5 HVAC Tips To Help With Allergies

5 Easy HVAC Tips To Help With Allergy Symptoms

By James K. Kim

Many people may not realize it, but seasonal allergies can occur year-round.

So-called “perennial” allergies are typically attributed to adverse reactions to household dust.

Other seasonal allergies such as “hay fever” can occur when the outside weather gets warmer with flowers and other allergy-inducing plants in bloom.

However, the good news is that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help alleviate many unpleasant allergy symptoms.

Here are 5 simple but effective tips for using your HVAC system to help reduce allergies and breathe more clearly:

1. Schedule your seasonal HVAC maintenance service appointment

Just like your car, your home’s HVAC system also requires regular maintenance and tune-ups by knowledgeable service technicians to ensure it is running efficiently and safely.

During a maintenance service visit, an HVAC technician will inspect and thoroughly clean components of the central heating and cooling system that typically collect and disperse dirt, dust, and other allergens back into the home.

Maintenance services may include cleaning the interior of the furnace, air handler, reusable filters, or outside condensing unit coil, potentially helping to alleviate many common allergies and airborne irritants.

HVAC experts agree that the ideal time to get maintenance on your system is once before the air conditioning season, and again before the heating season.

If you live in a Westchester County home and you’d like to have your HVAC system maintained annually to help reduce allergies, contact Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning to book your maintenance appointment now.

2. Clean your vents

Most homeowners are used to dusting their homes as part of their cleaning checklist.

Visible surfaces such as shelves, blinds, and furniture are common areas where dust and debris can build up, leading to increased allergy symptoms.

However, another part of the home that may be skipped or forgotten during dusting duties is the supply and return air register vents for your home’s ductwork.

Dusty register vents can negatively impact the air quality within the home, increasing allergies for the people who live there.

For an even deeper cleaning, consider hiring a local reputable duct cleaning company to get into the ductwork and remove excess dirt, dust, and debris.

As with any home services provider, be sure to read reviews and speak with trusted references when considering which duct cleaning company to choose. Like many other things, the cheapest may not always be the best choice.

3. Use high-quality filters

One of the most effective weapons for winning the war on allergens in the home is the filter used in your HVAC system.

Although HVAC systems may vary, the filter is typically located on or near the furnace or air handler unit in a “forced air” ducted type of system, or inside the ductless wall-mounted unit for mini-split systems.

HVAC system filters are measured with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, which measures the level of particle filtration.

The highest MERV ratings are within the range of 14 to 20.

But does that mean you should purchase the highest-rated MERV filter for your HVAC system? Not necessarily.

HVAC experts agree that during peak allergy season, a MERV filter with an 8 rating can be most effective. That’s because the higher the MERV, the harder your HVAC system will need to work in order to operate. The goal of the filter is to trap smaller particles and prevent them from clogging up your system’s mechanical components.

Another effective way to maximize the usefulness of filters is to replace them every few months. Factors such as pet hair, smoking, and dustier than normal environments may require more regular filter changes. Filter replacement may also be part of your seasonal maintenance service as well.

4. Keep the areas surrounding the indoor and outdoor units clean

Most HVAC systems work by pulling air that is circulating outside the home back into the system, which is then either heated or cooled accordingly and recirculated throughout the rooms.

To help ensure the air being pulled in from the outside is as clean as possible, HVAC systems pull the air that is circulating outside your home into your HVAC system, which is then circulated throughout your home.

It makes sense that the air being pulled in is as clean as possible (for furnaces and air handlers, the intake or “return” air is typically pulled in either at the unit or via return air ductwork).

Areas near the indoor HVAC equipment should be kept as clear as possible to ensure intake return air does not clog the system with allergens, ducts, and airborne particles.

It is also a good idea to ensure the outside unit (e.g. condenser or heat pump) is also clear of leaves, grass, dirt, etc. While it doesn’t necessarily bring in the outside air, a cleared and cleaned outside unit will help your system run more efficiently overall.

5. Monitor your indoor humidity levels

HVAC experts agree that most homes should have an indoor humidity level of 30-50% year-round. When humidity levels are too high or too low, not only can discomfort arise but allergies can be made worse.

High humidity can lead to potential unwanted organic growth and other unpleasant issues, while too low humidity (typically in the winter when hot air is circulating through ducts) can dry out the skin and nasal cavities.

One of the best ways to regulate home humidity is by installing a humidifier. There are a variety of humidifier types to choose from. If you live in Westchester County, contact Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning for a free estimate on having a humidifier installed.

Conclusion

Allergies, while at times inevitable and unpleasant to experience (especially in your own home), can be alleviated if the right steps are taken. You’ve already made a significant investment in your home’s HVAC system, so it makes sense to utilize it to your advantage to combat seasonal and perennial allergies. Call Cottam Heating and Air Conditioning today to help reduce allergies by scheduling your seasonal maintenance appointment.