The arrival of spring brings pleasant weather and blooming flowers, but it can also mean an increase in allergies. The good news is that modern HVAC technology provides various tools to help combat seasonal allergens. While specialized systems can eliminate allergens, your heater and air conditioner also play a vital role in improving air quality.
1. Replace the Filters
Your furnace and air conditioner serve as the first line of defense against allergens, and this is because their filters trap pollen, dust, and other particles. Although they might not be as effective as dedicated air purifiers, they still make a noticeable difference in the air quality in your home. However, filters have a limited lifespan and require regular replacement for them to provide you with adequate protection.
Most furnaces use basic fiberglass filters, which typically last one to three months. Some systems utilize advanced filters with longer lifespans. A common recommendation provided by HVAC experts is that you change out your filters every three months. If you have a crowded household with several people and pets, you should consider performing this task every month.
In addition to replacing filters, you should consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters if your HVAC system supports them. These filters are better at capturing microscopic particles, such as allergens and bacteria, and this is what makes them a valuable investment for allergy sufferers.
2. Prioritize Duct Cleaning
The ducts in your home circulate air from your HVAC system to every room. Unfortunately, they can also spread allergens, such as pollen, dust, and other contaminants if they are not properly maintained. Over time, these particles can build up inside the ducts, and this can compromise your indoor air quality. The pollen-filled air in the spring can exacerbate this issue, so this will make regular duct cleaning essential.
This task is not something that you can perform yourself. This is because duct cleaning requires professional tools and expertise. Trained technicians use powerful vacuums and agitators to remove stubborn debris, and this is followed by a thorough inspection to ensure all contaminants are eliminated. This process typically takes a few hours and can protect the air quality in your home for many years.
For added protection, you may also want to consider sealing your ductwork. This is because leaky ducts can draw in additional allergens from unconditioned spaces, such as attics or crawl spaces, and this can further contaminate the air inside your home. Sealing these leaks enhances air quality and HVAC efficiency.
3. Get a Dehumidifier
The humid conditions in the spring can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. These fungi release airborne spores, which are common allergens that can trigger symptoms such as congestion, watery eyes, and respiratory discomfort. Individuals with asthma or other respiratory issues may experience particularly severe reactions to mold spores.
Maintaining low humidity levels disrupts mold growth and prevents spore release. It’s critical that you aim for a humidity level of around 50%. While your air conditioner can help regulate humidity for the most part, some situations may call for a dedicated dehumidifier. Whole-house dehumidifiers are especially effective, as they integrate with your existing HVAC system, conserve space, and efficiently prevent mold growth throughout your home.
In particularly humid climates, it may also be helpful to use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your home. These devices are inexpensive and can alert you when humidity rises above the ideal range, which will help you to act before mold becomes a problem.
4. Seal Your Home
Pollen is one of the most notorious spring allergens, as it often enters homes through open windows and doors. While open windows can improve ventilation and help remove indoor allergens, they also allow pollen to invade your space. You can implement ventilation strategies that can strike a balance and minimize pollen exposure while maintaining fresh air circulation.
Keep your home sealed on high-pollen days, which are often warm and windy. In addition to this, you should use local pollen tracking services to monitor counts and decide when to keep windows and doors closed. On calm and cool days with lower pollen counts, opening windows for ventilation can help flush allergens out of your home.
You should also inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and other openings that might allow allergens to enter. Using weatherstripping or caulk to seal these gaps can further reduce pollen infiltration and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.
5. Install an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are a powerful tool for tackling indoor allergies. Whole-home air purifiers, integrated with your HVAC system, can address most airborne allergens without difficulty. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are particularly efficient because they trap at least 99.97% of particles, such as pollen and mold spores. While a few allergens may bypass the filter, most of them will not.
Electronic air cleaners offer another option. These systems use electricity to charge airborne particles, which then adhere to oppositely charged plates inside the purifier. These air purification solutions are low maintenance, as the plates can be cleaned rather than replaced.
If your allergies are severe, consider combining air purifiers with other solutions, such as UV lamps or dehumidifiers. This approach can significantly reduce allergen levels in your home and provide cleaner and healthier air.
6. Try UV Lamps
UV lamps are specialized devices designed to neutralize biological pollutants, such as mold spores and bacteria. UV-C light damages the genetic material of these microbes, and this renders them unable to reproduce or cause harm. Although brief exposure to UV light is insufficient to kill microbes, prolonged exposure within a UV lamp system is highly effective.
Installing UV lamps in your HVAC system ensures that air passing through your ducts is exposed to this purifying light. These lamps are housed in sealed chambers, so there’s no risk of accidental exposure. Additionally, UV lamps help prevent mold growth within your HVAC system, while traditional filters trap the dead microbes, which will enhance your home’s air quality.
UV lamps are particularly useful in regions with high humidity, where mold and bacteria are more likely to thrive. Combining them with a dehumidifier can provide a full range of protection against biological allergens.
7. Schedule Routine Maintenance
Even the most reliable HVAC systems require regular maintenance to address wear and tear. Dirt buildup, clogs, and minor mechanical issues can reduce efficiency and create opportunities for allergens to accumulate. Scheduling annual tune-ups for your heater, air conditioner, and air purifier is essential for maintaining optimal performance and air quality.
During routine maintenance, technicians will clean, inspect, and test your HVAC components to ensure they’re functioning efficiently. If they identify issues, such as broken parts or loose connections, they will make necessary repairs. Regular maintenance can usually be completed in a few hours and helps prevent major problems, ensuring your HVAC system remains a dependable barrier against spring allergens.
If you notice a sudden drop in air quality or performance between scheduled tune-ups, call a professional immediately. Early intervention can often prevent larger issues and keep your system running smoothly.
Call the Professionals
Our team is here to help you tackle seasonal allergies and improve the comfort. At Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating, we specialize in providing heating, cooling, and air quality services to residents in the San Antonio area. Whether you need new HVAC equipment installed, your existing system serviced, or expert advice, our licensed technicians are ready to assist. We prioritize your convenience, working efficiently and keeping your home clean throughout the process.
Every project is tailored to meet your unique needs. If you live near San Antonio, call Cowboys Air Conditioning & Heating to prepare your HVAC system for the spring season with HVAC maintenance.
