Fight Fall Allergies With Your HVAC System
September 30, 2021
You would think that fall would provide some relief from the sneezing, itching, and watery eyes that come with allergies. After all, all the plants are dying off, right? The good news is that you can fight fall allergies with your HVAC system.
Many plant species are trying to set seed before cold weather sets in. And that means pollen in the air — lots and lots of pollen.
Along with plant allergies, fall means more time indoors, making us subject to more mold, mildew, and dust mites.
How Do You Fight Fall Allergies?
Modern HVAC systems do more than heat and cool your home air. They also provide air cleaning and humidification control.
Here are a few tips for improving your systems capabilities.
1. Upgrade Your Filter
A fresh filter will always improve the air quality in your home. But upgrading to an air filter that specifically removes allergens is a simple way to fight fall allergies.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recently recommended an upgrade in filter efficiency for public buildings in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ASHRAE measures filter efficiency by MERV — Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value — and recommended filters with MERV 13 rating or higher. Many residential units can’t handle filters that fine because it reduces air flow through the system.
However, in light of allergy season, you should upgrade to the highest MERV rating your system can use efficiently.
You can also install a HEPA filter, which filters our 99.97 percent of particulates of 0.3 microns and larger.
2. Clean Your System
Dirt and dust accumulates in your HVAC system, which counteracts even the best filter. You can clean your outdoor unit with a shop vac and a few household tools, if you feel confidant of your fix-it skills.
You also want to ensure your ductwork is clean. You can clean the vents and registers yourself. However, most of the time, the real grime lies far beyond the reach of a regular vacuum tool. Call in an HVAC professional for a thorough cleaning and disinfecting.
3. Install Air Purification
Air purification systems that utilize UV light can reduce a significant portion of the mold and mildew in your home. Combined with high-filtration devices, air purification can provide relief for those sensitive to mold, and help reduce allergy symptoms
4. Run Your System Frequently
Along with heating and cooling your home, your HVAC system helps filter contaminants and removes excess moisture. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), running your system fan without heat or cooling will recirculate the air and help remove allergens.