If you suffer from fall allergies, you can put your HVAC system to work helping you combat the seasonal discomfort they cause. Most people associated allergies to plants with those of showy flowers or heavy perfume. However, it’s the flowers you can’t see or smell that cause the allergic reactions.
Plants with inconsequential flowers rely on pollen production compared to those with bold flowers and scents. Grasses, shrubs and trees are more likely to affect you. Since the pollen is airborne and widespread, air filtration is the ideal way to find relief.
Using Air Filters
Change or upgrade the air filter for your HVAC system. A denser or higher quality filter will trap smaller particles. Thin fiberglass filters won’t remove the small pollen particles from the air and they’ll just recirculate. When choosing a filter that will reduce allergies, look for the pleated filters with a rating of better or best.
If your HVAC system is old, check the owner’s manual to learn the densest filter you can use with it. If the filter is too dense, the air flowing through the system will slow, which could harm it and drive up energy bills.
If fall allergies are a serious problem for you or a family member, consider installing a whole-house air cleaner that will minimize airborne allergies continuously. One that uses HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration will provide the greatest relief.
Lowering the Pollen Population Indoors
It’s possible that the ductwork in your home needs to be cleaned. You check its condition by taking off a register cover and peering inside. If you see a lot of dust, ask your HVAC professional to come to your home for a full ductwork inspection. Not staying on top of air filter changes or ductwork leaks can increase the dust load in the ducts, as can remodeling without taking precautions to protect the HVAC system from the dust.
If you’d like more information about using your HVAC system to manage fall allergies, contact Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning, providing services for Lorain-area homeowners.
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 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