Minnesotans both anticipate and dread spring. We look forward to the warmer weather that (sometimes) comes around mid-April but dread the stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and sneeze attacks that come with it. Combat seasonal allergies with your HVAC system.
Keep Ducts Clean
Regular maintenance of your ductwork, including periodic cleaning, can help reduce pollutants that trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Keeping those ducts clean can also extend the life of your heating and cooling system. This will save you money in the long run. Save some dollar bills AND reduce the number of times you sneeze in a day. Win-win.
IAQ Equipment
Seasonal allergies are so prominent, even if you avoid the outdoors because the air inside your home contains more contaminants than the air outside. Painting, cooking, cleaning, and other household activities play a big part in that. You can monitor the air quality of your home through indoor air quality equipment. IAQ equipment can gauge temperature and humidity levels. It also can gauge levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, airborne particles, and other pollutants, including Volatile Organic Chemicals. Knowing these levels will help you combat allergy attacks, along with other respiratory issues.
If you find your home has unsafe levels of contaminants, immediately open your house up and avoid using any cleaning supplies that could release VOCs. Also, call a professional as soon as you can to inspect your HVAC system.
Air Exchangers and Filters
An air exchanger improves the indoor air quality of your home and therefore reduces allergens. Air exchangers manage humidity levels, remove stale air and pollutants, and bring fresh, filtered air from the outside into your home. Stafford Home Service Inc. offers a variety of air exchanger options including heat recovery ventilators and energy recovery ventilators.
The main cause of allergies, as well as the number one cause of HVAC system failure, is a clogged air filter. Replacing or cleaning your air filter once a month will keep your home’s HVAC system running efficiently and effectively. It will also reduce allergens in your home.
Dehumidifiers
Along with allergies, spring brings excess moisture due to melting snow and rising temperatures. Too much moisture in your home can cause many problems. A few that aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms include mold growth, mildew, and pollutants. Installing a whole-house dehumidifier that operates in connection with your home’s HVAC system will manage humidity levels for premium comfort. This system will also decrease dust mite infestations, mold and mildew growth, and other allergens. Plus, it will reduce your air conditioner’s load since it won’t have to overcompensate for humidity.
HVAC System Maintenance
Scheduling regular preventative maintenance for your HVAC system will keep your heating and cooling systems operating at tip-top efficiency, productivity, and safety. Having your system checked twice a year will not only save you money by preventing expensive repairs in the long run but also give you peace of mind knowing that everything is working correctly and combating allergens in your home.
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies, make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently and safely. Contact us today with any questions, or to schedule a heating and cooling service.