Louisiana is the only “lucky” state to appear on the “10 worst cities for spring allergies” list twice. With allergies being the sixth leading cause of chronic illnesses in the U.S., the importance of clean air in your home can’t be underestimated. The quality of indoor air depends on many factors. One of them is correct HVAC maintenance.
Our experts shared five key ways to reduce the number of allergens in your home all year round.
1. Use High-Quality Filters (and Replace Them Regularly)
If you suffer from allergies, you should take full advantage of HEPA filters. These filters remove 99.97% of contaminated particles 0.3 microns in diameter from the air, including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.
Other HVAC filters come with MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) ratings. If the rating is below 13, the filter isn’t suitable for households with allergy sufferers. HVAC systems with a MERV rating of 13 and higher can remove more than 98% of contaminants 0.3 microns in diameter.
If you suffer from severe allergies, consider choosing HEPA over MERV filters.
No matter how powerful your filter is, it doesn’t work unless you replace or clean it regularly. Make sure to consult with an HVAC maintenance technician to set up a cleaning/replacement schedule.
2. Keep Both Outdoor and Indoor Units Clean
Allergens cling to the surfaces of your outdoor units. You can keep them from getting inside by wiping these surfaces with damp cloths. Cleaning the indoor unit is just as important. By doing it, you can increase the lifespan and efficiency of filters.
While you can wash some parts of the HVAC system on your own, consider leaving thorough cleaning to professional technicians. According to The HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association, allergy sufferers can benefit from increasing the frequency of professional cleanings.
3. Check For Mold and Remove It
If you have high levels of humidity in your home, mold growth may be inevitable. Mold spores can cause severe allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. As mold grows in the system’s ductwork, coils, or drip pans, spores circulate through your home and settle on surfaces.
That’s why it’s important to check for mold growth regularly. If you discover the problem, consider calling a professional HVAC maintenance team to clean the system. While it’s possible to do the work your own, it’s easy to miss hard-to-reach spots, making the entire effort useless.
4. Give Your HVAC System a Hand
Since high humidity can result in mold growth, you can help your HVAC system by investing in a dehumidifier. Additionally, you can consider an air purifier with a HEPA filter to ensure the best air quality in your home.
Considering the current situation in the world, you may want to think about UV light systems for HVACs. You can either speak to your HVAC technician about UV light cleaning during routine maintenance or install a permanent system in the ductwork.
UVC light isn’t just effective for alleviating allergy symptoms. It also kills bacteria and viruses.
5. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regardless of the age or type of your HVAC system, the key to keeping your air clean and allergen-free is regular maintenance. While it’s possible to replace filters and clean surfaces on your own, you need professional assistance with the majority of tasks.
Conclusion
Since allergy sufferers should minimize contact with contaminated surfaces, it is better to avoid any DIY cleaning or repair.
At CMC, we focus on keeping your home safe by providing all the necessary HVAC repair and maintenance services. Call us today to schedule your next maintenance session.