5 WAYS HVAC MAINTENANCE CAN REDUCE ALLERGENS IN YOUR HOME
Regular HVAC Maintenance is by far the most important strategy to combat indoor air pollutants for the 50 million seasonal allergy sufferers in the United States.
The main reason allergens are so annoying is they’re hard to avoid! They get inside your home through the air and can settle on almost any surface. These airborne particles include mold, pet dander, dust mites, and more. They make the air harder to breathe and can cause sneezing, coughing, itchy throats, red eyes, and runny noses.
If you’re ready to breathe easier, here are 5 HVAC maintenance tips you shouldn’t ignore!
1. Inspect Your Units
The outdoor AC unit pulls the outside air through the system, and that air later circulates through your home. The indoor unit fulfills a similar function. This is why it’s important to make sure that there’s no dust and debris around the units. Inspect them regularly and clear any dust and debris you find to stop the allergens from being pulled into your home.
2. Dust Return Vents and Registers
If you’re planning on dusting your home, tackle the registers and return vents first. Having dusty vents usually leads to a dusty home, as they circulate all the air from your HVAC system. Use a damp or treated rag to keep dust particles from kicking up and causing allergy issues.
3. Get High-Quality Filters
High-quality furnace filters are your first and best line of defense against poor air quality. If a furnace filter is dirty, it won’t be as effective in trapping debris. For best results, check up on your filters every month and replace them every three months. Look for filters with a MERV 8 rating or higher, as they can trap more microscopic particles
4. Check for Mold
Mold thrives in moist and humid conditions, which makes your HVAC system a potential breeding ground. Check your ducts, evaporator coils, the air handler, and condensate drip pan every month for signs of mold.
5. Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
Finally, keep in mind that spring is a great time to schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment. Regular maintenance keeps your system healthy and is one of the best ways to ensure that your system is dust and blockage-free. Don’t wait for the allergy season to pass — take a proactive approach in getting rid of indoor allergens!