Spring in South Jersey: Helping Your HVAC System Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Allergy sufferers can have a rough time during spring in South Jersey due to allergens like tree and grass pollen. Your home is supposed to be an escape from outdoor allergens. However, poor indoor air quality can make you feel even worse. The good news is that there are steps you can take that can help your HVAC system create a cleaner, healthier environment. You could enjoy reduced allergy symptoms and feel more at ease during spring in The Garden State.
Upgrade Your HVAC Air Filter
Your HVAC system’s air filter plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality. Cheaper filters do a great job of capturing larger particles, such as dust and debris, to protect your HVAC system’s internal components. However, they can allow pollen, pet dander, and dust mites to circulate through your home. Using quality filters with a higher MERV rating will improve your indoor air quality. Most residential HVAC systems are compatible with filters rated MERV 8-13. If you are unsure what rating is compatible with your system, our technicians can offer recommendations.
Inspect Your Filter Regularly
Regularly inspecting and replacing your air filter is one of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality. Experts recommend changing it out at least every three months. However, you may need to replace yours more often due to factors such as whether you have pets and how often your system runs. Many homeowners check their filters once a month to ensure they know when it is time for a fresh one.
Routine Professional Maintenance
Cleaning your system is one of the many tasks HVAC technicians complete during a professional tune-up. This helps reduce the amount of allergens floating through your indoor air. We recommend that Deptford Township homeowners schedule a maintenance appointment in early spring. This allows us to clean your unit and prepare it to work optimally during the hot summer months.
Whole-Home Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Humidity levels within your home should be between 30% and 50% at all times. Unfortunately, spring weather conditions can cause imbalances that affect indoor air quality. Excessive humidity can lead to an increase in dust mites, mold growth, and other allergens. If humidity levels are too low, it could cause more allergens to become airborne, increasing the risk that you’ll inhale them. Installing a whole-home humidity control system can keep air moisture levels balanced, helping ease your allergy symptoms.
Air Purification Systems
Whole-home air purification systems work in conjunction with your HVAC system. Quality models incorporate a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to trap micro contaminants that regular filters miss. These systems are also excellent for removing unpleasant odors, thanks to their carbon filters. Several types of purification systems are available, each with its pros and cons. We can recommend the one that’s ideal for your needs and system.
Sealing Ducts
Sealing air ducts offers numerous benefits, including improving your system’s efficiency and reducing utility bills. The service can also enhance your indoor air quality. It prevents pollutants in other areas of your home, like crawlspaces, from being sucked into the system. If this happens, they end up in your living spaces, where you breathe them in.
Increase Cleaning
Pet dander, dust, pollen, and other allergens accumulate on hard surfaces throughout your home. Contaminants can also settle into soft furnishings, such as carpeting, upholstered couches, curtains, and pillows. Regular cleaning lessens the amount that gets sucked into your HVAC system, which then circulates throughout the rest of your home. Allergens in one area, such as your bathroom, could make their way into the kitchen, living room, and other spaces.
When choosing a product for general cleaning, consider one that uses natural ingredients. Some dusting and cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds, which can worsen indoor air quality. For soft surfaces, ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter that traps particles 0.3 microns or larger.
Contact Your Local HVAC Experts
At JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning, we have been serving the residents of Deptford Township, NJ and the surrounding areas since 1986. We can help you prepare for spring with HVAC maintenance. You can also count on us for whole-home humidity control and other indoor air quality solutions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced technicians.
