Throughout the year, dust mites, pollen, fungi spores, bacteria and pet dander build up in the ducts of your heating and cooling system. Many of these particles cause or aggravate allergies. A neglected HVAC system lowers indoor air quality by blowing allergens around the home. If maintenance of the HVAC system is neglected, these allergens can escape into the home. Just three maintenance tips can improve air quality and reduce allergies in your home.
- Change your filters on a regular schedule. A dirty A/C or furnace filter can host bacteria and mold when the humidity is high. Filters with rips, holes and particle buildup signal that your air filter needs changing. Efficient air filters only work well when they are changed regularly and properly installed. With the improvement in air quality, allergies decrease in frequency. Make sure you read the filter’s packaging carefully to make sure it’s the type that will catch mold, allergens and other small particles.
- Seal air ducts and eliminate air leaks. If you have leaks in your ductwork, or the ducts collect dirt and debris over time, pollutants can find their way into your indoor air, aggravating allergies. In addition, leaking ducts cause your HVAC system to work harder, increase your utility bills and hastening premature breakdowns.
- Schedule annual maintenance for your HVAC system. In addition to the steps you can take in changing your air filters and sealing accessible duct leaks with mastic or metal tape, schedule an annual maintenance check on your HVAC system. The technician will inspect all parts of your system, repairing loose connections and replacing worn parts, as well as checking refrigerant levels and other tasks. Regular maintenance will ensure that your system operates at peak efficiency, including the important job of keeping allergy-causing particles out of your indoor air.
To schedule your annual maintenance, improve your air quality and reduce your allergies, please contact us at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc. We’ve been serving Dayton area homeowners since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about allergies and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today.
| Maintenance Checklist image via Shutterstock |
