HVAC Systems and Allergies

When the spring and summer months arrive, so do many of the most common allergens that plague many people. From the pollen and grasses to the molds and dust, allergies can become a nightmare. One place that should be a haven for those with allergies is their home. With a good HVAC system in place, closing the doors and windows should create a mostly allergen-free environment. However, to create this escape from allergens, there are a few HVAC maintenance tips you should consider.

  • Air filter. For those who suffer from allergies, a high quality air filter for your HVAC system is a must. You want a HEPA filter that will clear dust, pollen, dander and mold spores from the air. These filters can need to be replaced as much as once a month during peak allergy season.
  • Duct cleaning. Ducts can be a source of nasty allergens, spreading more dust and mold throughout your home. A thorough duct cleaning in the spring is a good way to ensure you are not spreading more allergens around your home.
  • Dehumidifier. If you live in a region that has high humidity during the summer, the combination of heat and humidity creates a hot bed for mold in your home. Adding a dehumidifier to your HVAC system can help keep these harmful mold spores from sprouting inside your home.

Spring is a good time to schedule your HVAC maintenance to create an allergen-free zone for allergy sufferers during the summer months. Call your local HVAC service specialists to schedule an annual tune-up and discuss filter, duct cleaning and dehumidification options to improve the air quality inside your home, while keeping it cool and comfortable during the hot summer months.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Buford, GA
(770) 475-9528

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

The last thing you want to do when the temperatures soar or plummet is to leave the windows open in your home. When your home is completely sealed, though, the air quality within your home may actually be worse than it is outdoors. There are a variety of pollutants and contaminants that can affect interior air quality, some of which are much more common than others. 

Biological contaminants like dust mites, pet dander and mold can all have a serious impact on members of your family that suffer from environmental allergies. Dust can also be problematic, but is an issue whose severity is reduced by the use of a vacuum cleaner with a high-quality filter.  Air duct cleaining can also help reduce the amount of airborne contaminants in your home while improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

During the winter months, combustion gases used to fuel a gas furnace can build up inside of your home. Burning fuels produce nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which can be deadly if they linger in your home. A properly-operating system vents these gases outside where they’re dispersed harmlessly, but a leak can have fatal results. Make sure that you have a functioning carbon monoxide detector in your home, as the gas is colorless, odorless and almost impossible to detect otherwise. Pesticides use to control insects in your home can actually remain in your home long after they’re used, reducing the air quality inside. 

While making sure that your air filters are replaced regularly can make a noticeable difference in your air quality, the most effective way of clearing the air in your home is to install an indoor air cleaner. Contacting a licensed and experienced HVAC consultant in your area to discuss filtration and air quality improvement options will take you one step closer to the clean, clear air you need to keep everyone in your family breathing freely.

Improve Air Quality With Air Duct Cleaning

If you have noticed that the air quality in your home isn’t what it used to be, or that your allergies have been causing you more trouble this year, the problem may be that you have dirty air ducts.  Dirt, dust, pet dander, and other airborne particles can collect in your air ducts and be distributed around your home by your heating and air conditioning system.

Even worse, if moisture enters your air ducts, it can create an excellent environment for mold and mildew growth.  Mold and mildew spores are then blown into the living areas of your home where they can cause serious health problems.

Not every home needs air duct cleaning.  In fact, if your air ducts were properly installed and you use a high efficiency pleated filter that you change regularly, your air ducts should stay clean for years.  On the other hand, improper installation, using standard flat fiberglass filters, or failing to change filters regularly can lead to dirty air ducts.

You can inspect your air ducts by removing an air register and examining the inside of the duct with a mirror and a good flashlight.  If you see a buildup of dust, dirt and other debris or mold and mildew growth, your ducts may need cleaning.  Better yet, ask your HVAC contractor to inspect your ducts during your routine HVAC maintenance visit.

Your HVAC contractor will not only be able to help you determine whether you need duct cleaning, but also will be able to identify leaky or improperly installed air ducts.  Many HVAC contractors can also handle your air duct service and cleaning if necessary.