Spring has Sprung: 4 HVAC Tips for Allergy Season
Spring has sprung! While many people look forward to welcoming this season after a dreary winter, many do not. Why? Well, what else comes along with spring? Seasonal allergies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. If you or one of your loved ones is counted among them, we have four tips for your HVAC system to help you through allergy season and improve your indoor air quality (IAQ).
- Change your air filter on a regular basis
If you suffer from allergies, changing your air filter is one of the easiest things you can do to alleviate your symptoms and improve your indoor air quality. A clean air filter helps your HVAC system work properly, efficiently and safely while helping keep your system and ductwork clean. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes your HVAC system work harder, which means it is harder to trap airborne pollutants from your home’s indoor air – dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, viruses and more. Yuck! We recommend using a high-quality, high-efficiency air filter and replacing it once a month to alleviate your allergy symptoms. (For a washable air filter, clean it monthly during heavy use times).
- Use an air purifier
Many allergy sufferers find relief by using air purifiers. They help improve indoor air quality by neutralizing pollen, pet dander, viruses, bacteria, mold spores, smoke and chemical odors, so you breathe in cleaner air. Your options include a stand-alone unit from a home improvement store or you can install a whole house purifier to cleanse your air more thoroughly. Call Keith Air to discuss which is best for you.
- Regularly clean your home
Mom was right – a clean home means clean air. Vacuuming, dusting, mopping and washing laundry all help remove allergens we track into our homes each day, from our shoes to our pets. Further, improve your home’s indoor air quality by using natural or fragrance-free products when cleaning. Keep your windows and doors shut to prevent outdoor allergens from entering. Clean your air vents and grilles for better airflow and less dust in your air. Turn off your HVAC system first, then remove any dirty vent covers or grilles and use a soft cloth, duster, brush or vacuum hose to clean them.
- Schedule HVAC maintenance appointments regularly
We recommend having your HVAC system professionally serviced twice a year, especially if you’re an allergy sufferer. Make sure your system is working as efficiently as possible and is clear of mold, mildew, dust and other contaminants affecting your indoor air quality. You can consult your Keith Air HVAC professional if they recommend having your ducts cleaned to further improve your indoor air quality.
These four tips are good for all homeowners to follow, and they are especially critical for those battling seasonal allergies. For more tips on improving indoor air quality, check out this information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Your home’s indoor air quality is important to us! Keith Air Conditioning can assess your home’s indoor air quality, discuss air filters and air purifiers with you, perform a maintenance check up on your HVAC system and conduct duct cleaning if needed. Contact us at 251-517-4437 for more information and to get started today.