Spring is a beautiful time of year, full of sunny days, colorful blossoms, and warm weather. But it can also be a challenging season for those with allergies. If you or a member of your household has allergies or other respiratory difficulties, it’s particularly essential to prioritize good indoor air quality. Here are four ways you can maintain clean, healthy air using your HVAC system.

4 Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality 

1. Purchase High-Quality Filters

Air filters are designed to prevent particles from infiltrating the heating and cooling units. A dirty unit is less efficient and may result in premature wear and tear as parts work harder to do their job.

The HVAC air filters are also crucial for improving indoor air quality. Try to get filters with a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating. The MERV scale rates the overall efficiency of air filters at trapping airborne particles. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter. Clean or replace filters every month or two. 

2. Invest in an Air Purifier

If you or members of your household have allergies or asthma, you may benefit from an air purifier. These devices complement the HVAC system, trapping allergens the air filter does not. Get a whole-home air purifier to keep air moving throughout the entire home or individual units to cleanse particular rooms. 

3. Balance Humidity

Dry air can make it more difficult to breathe, exacerbating allergy symptoms such as sore throat and coughing. Excessively moist air, on the other hand, can promote mold and mildew growth. Ideally, indoor humidity should be around 40% to prevent issues and maintain breathable air. An HVAC technician can add a humidifier and dehumidifier to your heating and cooling system to help maintain a healthy balance. 

4. Clean the Ducts

Air ducts can get soiled with dust, debris, mold, and mildew. Since air passes through the ducts before circulating throughout the home, keeping them clean is crucial to improving overall indoor air quality. Hire an HVAC technician at least twice a year to thoroughly clean ducts and vents from buildup of dust, dander, debris, and other irritants and allergens. 

If you’re interested in improving your indoor air quality, turn to Steve Hester & Sons. Based in Ward, AR, this local company has served the greater Little Rock area since 1992. Their HVAC technicians have over 72 years of combined experience and provide a broad range of services, from A/C repair to duct cleaning. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help keep your home comfortable and clean or schedule an appointment by calling (501) 941-5119.