With the return of spring, we also have a return of pollen and other allergens. While we all enjoy the warmer weather, dealing with allergies is no fun. You may be particularly frustrated when you deal with them in your own home. Because the air quality in our homes can be significantly worse than outside, allergens and other pollutants can build up, triggering more allergy symptoms.
Common indoor air contaminants that can trigger allergies include:
- Bacteria
- Dirt and dust
- Dust mites
- Mold and mildew
- Pollen
- Pet dander
Our homes tend to be well insulated and sealed. This is generally good because proper insulation can help your HVAC system run more efficiently and prevent heat and cooling loss. However, the downside is that we don't get nearly as much fresh air circulating through our homes. In the springtime, allergens get tracked inside and they get stuck. There is a solution! You can use your HVAC system to help combat your springtime allergies and breathe a little easier.
Keep reading for three ways to put your HVAC system to use against seasonal allergies.
Replace Your Air Filters Regularly
Your HVAC system has a built-in air filter. These air filters go a long way in helping reduce dust and allergens in your home. However, they only work if they are replaced regularly. It is recommended that you replace your air filters every three months. If you suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, you may wish to change your air filters more often. You may also want to change them more often if you have pets, as pet dander and pet hair can be major allergy triggers.
Basic HVAC air filters are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased online or at most hardware stores. If you are unsure how to change your air filter or do not know what type of air filter your HVAC system uses, reach out to our HVAC specialists at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical and Solar for help.
Have Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned
Many people are surprised to learn that their air ducts need to be cleaned. Because they are largely out of sight, hidden behind walls and in ceilings, we tend to take them for granted. However, dust, dirt and even mold and mildew can build-up inside your air ducts. When you turn on your heater or air conditioner, dust and other particles are then circulated throughout your home.
By cleaning your air ducts, you reduce the amount of dust and particles in your home's air. It is recommended that you schedule air duct cleaning once a year. If it has been over a year since your ducts were last cleaned, contact Valley to schedule professional air duct cleaning.
Boost Your Air Quality with Whole-Home Air Filtration Systems
If you have severe allergies or asthma, you should consider boosting your HVAC's air filtration capabilities by installing a whole-home air filtration or air scrubbing system. Though your HVAC system's filters remove a fair number of particles from the air, they cannot remove smaller contaminants. More advanced filtration systems can remove even more allergens and particulates from the air, including those that are too small for your standard air filter to capture.
UV air scrubbers can help you combat microorganisms such as mold spores, bacteria, germs and viruses. These systems use special ultraviolet lamps to kill and neutralize microbes instantly. This creates cleaner, safer air inside your home.
Both UV air scrubbers and whole-home filtration systems are installed inside your air ducts. To learn more about improving your indoor air quality, reach out to our team at Valley. We can help you get some relief from springtime allergies.
What's Happening This Month at Valley
This month we are looking forward to the start of spring. We think this is a great time to start tackling some of those projects around the home. On the blog, we go over how to label your electrical panel and why you should. A clearly -labeled electrical panel not only saves you time when dealing with electrical repairs or installations, it can also keep you safe during an emergency.
As warm weather approaches, we are also thinking about the rise in the popularity of solar power. While many people can benefit from installing solar panels on their homes, you want to be sure it's the right choice for you. If you have ever wondered if you should convert your home to solar energy, you won't want to miss our blog on the pros and cons of going solar.