Regular HVAC Care Helps Control Allergy Symptoms
If you have allergies or asthma, indoor air pollution can trigger a reaction that can leave you uncomfortable in your own home.
Most people don’t realize that indoor air pollution levels are actually much higher than outdoor levels — typically two to five times higher, but sometimes much more than that. That level of pollution ups the ante on the allergy content of your indoor air.
Common allergens in polluted indoor air include:
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Cockroach droppings
- Pollen
When these particles become airborne, you can breathe them in and experience the discomfort of an allergic reaction. How do you prevent that from happening? Here are four suggestions:
- Maintain your HVAC equipment properly – The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home can produce and spread mold and other allergens, so maintaining your HVAC systems properly is a key to keeping your home air healthy. Get your system checked every year to make sure it’s running at its best.
- Change your filters regularly – Keeping your air conditioning filters clean can make a big difference in managing your allergy symptoms. Follow manufacturer’s filter cleaning and maintenance instructions to minimize exposure to allergens from your HVAC system.
- Clean your air ducts – If you suspect mold may be growing inside your HVAC system, consider having the air ducts serviced. If you see mold particles near your ducts or smell a musty odor coming from your vents, you’re probably due for cleaning.
- Consider adding an indoor air quality system – Whole house air cleaners, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and UV filters can take HVAC filtering up several notches, capturing even the smallest particles in your indoor air and preventing the conditions that lead to microorganism growth.
Keep allergies at bay with proper HVAC maintenance! Contact us today to learn about these and other indoor air quality solutions for your Maryland home.
