How to Combat Fall Allergy Symptoms with Your HVAC System

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Maintaining good indoor air quality is one of your best defenses against fall allergies, and your HVAC system plays an essential part. In this blog, heating and air conditioning contractor Schmitt takes a close look at how you can make your HVAC system your primary defense against fall allergies.

 

Keep Your Air Filters Clean

Air filters trap dust, pollen and other particulates that may trigger allergies; therefore, keeping the air filters clean is a must. Air filters typically require replacement every three months, or at least once a month during seasons of heavy usage. Routinely check the air filters and clean or replace them when clogged. Consider upgrading to higher-efficiency filters if the air filters tend to get clogged in less than three months. In addition to helping maintain indoor air quality, clean air filters also help keep the HVAC system running smoothly.

Have the Air Ducts Cleaned Every Three to Five Years

In addition to a regular air conditioning repair and maintenance routine, your air ducts need to be cleaned every once in a while as well since fine particles sometimes pass through the air filters and linger in the air ducts. While your ducts won’t get clogged like air filters do, dust and other particles do accumulate in them over time.

In the typical air duct cleaning process, the entire air duct system is sealed and subjected to negative air pressure, resulting in a vacuum that runs through the entire duct system. A mechanical brush agitates the dust in the ducts, which gets sucked out by the negative air pressure. After removing the particulates, a spray or aerosol sealant will then be applied.

Control Relative Indoor Humidity

The cooler the season, the drier your indoor air gets. The reverse happens during the summer season. Indoor humidity, when at proper levels relative to outdoor humidity, can help reduce the risks of allergies in the fall season. A whole-home humidifier/dehumidifier will aid in maintaining relative indoor humidity, and can be integrated into an existing HVAC system.

Call Schmitt for Your HVAC and Indoor Air Quality Needs

Schmitt is your leading provider of cooling and heating system repair and installation services. Give us a call at (415) 522-0966 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in San Francisco.