If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from allergies, spring can be a tough time of the year. But there are things you can do to fight back against the sneezing, sniffling and watery eyes.
Below we have listed five tips to help you eliminate allergens and keep your home as comfortable as possible this spring.
ALLERGY-FIGHTING TIPS
Get Your Ductwork Cleaned
One of the best ways to reduce allergens in your home is to get your ductwork cleaned. Over time, ducts can accumulate tons of pollen, dust, pet dander, and dirt, and every time you turn on your system, that nasty debris is shot out into your air. While you can try to clean your ducts yourself, hiring a professional team, like the one at comfort energy, ensures that your system gets the thorough cleaning it needs.
By getting your ducts cleaned regularly, not only will you improve the quality of the air you breathe, but you will also have the bonus of a cleaner home since your HVAC systems are no longer adding to dust accumulation.
Replace Air Filters Regularly
Another way to help reduce allergens in your home is to replace your air filters regularly. Over time your HVAC systems' filters will trap pet hair, dust, and other irritating particles, eventually becoming clogged. When the air filter is too clogged to work, dust and allergens will be able to freely circulate throughout your home, aggravating your allergies.
Depending on the type of filter you have, you should clean or replace it every 1-3 months. Keeping a fresh air filter in your system will help to remove airborne particles and keep your system running at peak efficiency.
If you or your family suffers from allergies, you should consider getting HEPA filters and products with a higher MERV rating, as well as getting biannual maintenance checks to ensure your air is as clean as possible.
Get a Dehumidifier
One of the best ways to reduce allergens in your home is by keeping the air dry. Damp conditions are ideal for mold and mildew growth which can cause serious respiratory problems, exacerbating allergies and asthma.
You can dehumidify your home by using a portable dehumidifier or by opening windows and doors as regularly as possible. However, these options are not nearly as powerful or convenient as a whole-home humidification system, which allows you to dehumidify all areas of your home with fewer operating costs.
Replace Old Units
If your HVAC unit is more than ten years old, then it might be time for an upgrade. Newer units come with updated features that can significantly reduce allergens in your home. Older models, such as window units, have an increased likelihood of encouraging mold growth, unlike modern central air systems. This is due to the fact that many of these older units are not sophisticated enough to effectively remove humidity drawn from your home.
In window systems, water taken from the atmosphere is actually dumped onto the cooling coils. This process helps create mold-growing spores, which the AC then shoots back into your home.
If you're installing a new AC, make sure you hire an experienced team to do the installation. Improperly installed units can cause energy inefficiency, which will increase electricity bills and cause insufficient cooling air circulation. A poor installation could also result in maintenance issues that cause poor air quality and lead to health issues.
FOR ALL YOU AIR QUALITY NEEDS
If you're looking to improve the air quality of your home, look no further than Comfort Energy, Inc.! Our expert team has the experience and tools to get any repair or installation done. Call (408) 560-4050 to schedule a service today!