In a matter of weeks, the seasons are going to change. Along with this change is the release of pollen, which causes millions of people to have hay fever and springtime allergies.
According to experts, there’s no cure but you can take steps to restrain springtime allergies, including tweaking your household habits.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Coon Rapids MN that offers year-round home comfort solutions, including air purification systems.
Overview
Pollen is the biggest allergy trigger during spring as trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants. They can easily get into the nose of a person with allergy and lower his body’s defenses.
In addition to pollen, indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach droppings can cause allergic reactions and asthma symptoms in anyone who has preexisting respiratory conditions. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reveal that at least six allergens are found in more than 50 percent of homes. While being 100 percent allergen-free seems a little far-fetched, but thorough and regular house cleaning can significantly minimize the number of allergens present in your indoor air.
Keep your house clean.
Most homeowners dust off their homes at least once weekly. However, many fail to wipe their HVAC vents and registers. These vents transport forced air from your HVAC system, collecting dust. This is then circulated throughout your home via your furnace or heat pump. You should first gather the dust in every room, using damp or treated rags when dusting your home to keep it from picking up mites and other dust particles that can trigger allergic reactions. Keeping your home clean is an effective way to fight allergies.
Consider duct cleaning.
You may not realize, but your air ducts are another source of allergens in your home. Your home’s ventilation system and duct network usually run through the attic, basements, and crawlspaces — areas that are rarely cleaned. If your ducts are old, leaking, or have cracks, they can suck in air from these areas. Your HVAC system then pumps the air directly into your living spaces, further casting allergens that are normally found in the dirtiest parts of your home.
Duct cleaning and maintenance should be entrusted to a qualified HVAC professional. If you think there are issues within your ductwork, call a trained technician who will inspect and seal them off. Maintaining your ducts is a great way to ensure your HVAC system does not circulate airborne particles. It also helps your home comfort system perform more effortlessly.
Use a vacuum cleaner.
There are areas in your home that accumulate more dust such as carpeting and furniture. An effective way to collect dust in these areas is using a vacuum cleaner, which can help control allergens in your home. Keep in mind that vacuuming can also send particles into the air and cause problems for anyone with a dust mite allergy. So, be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. This can trap small particles and prevent them from spreading into your home. Be sure to do this at least once per week.
Use a whole-home humidifier.
Maintaining a healthy indoor air quality not only involves house cleaning or vacuuming; it also requires making sure your home is properly humidified. The cool mist released by a humidifier helps invigorate the body and clear up the congestion in the nasal cavity. That’s why you should consider running one if you have someone suffering from sinusitis.
Keep your outside HVAC unit clean.
Your outdoor HVAC unit draws air from the outside, which is then distributed throughout your home. So, be sure to clear your outdoor unit from dust and debris. This will keep pollen and allergens from being sucked into your home. Also, check your indoor HVAC unit and wipe off dust and debris collected in the filter. As much as possible, keep the area around the HVAC system free of clutter and dust it off to minimize allergens in your home.
Need Help? Call the HVAC Pros
If you need help maintaining your HVAC system to ensure it does not circulate allergens, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll make sure your system is clean inside and out. We are your friendly Andover heating and air conditioning company.