Does HVAC affect allergies

Does your HVAC affect allergies? Allergies are a quick way to put a damper on summer fun. Waking up with itchy eyes, sniffling, and a stuffy nose takes the steam out of wanting to engage in sunny outdoor activities, especially on pollen-heavy days. Staying indoors through an allergy attack may not be as fun as other summer plans, but it can help lessen the detrimental effects of outdoor allergens and pollen. And not just because staying indoors avoids the trees, grass, and flowers — a home’s HVAC may be able to alleviate some of the symptoms experienced from airborne allergens and pollen.

Filtration is Fundamental

The HVAC unit’s air filter plays a crucial role in filtering out allergens, as well as ensuring the unit runs properly. It’s the first line of defense, designed to capture airborne contaminants before they make their way into a home. Because of this, it’s important that homeowners regularly check their air filters to see how clean they are and stick to changing their filters every 1–3 months. A dirty air filter will not only be unable to properly catch airborne particles as designed but make it more difficult for the HVAC unit to run overall, leading to other issues.

The type of filter is also important, as it determines how well each filter is able to function. Filters are rated on the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale, from 0–20, with the higher numbers providing greater levels of filtration. Most homeowners will want a filter that ranges in the 11–16 range. This is because this is the ideal range for filters that are high-efficiency, but that are still able to be used by home HVAC systems. While there are filters above this range — known as HEPA filters — which are more effective and expensive, filters in the MERV 17–20 range are also denser, making it difficult for home systems to use these filters and continue operating at peak efficiency.

Air Purifiers and UV Light for a Two-Pronged Attack

To fight off what an air filter can’t catch, homeowners should consider adding an in-home air purifier or UV light air cleaners. Stand-alone air purifiers will help filter additional particles out of the air and boost air quality in a single room, but there are even more advanced systems that can be combined with a home’s HVAC system to provide air purification to the entire home. 

These systems can then be further boosted when combined with a UV light attachment for the HVAC unit — an additional technology capable of sanitizing the air by killing off contaminants through UV exposure. These technologies are still relatively new, meaning they can be fairly expensive to install, but they combine to provide the greatest preventive techniques to increase air quality inside.

Avoid Humidity

Damp air is an allergen’s best friend, as the moisture helps hold particles in the air for longer, allowing them to spread further and more easily. On the flip side, homeowners will not want the air in their home to be too dry, either, as this can cause other issues — such as dry, itchy skin. Instead, strike a balance using a whole-home dehumidifier. Attached to the home’s HVAC unit, similarly to the air purification system, this additional technology allows homeowners to more precisely control their in-home humidity precisely, preventing allergy flareups caused by allergens trapped in the moist air. 

Home HVAC systems are designed to make living more comfortable. And part of being more comfortable is living without constant allergy flare-ups. Maximizing a home’s HVAC unit to combat indoor allergens not only helps the home’s occupants breathe easier, but also feel better from the increased air quality. 

If you are exploring options for how to boost your home’s HVAC capabilities to fend off allergies, or if you think your HVAC is having issues filtering airborne particles, reach out to the HVAC experts at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling. Staffed by knowledgeable technicians with over 30 years of practical heating and cooling experience, the professionals are Duane Blanton are available to tackle any HVAC queries homeowners have. Give the technicians at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling a call today, at (815) 781-2567, or schedule online through their convenient in-browser online scheduling portal.

Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling is proud to be a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, offering top-quality heating and cooling options to fit the specific needs of Duane Blanton customers. The quality, comfort, and efficiency of Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems’ products naturally aligns with Duane Blanton’s drive to provide an exceptional customer service experience. Ask a Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, and Cooling expert today about the advantages of upgrading to a new Bryant Heating & Cooling system for your home!