Spring is in the air, but so are pollen, dust, and other allergens. If your allergies occur at this time of year, your HVAC system could be your best friend or your worst enemy. A neglected system can circulate allergens all over your home, making it impossible to escape the sniffles. With a bit of maintenance, you can keep your indoor air clean and fresh, helping you breathe easier all season long. Consider some simple yet effective HVAC spring-cleaning tips to keep allergens at bay.
Change Your HVAC Filter for Cleaner Air
Over time, filters collect dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. If they become clogged, they can’t do their job properly. All that trapped debris can start circulating back into your home.
If you really want to cut down on allergens, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency filter. When selecting an HVAC filter, look for one with a high MERV rating. Standard filters might be fine for catching dust and dirt, but higher-rated ones can trap smaller particles like mold spores and pollen. Some filters are even designed to capture bacteria and viruses, which can be a game-changer if you deal with seasonal illnesses on top of allergies. Residential HVAC systems can usually handle MERV filters between 8 and 12.
High-efficiency particulate air filters, or HEPA for short, can trap as much as 99.97% of the particulate matter in your home. However, these filters are often too restrictive for a standard furnace. You may need a whole-house air purification device for additional IAQ support. This is also a great way to promote clean air throughout your entire home, rather than using a portable purifier.
How often you change your filter depends on several factors. If you have pets, you should swap your filter out every month. If you or your family members have allergies, you should replace your filter more often than the standard three-month recommendation. Even if you don’t have allergy sufferers at home, springtime is a good reminder to check your filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
Clean Air Ducts for a Fresher Home
Your HVAC system works hard to push air throughout your home. If your ductwork has high concentrations of dust, pollen, and other allergens, you’re potentially spreading those particles from room to room. If your ducts haven’t been cleaned in years, there’s a good chance they’re harboring layers of dust and debris that get stirred up every time the system kicks on.
Spring is the perfect time to have your air ducts inspected and cleaned. You may need your ducts cleaned if you see a lot of dust on your interior surfaces right after cleaning them or if you’ve been having more allergy symptoms while indoors. Another red flag is a musty or stale smell when your HVAC system runs. That could mean mold or mildew is growing, which is something you don’t want to ignore.
Cleaning your ducts doesn’t just help with allergies. It can also improve airflow and make your system more efficient. By keeping them clean, you’re helping your system run smoothly while keeping allergens under control.
Clean Your Vents and Registers
Even if your ducts are in good shape, your vents and registers can collect dust and allergens over time. When air blows through them, it can stir up the particles that have settled there, sending them straight into your living space. This is why it’s a good idea to wipe them down regularly, especially during allergy season.
You might be surprised at how much dust can accumulate on vents, particularly if they’re near the floor or ceiling. Use a damp cloth or a vacuum to remove buildup. If they’re especially grimy, you can remove them and give them a thorough wash with soap and water. Just be sure they’re completely dry before putting them back in place.
Make sure nothing is blocking your vents. Sometimes furniture, rugs, or curtains end up covering them without you even realizing it. When vents are blocked, air can’t flow like it should, making your HVAC system work harder and letting more allergens linger in the air. Keeping them open and dust-free is an easy way to help your home feel fresher.
Watch Your Humidity Levels
Indoor humidity levels can impact air quality, especially when allergy season hits. If the air in your home is too dry, it can irritate your nasal passages and make allergy symptoms worse. If the air is too humid, it can create the perfect home for mold and dust mites, which are common allergy triggers.
Ideally, your home’s humidity should stay between 35% and 50%. A simple hygrometer can give you accurate readings. If your indoor air is too dry, a whole-home humidifier can put some moisture back into the air. This is especially helpful if you wake up with a dry throat or irritated sinuses.
If your home tends to be too humid, installing a dehumidifier or your HVAC system’s built-in humidity control can help bring levels down. Mold can grow when there is too much moisture in the air, especially in places that tend to stay damp, like bathrooms and basements. Keeping things balanced not only helps with allergies but also makes your home more comfortable overall.
Keep Your Windows Closed When Allergens Are High
When the weather warms up, it’s tempting to open the windows and let in some fresh air. But if you suffer from allergies, that fresh breeze can bring in a wave of pollen and other airborne irritants.
Instead of relying on open windows for ventilation, let your HVAC system do the work. Running your air conditioner helps keep outdoor allergens from making their way inside. If you do want to bring in some fresh air, try to do it on days when pollen counts are lower.
It’s also a good idea to check your window and door seals for any gaps where pollen and dust could sneak in. Adding weather stripping can help keep allergens outside where they belong.
Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Appointment
Your HVAC system works hard year-round, and spring is a great time for routine heater and air conditioner maintenance by the pros. A professional tune-up can ensure everything is running efficiently, which helps with both air quality and energy savings. During a maintenance visit, our technician will check for things like clogged coils, worn-out parts, and any other issues that could affect your system’s performance.
One thing we’ll inspect is your system’s blower motor. This is the part that pushes air through your home. If it’s not working properly, allergens might not be filtered out as effectively. We’ll also clean components like the evaporator coil, which can collect dust and mold over time. A dirty coil can lead to reduced airflow and even cause unpleasant odors when your system runs.
Regular maintenance not only helps with allergies but can also extend the life of your HVAC system. When everything is clean and running smoothly, your system doesn’t have to work as hard, which can prevent breakdowns down the road.
Get HVAC Maintenance Today
You shouldn’t have to suffer through allergy season inside your own Scottsdale, AZ home. A little HVAC maintenance can make all the difference in keeping the air clean, your system running efficiently, and your allergies in check. If you’re ready for fresher, healthier air, let AC by J handle your spring HVAC tune-up today. We also offer plumbing repair, tankless water heater work, heat pumps, smart thermostats, and commercial HVAC services.
Contact AC by J today to schedule your spring HVAC tune-up and breathe easier this allergy season.
