Using Your HVAC System to Limit Allergy Risks
There are several themes you may be thinking about if you’re looking to minimize allergy risks in the home for yourself or someone else, and one that’s too-often glossed over here is your HVAC system. Proper attention to your HVAC system will help remove allergens and keep your air quality high, while failure to maintain a few specific components could lead to the precise opposite outcome.
At Accurate Air, we’re happy to help clients with all their indoor air quality needs, with services ranging from air duct cleaning to indoor air treatment and more. What are some of the key HVAC areas that can help prevent allergens from being present in large quantities in your home, and how should you be considering them? Here’s a simple rundown.
Your Basic HVAC Filters
At the forefront of this conversation are your basic HVAC filters, which are responsible for removing dust and other particles from the air that passes through them. It’s important to regularly change these filters according to manufacturer instructions in order to ensure maximum efficiency and performance, as well as preventing fine particles such as pollen from passing through into your home.
You should also be aware of the MERV rating of your filter – the higher the MERV rating, the more efficient it will be at capturing particles, and HEPA-rated filters are even better. For those who suffer from allergies, choosing higher MERV ratings is often highly beneficial, as they will capture more allergens like pollen and dust mites.
Duct Cleanliness
Also vital as you consider your HVAC system is the cleanliness of your air ducts. Over time, dust and other particulates can accumulate in air ducts and create additional allergens when the system is running. And because ducts are the pathway via which air is delivered to your home, it’s important that they stay clean.
For many homes, professional duct cleaning is the best option in order to ensure that all dust and debris is removed, as well as prevent allergens from being spread throughout the home. At Accurate Air, for instance, we employ a variety of advanced tools and techniques to ensure that your ducts are properly cleaned, helping you maintain a high quality of indoor air.
Humidity Control
Another key element to consider is humidity control. High levels of humidity can lead to the growth of mold and other allergens, which are then spread through your HVAC system and into your home.
In particular, any mold-risk areas like basements and bathrooms should be carefully monitored for humidity levels, using dehumidifiers to keep the air dry if necessary. And a whole-home system can also be an effective tool for keeping the air in your entire home free of allergens.
Ensuring Proper Ventilation
Down related lines, proper ventilation is also important to controlling allergens. Without adequate ventilation, the air in your home can become stale and stagnant, trapping allergens inside and leading to increased risk.
Ensuring that your home has enough fresh air flowing through it with open windows or a mechanical ventilation system is highly beneficial for preventing allergies from settling in. A qualified HVAC technician can help you evaluate your home’s ventilation needs and determine how to best keep the air quality high.
Specific Indoor Air Treatment
Finally, for those who really want to minimize indoor allergens, specific indoor air treatments may be necessary. These include the use of air purifiers or UV lights in order to actively clean and sterilize the air as it passes through your HVAC system.
At Accurate Air, for instance, we offer the iWave bi-polar ionization system, which helps reduce airborne bacteria, mold and other pollutants. It works by releasing a stream of bi-polar ions into the air as it passes through your ducts, creating a sterile environment in your home and reducing allergens significantly. Products like these can be added to HVAC systems to improve their ability to reduce allergens and other contaminants.
When dealing with allergies in the home, HVAC systems play an important role that is too often overlooked. Taking the time to properly maintain, clean and treat your HVAC system can significantly reduce the risk of allergies in your home, improving your overall comfort and health.
For more information on how Accurate Air can help with allergy reduction for your home, contact us today! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about this or any of our other HVAC services.
