Springtime in the Sarasota area is the season of rebirth, but it’s also the season for outdoor and indoor allergies. While taking an antihistamine is one way to alleviate allergies, there are also several non-medicinal actions you can take to reduce springtime allergies indoors. These tips all start with having proper HVAC maintenance performed.
In Florida, allergens such as mold, dust mites, pollen, dander and cockroach droppings are commonly inhaled to cause allergic reactions. For people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, these allergens can cause severe adverse reactions. When these allergens are coupled with your HVAC system, they can be easily spread throughout your home. To reduce springtime allergies indoors, you should understand the importance of your air filter.
Importance of a Clean Air Filter
The HVAC air filter is an integral part of your cooling system designed to protect your cooling system from dust and debris buildup. It also serves to help reduce indoor allergens. Your filter does this by capturing harmful allergens before they’re spread through your home. Because the filter captures these allergens, it’s important to change the air filter according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. If you fail to do so, the dirty air filter will simply circulate the captured dirt and particles. A clogged filter can also cause problems for your system and may even permanently damage it.
In addition to causing the ductwork to become clogged and dirty with air particles, having a dirty air filter can lead to mold. Irritants like mold can lead to eye irritation, fatigue, coughing, sore throat, congestion, wheezing and a tight chest. The solution to this problem is to have your HVAC regular scheduled maintenance.
Tips to Reduce Springtime Allergies Indoors
- Know the minimum efficiency recording value (MERV) of your air filter, which can range anywhere from 1 to 20. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles the filter will prevent from being circulated.
- Have your regular scheduled maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician.
- Use high quality high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or high efficiency filters to filter out the most particles in the air. Be sure the rating is suitable for your system thought to prevent airflow issues. If you don’t know, ask your AC pro for advice.
For more information on reducing indoor allergies in your home, contact All American Heating & Cooling for the most advanced heating and cooling solutions.
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