How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring Allergies
The EPA indicates indoor air pollution as one of the top health risks facing Americans, including those in Gastonia, NC. The problem is even more pressing for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. If you have allergies or another respiratory conlidition, then you know firsthand how challenging spring can be. Allergists recommend minimizing your triggers in advance of the season. A core source of those triggers is your HVAC system. With that in mind, let’s consider the tips that HVAC experts recommend.
Dust Your Home
Many people associate pollen with spring allergies, but dust is just as big of a problem. In fact, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America lists dust mites rather than pollen as the number one trigger of year-round allergies. Dust acts as a sponge that traps other pollutants and contaminants, so they pass more freely around your indoor air.
Dust is a big issue when it comes to HVAC system efficiency. But your HVAC system doesn’t create the dust problem. It exacerbates it. Controlling dust in the home will result in a cleaner HVAC system. The EPA recommends a deep cleaning at least once a week. The lead up to spring is a great time to put in some extra cleaning. Using a microfiber duster, dust rooms from top to bottom. Then, vacuum floors and fabric surfaces to ensure that you trap most of the dust rather than just agitate it.
Schedule a Tune-Up
Seasonal tune-ups are important for a variety of reasons, but certainly improving indoor air quality is one of them. The general recommendation is to schedule a tune-up in the spring before you need to run your cooling system. As an allergy sufferer, you’ll likely want to bump that appointment up to the end of winter, just before spring. During your appointment, our technicians will perform a multi-point inspection and correct any minor wear and tear. They will also clean up all of the dust and grime that accumulated inside your system during the winter.
Calibrate Your Thermostat
It helps to have an air conditioning system attached to your HVAC system if you’re prone to allergies. This will promote conditioned and comfortable air inside your home throughout the allergy season. Thermostat calibration can help promote ample running time to keep indoor air healthy and allergen-free.
You can test your indoor temperature using a separate tool from your thermostat. If the reading does match what your thermostat says, calibration is likely necessary. Modern digital thermostats have a calibration mode through which you can program them. If you have an older thermostat, test that the mercury bulb is level. Then, adjust via the calibration screw.
Clean the Outdoor Unit
During a tune-up, our technicians will clean your outdoor equipment as well. Many people underestimate the role an outdoor air conditioning unit can play regarding indoor air quality. Clean away all leaves and dirt that may have collected in and around your unit during the winter. A professional should be the one to clean the coils and interior components. You should also ensure that there is at least two feet of clearance around the unit. If you have nearby trees, you may want to consider a leaf guard that provides protection while not interfering with the exhaust of air.
Schedule Duct Cleanings
No matter how clean you keep your home and HVAC system, dust will settle in your ducts over time. This accumulation will impact IAQ, including increasing allergy triggers. The EPA recommends duct cleaning as needed. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends one cleaning every two to five years for the average home. Allergy sufferers should opt for a more frequent schedule. Every other year, during your tune-up, your HVAC technician can clean out your ducts using a high-powered vacuum.
Seal and Insulate Ducts as Needed
Routine duct cleaning is also an opportunity for your technician to inspect your ductwork. Our technicians will perform an inspection from outside the ducts in either the attic or crawl space. They can use a camera system to carry out the interior inspection. The goal here is to spot leakage and poor insulation. Leakage can lead to poor IAQ. If our technicians find damage, you should fix, seal, and insulate your ducts right away.
Replace HVAC Filters
All HVAC systems have at least one supply vent with an air filter. Larger homes may have more. You should replace filters on a regular basis. The general rule is every one to three months depending on the type of filter you’re using. However, allergy sufferers are often better off opting for a filter that they can swap out every month. Electrostatic or washable filters are an option, but allergists often advise against them.
Clean Return Vents
When cleaning your ducts, our technicians will clean your return vents as well. During the years you skip duct cleaning services, you’ll need to do this yourself. Detach the vent from the ceiling or floor. This will allow you to clean the faceplate thoroughly. You can also use a microfiber duster in the mouth of the vent to clean it.
Upgrade to a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
If you are unable to maintain a relative humidity below 50% naturally, you should consider a whole-house dehumidifier. This system will integrate with your existing HVAC system. You will be able to control it via your thermostat. It will remove excess moisture from the air in order to prevent mold and a high number of particulates. Low relative humidity is also the most effective way to avoid dust mites.
Clean Dehumidifiers and Replace Filters
If you already have a dehumidifier, it is important to clean it before the allergy season. Replace filters as needed. You should also sanitize the interior to avoid biological growth. With whole-home systems, it’s best to have this maintenance performed by a professional.
Upgrade to a Whole-Home Air Purifier
All allergy sufferers should consider investing in whole-home air purification. It is the most effective way to remove allergens from your indoor air. There are many different types of systems on the market. Opt for a system that has a pre-filter and a HEPA filter. High-efficiency particulate air filters remove most particulates from the air, including pollen.
Replace Air Filters and Clean Air Purifiers
If you have an air purifier, the lead-up to spring is an excellent time to sanitize your unit and swap out filters as needed. If you have a whole-home system, your technician should perform this maintenance. Your technician can do this during an annual tune-up appointment.
Local Comfort Experts in Gastonia
Roland Black Heating & Cooling has served Gastonia and the surrounding areas for more than 50 years. As spring nears, we are the HVAC company to trust for all of your HVAC and IAQ needs. Our technicians install, maintain, and repair all residential heating and cooling systems. Our IAQ experts install whole-home air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers.
Call Roland Black Heating & Cooling today or contact us online to schedule an appointment or consultation.