It’s the heart of allergy season for many people on the West Coast. Taking a prescription or over-the-counter allergy medication can treat your symptoms when you’re outdoors, but what should you do if you’re suffering indoors? Keeping up preventative maintenance on your home’s heating and cooling system can help alleviate your spring allergies. Below, the experts at River Valley Air Conditioning in Kingman, AZ, and Needles, CA, explains some of the easiest ways to improve your indoor air quality.

1. Change Your Filters Every Month

Your heating and air conditioning system trap outside allergens but unless you clean your filters regularly, those contaminants can enter your home. Monthly cleanings not only improve your indoor air quality, but they also ensure your equipment will work efficiently.

2. Drain Your Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioning units create condensate when they operate, especially when it’s humid. Drainage lines are meant to channel the liquid, but sometimes they get blocked and collect standing water—and that can lead to mildew, mold, and bacterial growth. Clean your condensate traps periodically to prevent these harmful organisms from proliferating.

3. Schedule Spring Duct Cleaning

Air ducts collect dust, contaminants, and moisture over the years. As a result, mold and mildew frequently grow in them. Inhaling these organisms is harmful to everyone, but people with allergies and asthma suffer the most. The solution? Include duct cleaning in your spring preventative maintenance checklist!

4. Clean Condenser & Evaporator Coils

If your air conditioning unit has an outdoor condenser, keep the area free of plant growth and debris. You may also need to open up your unit to clean and lubricate the fan assembly—just remember to disconnect the power first.

5. Get an Inspection & Tune-Up

Call an HVAC contractor to make sure your system is clean, has enough refrigerant, and is in good working order. They’ll catch any small problems you may have missed and ensure they don’t grow into larger ones.

Spring is the perfect time to schedule HVAC preventative maintenance services. The team at River Valley Air Conditioning looks forward to taking care of your system. To request an estimate from their Needles office, call (760) 326-3020. Call (928) 718-2520 to reach their Kingman office. More information about their services is available online.