The Asthma and Allergy Foundation lists Dayton as the worst city for spring allergy sufferers in the Midwest due to its high pollen and mold counts. But don’t pack your bags and move just yet. The tips below will help you drastically reduce spring allergies and keep breathing easy.
Purchase HEPA Filters
Tiny airborne particles like pollen and mold can get into your HVAC equipment and get circulated throughout your house. Typical HVAC air filters only trap large dirt particles and debris. High-energy particulate air (HEPA) filters are the best option for those suffering from allergies. They capture over 99 percent of pollen, smoke, and dust. Look for filters with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) rating of at least 10, and be sure to replace them every month.
Schedule Duct Cleaning
Allergens like mold, pollen, and dust can accumulate in your air ducts over time. As your furnace and air conditioner distribute air throughout your home, they also circulate these allergens. Hire professionals to clean your ductwork and eliminate these contaminants.
Clean around Your HVAC Unit
Your outdoor HVAC unit pulls in air from outside. This air eventually circulates inside your house. The dust, dirt, and debris around the unit can also be brought into your home. Avoid this by cleaning around the unit. Sweep and vacuum around your indoor unit as well to reduce the allergy triggers in your system.
Get a Seasonal HVAC Tuneup
Spring is an excellent time to have a professional do preventive maintenance on your HVAC equipment. Dirty equipment allows moisture and contaminants to enter your ductwork and encourage mold growth. During the maintenance visit, your technician will ensure your system is functioning correctly and free of blockage and contaminants.
As you have noticed, plenty of allergens can be lurking in and around your HVAC system. Take good care of your system regularly to prevent allergens from making you miserable this spring. For more information on reducing spring allergies, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We offer HVAC maintenance, UV lamps, and many other solutions that will improve the indoor air quality of your Dayton home.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
