While allergies can afflict us any time of the year, spring is the season that is typically associated with the sneezing, sniffling, coughing and runny noses caused by allergic reactions. That’s because most plants bloom in the spring, releasing pollen in abundance during their reproductive process. Which means, if you’re allergic to any type of pollen, you need to minimize your exposure to it. Reducing exposure to allergens will improve your overall indoor air quality considerably.
Minimizing Exposure to Pollen
As with any allergen, it’s best to eliminate pollen at the source. You can close doors and windows, but chances are you have to go outside sometime. When you do, pollen will come to rest on your clothing. Does the dog or cat go outside? They will come back in with pollen on them. Brush off yourself and the pets before you or they re-enter the home. Or, change clothing immediately and put those clothes in a plastic bag till you wash them.
If you have indoor plants that bloom, sequester them in a separate room until they are done blooming.
How the HVAC Can Help Trap Pollen
Your HVAC system can help trap pollen and other indoor air pollutants, but only if you use a good quality, pleated air filter. Cheap fiberglass filters will be ineffective, while polyester filters, rated from 8 to 12 on the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) scale are best. Change the filter frequently for it to be most effective.
There are several other means to use technology to trap pollen and other indoor air pollutants. Some homeowners install reusable electrostatic filters in the HVAC. These trap pollen with an electric charge. The pollen sticks to a plate, which must be cleaned periodically to be effective. These filters cost more than disposable filters, but will last a long time.
You can also try using an air purifier with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, either portable or whole house model.
To learn more about air purification and allergies in your home, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning of Lorain.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about home comfort and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area