Did you know that regular HVAC maintenance can contribute to reducing allergies at home? A home’s HVAC system circulates air if it is equipped with a blower motor and fan.
Therefore, forced-air systems exacerbate allergies when there are a lot of pollutants in the air. Routine maintenance cuts down on those pollutants.
More About Airborne Allergies
Airborne allergies are no fun. Also known as inhalant allergies, they are allergies to things in the air. And because we all need to breathe, people with airborne allergies can suffer considerably when in the presence of whatever they are allergic to.
Some of the most typical allergens are pollen, pet dander, and mold spores. But some people with airborne allergies are even triggered by dust.
Imagine what that must be like in a dry and dusty environment like Utah. Perhaps that’s why HVAC companies like West Haven’s Comfort Solutions push their maintenance programs so hard.
Like everything else in your home, your HVAC system gets dirty and wears out. Routine maintenance ensures it continues operating efficiently for as long as possible. And because routine maintenance also includes cleaning, it can go a long way toward reducing airborne allergies.
Filter Replacement
The easiest and most effective maintenance task homeowners can do on their own is changing filters regularly. Every forced-air system has a filter at the air intake.
Changing the filter is as simple as opening a small door, making the switch, and closing things back up. Filter replacement can be managed in mere seconds.
A small number of homes have older furnaces with filters located on the front face of the furnace itself. No worries. Changing the filter is not any more difficult.
You just slide the old filter out and slide a new one in. There probably won’t even be a door to open.
Filters are designed to trap all sorts of airborne pollutants. But the older they get, the less effective they are. For the record, choosing an HEPA filter is the way to go if someone in your household has airborne allergies.
Duct Cleaning Services
Many heating and cooling companies offer duct cleaning in addition to routine maintenance. This is something to do on an annual basis if you are looking to reduce allergies.
Even with filters in place, it’s possible for dust, pollen, and mold spores to get into ductwork.
Cleaning out the ducts once a year keeps those sorts of things to a minimum.
Extremely dirty duct work signals that you may have one or more pretty significant leaks. Finding and sealing those leaks could make a significant difference in terms of allergies. It will also improve your system’s efficiency.
Controlling Humidity Can Help
Maintaining an indoor humidity level of 30-50% can help relieve allergies by discouraging mold and dust mites.
Both allergens can be pretty annoying for people with sensitive respiratory systems.
From a maintenance standpoint, servicing a whole-home humidifier attached to the furnace would be included in regular service.
Preventing Mold and Mildew
If nothing else, routine maintenance is a good idea in order to prevent mold and mildew.
An experienced technician knows how to check things like condensers, coils, and drip pans for any signs of mildew or mold growth.
And if he finds anything, he also knows the right way to clean.
If you or someone in your household has airborne allergies, investing in annual or semiannual maintenance is a good idea.
Taking good care of your HVAC system should improve indoor air quality and cut down on allergens considerably. You and your family should notice a big difference going forward.
