAC models have variable speed technology that can precisely adjust output for more continuous operation. Consequently, mold and mildew won’t find the optimal humidity levels for growth.
When the air has the right moisture level, mold can’t form and allergens have a harder time becoming airborne. Also, with moisture control, the air won’t be dry enough to irritate the mucous membranes of allergy sufferers, which can make allergies worse.
How to Enhance Your HVAC System for More Comfortable Allergy Seasons
The surest way to determine that your HVAC system is performing at its best during allergy season is to schedule maintenance in the early spring. This ensures that the system is at top efficiency during the peak pollen period.
When you call our professionals, they can clean the system, check refrigerant levels and evaporator coil health, and lubricate components like the bearings. They will also check for any issues that might need repair in the near future.
Still, there are steps you can take to make your system more efficient against allergens. Here are a few things you can do to win the fight against indoor particulates.
Regularly Change Your Air Filter
Check and clean your air filter monthly to help reduce allergens in your home. It is important to change the filter when it becomes too dirty. Typically, this should occur every three to four months, but those with pets may need to replace their air filters more frequently. When clogged by accumulated debris, a dirty filter in your home impedes airflow, forcing the HVAC system to be less efficient. Dust, pollen, and other particulate matter bypass the clogged filter or even detach from it to circulate through your home’s air.
Clean Your Air Ducts
Ducts are another place where dust and pollen can build up, and if the ventilation is bad in your home, mold and mildew could form in this area as well. Ideally, you should have your ducts cleaned every few years. This helps prevent allergens from recirculating through the heating and cooling system.
Invest in Air Purification
When trying to reduce allergens, you can use a standalone air purification device, but for the best results, it’s far better to have a whole-home air purification device incorporated into your HVAC system. One of these can be installed neatly and directly into your ductwork. Some models are at least 99.9% effective at managing allergens.
Since the purification system is at the duct level, clean air flows throughout the entire house rather than staying localized near standalone machines. In-duct models sometimes include technologies like UV light to kill airborne organisms such as mold, mildew, bacteria, and some viruses. Air purifiers also reduce the incidence of odors, which can cause issues for allergy sufferers.
Invest in a Humidifier or Dehumidifier
Keeping your home at the right humidity level is critical for reducing the incidence of airborne allergens like dust, dander, bacteria, and mold. While many modern HVAC systems include moisture-control features to keep humidity levels between 30% and 50%, some older units might not have these.
If this is the case, it’s relatively easy to add these types of devices to your home to ensure humidity levels are where they need to be. They will work in tandem with your HVAC system for greater comfort during allergy season.
Have a Professional Perform Yearly Maintenance
If indoor allergies are bothering you more, then it’s time to bring in a professional from Ahoy! Cooling & Heating. With over 15 years of experience, we are a top HVAC company in the Tampa area. We can perform maintenance checks and upgrade your HVAC system with any essentials to improve the air quality in your home. We can also take care of your other heating and cooling needs by implementing cutting-edge technology, like smart thermostats. Our meticulous installations, expert repairs, and conscientious maintenance can make your HVAC system more efficient. Contact us at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating today!
