More than 50 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies each year. Your HVAC system and other air quality appliances are some of the best ways to control outdoor allergens from polluting your home. Whether it’s itchy eyes or a stuffy nose, proper HVAC maintenance can greatly reduce allergy symptoms.
What is the connection between HVAC and allergies?
Your HVAC system moves air throughout your space. During the springtime, allergens like pollen and mold get into your heating and cooling system and spread all-around your house. Proper HVAC maintenance is the best to reduce pollen and other allergens from invading your space and making you sick.
HVAC Maintenance Tips to Reduce Allergies
Change your filters. When the air filter is dirty, it not only slows down the process of heating or cooling but can also negatively affects the home’s indoor air quality. Most HVAC systems have a MERV-8 filter installed by default. But updating the filter to one with Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values (MERV) of 13 or higher can help trap smaller particles and even help remove viruses from the air.
Inspect your ventilation system for mold and debris. Dust, pollen, moisture, and other allergens can collect in your cooling and heating ducts. Maintaining your ductwork so it’s clear of debris and properly insulated will allow you to breathe in cleaner air.
Schedule preventative maintenance. During a maintenance check, HVAC technicians can thoroughly inspect your unit and clean critical components, reducing allergen buildup.
Invest in air purifiers. UV air purifiers, in particular, can be installed in your HVAC ducts to “clean” air that moves through. They use short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C light) to fully eradicate airborne pathogens and microorganisms like mold, bacteria, and viruses.
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Indoor air quality testing is essential to your health and the health of other occupants of your space. Contact A. Borrelli today to schedule seasonal maintenance for your HVAC system.
