Seasonal allergies are a common problem for millions of Americans. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly one in five adults suffers from seasonal allergies. Also known allergic rhinitis, it can cause serious discomfort during the spring and early summer months. Fortunately, you can gain the upper-hand on seasonal allergies by following these heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) tips.
#1) Get Your Ducts Cleaned
When was the last time your air ducts were professionally cleaned? If it’s been longer than three to five years, you should consider getting them cleaned. Pollen and other allergens can accumulate inside of air ducts. Getting your air ducts cleaned will remove these allergens so that they don’t contribute to seasonal allergy attacks.
#2) Maintain Humidity Level
Maintaining an appropriate humidity level inside your home can lower your risk of seasonal allergy attacks. There’s a strong correlation between allergies and indoor humidity. If the air inside your home is too humid, it will encourage mold to grow. If the air is too dry, on the other hand, allergens will be able to float around from room to room with greater ease. Using your home’s air conditioner, you can lower the humidity level so that it’s not too humid nor too dry.
#3) Change the Air Filter
Don’t forget to change your HVAC system’s air filter. A clean air filter is your HVAC system’s first line of defense against allergens. Before being conditioned by your HVAC system, air must travel through the filter. The air filter will remove a myriad of common airborne allergens, including pollen, dust, dander and even mold.
#4) Clean the Registers
Another tip to lower your risk of seasonal allergies is to clean the registers. Registers are the supply vents that expel conditioned air into your home. You’ll often discover dust and debris on the surface of the registers. Using a damp washcloth, though, you can clean them. Cleaning the registers will reduce levels of airborne allergens in your home.
#5) Check the Condensate Drain
Check your HVAC system’s condensate drain to ensure that it’s not clogged. Most HVAC systems have at least one condensate drain. It’s a drainage pipe that transports condensation to your home’s exterior. If the condensate drain is clogged, water will pool up around up, which can lead to mold growth. And because mold is an allergy, it may contribute to allergy attacks.
