Allergies and asthma attacks can happen at any time, especially if your indoor air has many pollutants in it. However, you can reduce airborne contaminants and maintain the health of occupants inside your home. Below are a few tips from HVAC contractors to help you improve your indoor air quality.

A Guide to Reducing Household Allergens

1. Schedule Preventive Maintenance

Poor indoor air quality contributes to allergies and asthma, and one remedy is routine HVAC maintenance. At least once a year, have a licensed HVAC contractor inspect the system to ensure that it’s in excellent running condition. They will clean the system, check for issues, replace old or failing components, and make repairs to improve air quality and efficiency.

2. Change Filters Regularly

HVAC filters trap airborne particles like pet dander, dust, pollen, and other allergens. However, they get dirty over time. Generally, you should replace them every three months, or at shorter intervals if you have pets, as their hair will clog the filters quicker. Invest in high-efficiency filters—or those with a MERV rating of at least 8—to filter out smaller particles.  

3. Manage Humidity

Fluctuating humidity levels from seasonal changes will trigger allergies and asthma. High excess moisture warms up the indoor climate, causing discomfort during hot weather. It also leads to mold growth, which is dangerous to breathe. Cold, dry air causes health issues as well. The ideal humidity level is about 50%, and to achieve this, you may need help from a humidifier or dehumidifier.

4. Invest in Clean Air

Sometimes, HVAC filters cannot keep all allergens at bay. Using a separate filtration device, like an electronic air cleaner, ensures that pollutants won’t circulate throughout your home. An air purifier, on the other hand, connects to your HVAC system to eliminate contaminants before they release in the air. Ask an HVAC contractor about the right solution for your home.

5. Clean the Unit

You should also keep the area around your HVAC system clean. This ensures that it pulls in better quality air to circulate through your house. Additionally, dust the vents and registers to reduce contaminants that may cling to these fixtures, so they don’t collect and enter your ducts.

 

For the best results on routine upkeep, trust Illy HVAC. As the preferred HVAC contractor in St. Peters, MO, they offer many services for your heating and cooling system, including HVAC repairs, maintenance, and installations, throughout Greater St. Louis. Call (314) 808-2162 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit them online for more information about their services.