Allergens in your home can cause discomfort and health issues for many people, especially if they deal with persistent asthma or allergies. While there are many ways to reduce allergens, your HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining clean and healthy indoor air. While your HVAC professionals can help you alleviate any irritation you may experience, there are also steps you can take on your own to address this problem.
At R&D Heating & Air, our team understands how frustrating it can be to deal with persistent allergens. When these allergens won’t quit, it can be difficult to be comfortable in your home. If you are dealing with persistent allergens in your home and you want to know how to address them, keep reading to see what our team recommends.
Tips for Reducing Allergens
1. Change Your Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s air filters are the first line of defense against allergens in your home. They catch dust, pollen, pet dander, and other irritating particles before they are spread throughout your home. To ensure your HVAC system is running effectively and you’re preventing allergens, remember to replace your air filters at least once every 90 days. You may need to do this more frequently if you live in a high pollen area, if you have pets in your home, or if you suffer from extreme allergies to ensure your comfort year-round.
2. Schedule Routine HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system can help prevent the spread of allergens in your home. However, if it isn’t functioning properly, you may notice your allergies getting worse. Regular maintenance by your trusted HVAC professional can ensure your system is running smoothly. During this maintenance, your professional will inspect various components of your system, and may also clean off allergens that are covering the coils, fans, and ducts. With this cleaning, they can keep your components clear of allergens that may otherwise make their way into your HVAC system.
3. Clean and Inspect Your Ductwork
Whether you’ve just moved into your home or you’ve lived there for years, it is essential that you keep your ducts as clean as possible to avoid allergens in your home. Over time, they may collect dust, dirt, mold, and other allergens that can cause significant respiratory problems. If your allergies have recently spiked, it might be time to invest in professional duct cleaning. Having your ducts professionally cleaned and inspected every few years can help eliminate these contaminants and improve your indoor air quality. Sealing any leaks in your ductwork can also prevent allergens from entering the system.
4. Use a Dehumidifier
If you live in a place that experiences frequently high humidity levels, there may be a presence of mold and dust mites in your home. When you find these in your home, it may be a good idea to consider investing in a dehumidifier to use in conjunction with your HVAC system. Your dehumidifier can help you maintain optimal humidity levels of between 30% and 50% in your home. If your older HVAC system doesn’t have a built-in dehumidifier, you may want to install a few dehumidifiers throughout your home to ensure you are meeting these recommended humidity levels.
5. Keep Your Home Clean
While your HVAC system plays a role in the amount of allergens in your home, your regular cleaning schedule has an impact as well. By regularly cleaning your home, you can reduce the amount of dust, pet dander, and other allergens that may be circulated through your HVAC system. Make sure to vacuum any carpeted surfaces, dust tabletops and shelves with a damp cloth, and wash your bedding and curtains regularly. Don’t forget to clean or replace your HVAC registers and vents as well to keep your space allergen-free.
6. Install an Air Purifier
If you have pets in your home, you’ve probably heard about how beneficial an air purifier can be. When working alongside your HVAC system, an air purifier can provide an extra layer of protection against allergens in your home. There are various types of air purifiers available, including those that use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses, ionizers that capture particles, and advanced filtration systems. When it comes time to invest in one, your trusted HVAC professional can help you choose the best air purification system for your home.
7. Control Pet Dander
While your pets are a great addition to your home, they are likely to come with a great deal of dander. If left unaddressed, this dander can result in significant irritation. If you want to avoid pet allergens in your home, remember to groom and bathe your pets regularly. They should also be kept off of furniture and out of bedrooms if you experience irritation when they’re around. Finally, consider investing in air filters designed to capture pet dander and installing air purifiers designed for homes with pets.
Address Allergens in Your Home with R&D Heating & Air
If you are dealing with persistent allergens in your home and nothing you’re doing seems to help, turn to our team at R&D Heating & Air for support. We’ve provided homeowners across the Wasatch Front with reliable HVAC services for over 20 years, and we’re confident that we can do the same for you.
Whether you need HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installations, our team provides a variety of services to ensure we’re meeting every homeowner’s unique needs. If you would like to discuss how our services can help you address the allergens in your home or if you have questions about our services, reach out to our team today for support.
