From pollen to mold, allergens are present in every season of the year. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, the airborne particles are easily brought into the home to wreak havoc on your immune system. However, your greatest weapon against the problem is also one you use daily — your HVAC system. Follow these three tips to make your heating and cooling units help alleviate your symptoms. 

3 Ways to Alleviate Allergies With Your HVAC System

1. Use a High-Quality Air Filter

Air filters are rated in accordance with the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) system. Using a filter with a 20 MERV rating is ideal because it removes the most particles from the air; but, not every central heating and air system can accommodate that level of filtration. To reduce the number of allergens ventilating through your home, choose the highest MERV rating that your unit allows. Additionally, it's important to change your filter at least once a month. In some households, the timeframe to be bumped to every two weeks during peak allergy season. 

2. Dust Vents Regularly

Dust is a common allergy trigger, and it also tends to travel with other allergens, like pollen and pet dander. Unfortunately, it's attracted to both air vents and intake hoods, which results in it circulating throughout your home. Thankfully, avoiding the problem is as easy as dusting all vents in your home at least once a week. If you have wood floors, then you may need to increase the frequency to two or three times per week. 

3. Install an Air Purifier

For severe allergy sufferers, a whole-home air filtration system is often the most effective choice. These units are available with MERV ratings of up to 15, which further eliminates any particles that have bypassed the main air filter. If mold is a top trigger of your symptoms, then you may also benefit by installing an HVAC UV lamp in the duct system. Such units kill mold and microorganisms, like bacteria, in the air before it reaches the vents. 

Are you struggling with allergies? Use your HVAC system to alleviate your symptoms with the help of C & S Heating and Cooling in St. Charles County, MO. Serving the tri-county area for over 30 years, the skilled HVAC contractors provide dependable services as well as top-quality products, including air purifiers and UV lights. Visit the team online to learn more about their indoor air quality services, and request a free consultation today at  (636) 327-4238.