You depend on your home’s cooling and heating systems to keep your family comfortable throughout the year — but for those who suffer from allergies, a furnace or air conditioner can actually aggravate symptoms. Here’s a closer look at the roles cooling and heating systems play for those who suffer from asthma and allergies, as well as what you can do to address the problem.

What to Know About HVAC & Allergies

HVAC & Air Quality

Surprisingly, indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air — even in big cities. This is partly because of the small, almost imperceptible debris that accumulates within enclosed spaces each day. Dust, mites, and dander from humans and pets are all common issues. Homes with inadequate ventilation in high-humidity areas often experience mold growth. While some argue that keeping indoor plants improves air quality, the evidence is mixed, and certain varieties can even contribute pollen. Your home’s cooling and heating systems draw on the household air as part of their normal operation. As a result, these air pollutants can be repeatedly circulated throughout the home, aggravating asthma and allergies.

Optimizing Your System

Though installing an air purification system or enhancing ventilation from the outside can be helpful, many of the best ways to relieve allergy symptoms are also relatively simple. Dust and other pollutants tend to build up in your HVAC system’s filters and air ducts over time. As such, you should replace air filters on a monthly basis and routinely schedule duct cleaning to eliminate this problematic buildup. Choose a filter with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) to remove fine particles. Filters with MERVs between 14 and 16 are best. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, which have MERVs between 17 and 20, are even better, if your system is designed to accommodate them. Vacuuming regularly and immediately addressing possible mold or mildew growth – whether cleaning it yourself with a bleach-based solution or calling for professional assistance – will also reduce indoor air pollution so your entire family can breathe with ease. Adding a whole-home air purifier and dehumidifier will also help. 

To upgrade your cooling and heating systems for allergy relief, depend on Dave’s Cooling Heating & Plumbing. Serving Waynesboro and the Augusta County, VA, area since 1984, these experienced HVAC contractors are committed to providing high-level service at the lowest prices possible. They’ll help you find the solutions that keep your home comfortable and healthy. To learn more about their services or to request an estimate, visit them online or call (540) 942-4357.