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Over 25% of all adults experience seasonal allergies, and you’re not just at risk outdoors. There are allergens in the home that can trigger reactions and worsen symptoms. While HVAC systems don’t cause indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, they can exacerbate them. Let’s explore how good HVAC maintenance habits can improve your home for allergy sufferers.
Filters
All HVAC systems require one or more filters, which prevent dust and other debris from building up on the equipment. HVAC filters also help improve IAQ. Choose a premium HVAC filter, and take note of its minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). Most modern HVAC systems support at least MERV 8, and many support as high as MERV 13. Using a filter with a higher MERV rating traps more dust and other particles.
It’s also crucial that you change the filter regularly. The average household must replace its filter approximately every three months, but don’t change it on a set schedule. How fast a filter clogs depends on the season and many other factors. Instead, check it at least once a month, and replace it when you can see the dust caking on the outer surface.
Evaporator Coil
You should schedule at least two seasonal HVAC tune-ups a year: once in the spring and again in the fall. In the spring, a technician will clean your air conditioner or heat pump. One reason that’s necessary is that these systems have an evaporator coil, which is integral to the refrigeration process. Air flows over the coil, which causes condensation and fosters an ideal breeding ground for microbial growth. A technician will clean the coil with a coil cleaner, sanitize the drip pan and, if necessary, clear out the drain line.
Combustion Equipment
During a fall tune-up, a technician will clean your heating equipment. For many homes, that’s either a fuel-burning furnace or boiler. It’s important to clean and calibrate these systems because they create toxic gases as a byproduct. Another reason is the buildup of carbon deposits. Dirty heating equipment can lead to a considerable amount of extra particulate matter in your air.
Ductwork
Schedule a duct camera inspection at least every other year. If you have asthma or severe allergies, consider annual inspections. Dust will accumulate in your ducts over time, and it can exacerbate allergies itself but also through off-gassing. Most homes will need professional duct cleaning every three to five years. Air leakage is another reason for regular inspections as ducts can develop worn seals over time. That’s problematic from an energy efficiency perspective, but it also affects IAQ. As conditioned air leaks out, stale air takes its place. The best solution for air leakage in ducts is typically duct sealing.
Ventilation
Some level of allergens in the home is often unavoidable. Often, a bigger issue is high allergen concentration levels due to insufficient circulation and ventilation. The system’s main blower requires cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment twice a year. If you have inadequate ventilation, consider upgrading the home with a whole-house fan. If you have a whole-house fan, including a heat or an energy recovery ventilator, it requires seasonal cleaning and adjustment, too.
Humidity Control
While air conditioners and heat pumps aren’t dehumidifiers, they dehumidify enough to keep homes comfortable. If the refrigeration process is suboptimal, there will be more moisture in the air. A high relative humidity (RH) can promote high allergen levels. Both high and low RH can irritate and even inflame your respiratory system. Seasonal tune-ups are essential to maintaining reasonable RH levels. If you find that RH still isn’t ideal, consider a dehumidifier or humidifier. Dehumidifiers remove moisture to lower RH in summer. Humidifiers add moisture to raise it in winter.
Air Purification
An HVAC filter helps clean the air, but it isn’t an air purifier. Many allergy sufferers augment their systems with in-duct air purification. Air purifiers are very effective as they can remove over 99% of all allergens. That said, it’s important to clean them thoroughly at least once a year and replace the filter media as necessary.
HVAC Tune-Ups in the Greater Chesapeake Area
Simmons Heating & Cooling is an HVAC company that works out of Chesapeake, VA and serves customers throughout the neighboring communities. Our NATE-certified technicians perform HVAC tune-ups in accordance with all manufacturer specifications and warranty requirements. We also offer a maintenance agreement that you can personalize to your needs. Ensure you get the seasonal HVAC maintenance you require while saving money and enjoying other perks. Call today to learn more about our indoor air quality services or to schedule an appointment.
