Allergens are inside and outside of your home. But while you’re inside, your best defense against them is through your HVAC system. As your system circulates air throughout your home, it’s an important player in helping to alleviate your allergies. Below are some of the ways you can improve your indoor air quality through your HVAC system.
Use a high-quality filter.
Your HVAC system’s filter is a great way to improve your indoor air quality. A basic flat filter will generally have a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of one to four and are designed to protect the furnace, not improve indoor air quality. Filters are available with ratings from one to 20 MERV. For allergy season, consider using a high-efficiency filter that can remove smaller particulate from the air. Don’t forget to change your air filter every three months or more frequently if you have pets.
Add dusting to your spring-cleaning list.
While you are dusting your blinds, shelves, and cabinets, add vents and registers to the list. Vents and registers are often-overlooked areas that can negatively affect your home’s air quality when ignored. Make sure to dust and/or vacuum these areas.
Clean around your outside HVAC unit.
Keeping the area around your outside unit clean and removing any debris helps ensure the air being pulled into your home is as clean as possible. A clean unit also allows your system to run efficiently.
Maintain proper humidity in your home.
If the humidity in your home is too high, it can heighten allergies. High humidity causes mold growth. By adding a dehumidifier to your HVAC system, you can control the humidity throughout your whole home, ensuring it’s just right!
Schedule HVAC maintenance.
Maintenance is the best and easiest way to reduce the number of allergens that enter your system, and spring is the perfect to time give your system a once over. Additionally, the number one reason air conditioners breakdown is due to the accumulation of dust and other particles in your home’s air. During a tune-up, your technician performs a cleaning of your system reducing the particulate. Regular maintenance is also key to fixing issues within your system before they become expensive, major problems.
If you live in the Orlando area, Rainaldi Home Services can help with all your HVAC system and air quality needs. Our professional HVAC technicians keep your system running properly through regular maintenance and can provide you with indoor air quality tips for your home. Give us a call (407) 413-9795 or schedule an appointment online.