Like allergies, HVAC systems are seasonal. When the weather gets chilly, you crank up the heat. When it warms back up, you turn on the air conditioning. What you might not realize, though, is that all that heating and cooling throughout the year could be aggravating your allergies.
This is something we see all the time in our work as a heating and air company in Yankton, SD. Families struggle to get their allergies in check without knowing that they can be improved with a little knowledge about their HVAC system. We’re here to share everything we know about allergies and HVAC systems so you can find some relief.
Why Do Allergies Get Worse in the Fall?
The fall isn’t a season people typically associate with allergies. If you’re like so many homeowners, though, you’ve noticed that year after year, you start coughing and sneezing the moment you turn your system on for the first time in the fall. Why is this? The answer is simple: debris buildup.
Here’s what happens.
All summer long, your heating ducts sit idle. While you’re enjoying wonderful weather for the few months you can, your heating ducts are accumulating dust, pollen, and other allergens. Then, when you turn the system on for the first time in the fall, all these things break loose and make their way into the air of your home, wreaking havoc on your allergies.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution.
Instead of allowing your ducts to become nature’s dumping ground, have your ducts cleaned annually, right before you turn your system on in the fall. Clean air is incredibly important for those who have allergies, and this annual cleaning will do a deep dive into your ducts, getting rid of backed up dust and mold particles, making your household’s air fresh and clean all season long.
What About HEPA Filters?
There’s a lot of buzz about HEPA filters and their ability to strip pollutants from the air. In this case, the hype is right on the money. In fact, HEPA filters can remove up to 90% of particulate matter from the air, which means they’re much more effective than standard household filters at keeping your air clean.
Just like any other filter, though, HEPA filters require regular cleaning. Without this, the filter’s fibers get saturated, which interrupts the airflow and makes it impossible for the filter to scrub any more irritants from the air. So stock up on your HEPA filters, and make sure you note somewhere when it’s time to change them.
Allergy-Proof Your System This Year
When the weather starts to cool down, you might not be thinking about running your AC system. What you might not realize, though, is that your AC actually plays a large part in your home’s air quality.
Here’s why.
Air conditioning ventilates the home, pulling fresh air from outside and cooling it with the compressor. The system then pumps the cooled air into the home, simultaneously pumping stale air out. This process circulates air, keeping the air in your house from being stale and removing allergens that might be hanging around.
The lesson? Run your AC every once in a while, even when your home isn’t warm enough to necessitate full-time use. It’ll keep your indoor air fresh, clean, and allergy-free.
HVAC Services You Can Count On, Even During Allergy Season
While you can’t improve your allergies overnight, you should be able to find some relief through duct cleaning, HEPA filters, and the occasional run of your AC. Need to hire a heating and air company in Yankton, SD? We’re here for you. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our team today!
