While the springtime brings a welcome change in temperature, it can be a season of torment for allergy sufferers. If you’re taking allergy medication every day just to stay comfortable, it’s helpful to know that HVAC repairs could make a difference in your daily routine. Implement these three changes to start breathing easier in your home.

HVAC Fixes That Reduce Household Allergies

1. Upgrade Your Filter

All heating and air conditioning systems use filters to catch and hold airborne particles. Many of these particles, such as dust, pollen, and dander, aggravate allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and eye irritation. While you should replace or clean your filter every three months, this may not be enough for people with severe allergies. Talk to your contractor about upgrading to a HEPA filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher. These filters are capable of capturing minuscule particles that other filters let through.

2. Clean Out Air Ducts

If you have a central HVAC system, it’s important to remember that your home is filled with ducts that deliver air to vents in every room. Over time, these can get clogged with lint, dust, and other allergens which cling to the sides of the metal paths. To avoid breathing these substances every day, have your HVAC contractor perform a thorough duct and vent cleaning. This will also prevent mold and mildew growth, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms.

3. Add a Humidifier

For you to breathe easy, your home’s air needs the perfect balance of humidity. Too much can lead to mold growth, but too little can leave your nose and throat feeling dry, leading to allergy symptoms like coughing and headaches. Ask your HVAC contractor to add a humidifier to your air treatment system. By keeping moisture content to a healthy 40%, you can forget about those irritating, uncomfortable symptoms.

If you’re interested in reducing allergy discomfort through tuneups to your HVAC system, get in touch with Duncklee Cooling & Heating of Stonington, CT. With over 40 years of experience providing design, installation, and repair services, this family-owned contractor services customers in New London County, CT, and Washington County, RI. For more information on their work, visit their website. You can also call (860) 535-2552 to schedule an appointment today.