Although the biggest allergy seasons are the fall and spring, poor indoor air quality has made allergy symptoms a problem for many people year-round. If you find there is no relief from sneezing, watery eyes, an itchy throat, and stuffiness at home, turn to your HVAC system for help. In many instances, the air conditioning and heating system can reduce dust, pet dander, mold, and other allergens to help you breathe easier.

How the HVAC System Helps With Indoor Air Quality

If you don’t run the HVAC system often, the air in your house doesn’t get filtered, so the number of allergens generally increases. When you run the air conditioner or furnace, the system pulls the air through a filter, which is designed to trap particulates and contaminants. This reduces the number of allergens that reenter the rooms when air blows out of the vents.

How to Maintain Indoor Air Quality

To maintain top air filtration, check the filter every month to determine if it should be cleaned or changed. Dirty filters can’t effectively clean the air and can cause contaminants to accumulate in the ductwork. A dirty filter also reduces the airflow of the HVAC system, which causes the fans and other equipment to work harder, use more energy, and wear out quicker.

Staying on top of air filter inspections helps keep your HVAC system clean, but as the material is porous, some particles can slip through and get into the ductwork. Have the ducts cleaned every three to five years to remove dust and other allergens that might contribute to respiratory problems.

If you have severe allergies, consider installing an air cleaner to filter out the microscopic pollutants that the screen might miss. These systems are placed in the return air duct of the furnace or air conditioner. Their goal is to remove pet dander, smoke, pollen, dust mites, dirt, mold, mildew, and any other pollutants that could affect your indoor air quality and cause allergy symptoms, asthma, and other respiratory problems.

Make your home a place for allergy relief by contacting the HVAC contractors at Houston Plumbing & Heating for an indoor air quality assessment. For over 55 years, this family-owned business has provided residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing and HVAC services to Newark and central Ohio. Their technicians arrive in fully stocked vehicles and respond quickly to emergency calls 24 hours a day. Call (740) 763-3961 to schedule an inspection or repairs. Visit their website to learn more about their services.