Your heating system has a profound effect on your indoor air quality. While it’s essential for keeping your house warm in the winter, it collects and blows dust, pollen, pet dander, and bacteria throughout the home, which can aggravate allergy symptoms. To minimize sniffing, sneezing, watery eyes, and other allergic reactions, follow the HVAC tips below.

How to Help Minimize Allergy Symptoms

1. Clean Around Indoor & Outdoor Units

One of the best ways to reduce allergens in your home is to prevent them from entering in the first place. To that end, keep the air intake of your outdoor air conditioning unit clear of pollen and dust. Remove weeds from around the unit and sweep away debris and fallen blossoms in the area. Do the same around the indoor units, clearing away cobwebs, dust bunnies, and other potential contaminants that could enter the ventilation system.

2. Change Filters Regularly

The furnace filter collects many of the allergens that populate your indoor air. If you let the filter become clogged and dirty, it cannot do its job properly. Not only does a dirty filter let airborne contaminants through, but it restricts airflow and puts a strain on your heating system. For the est results, replace your furnace filter every 60 to 90 days, or more frequently if you smoke or have pets at home.

3. Have Your Ducts Cleaned

During the months when your heating system is not in operation, dust collects in the air ducts, just waiting for a blast of air to return to your living area. A duct cleaning service removes these contaminants before they re-enter the air you breathe and cause eye, nose, throat, or breathing difficulties.

4. Schedule Routine Maintenance

Hire an HVAC contractor to inspect your heating system, clean the blower and blower housing, oil the motor, and replace any loose or worn belts. Not only does cleaning the furnace remove dust and improve air quality, but it also prevents operational problems from arising.

To schedule a heating system inspection and maintenance, contact Anderson Automatic Heating & Cooling in Cincinnati, OH. They've been serving the Tri-State area since 1929 and also specialize in furnace repair, heating installation, and air quality inspections. Visit their website to see what their customers have to say about them, or call (513) 574-0005 to schedule service.