Poor indoor air quality can trigger a potential attack that makes it difficult to breathe, which is why more asthma-prone people are turning to their HVAC contractors to help protect themselves. That’s because a home’s heating and AC installation play a major role in determining the overall air quality. Below, learn how an HVAC system can aggravate asthma and what a cooling and heating contractor can do to make your system safer.

How Asthma & HVAC Systems Are Related

One of the most common triggers of asthma attacks is exposure to certain allergens. These can include mold spores, tree pollen, grass, weed particles, dust mites, and animal dander from pests or pets. It’s impossible to keep a home free of these contaminants without a secure HVAC system. 

These particles can find their way into the home, and if they aren’t abated quickly, they’ll work their way into the HVAC system. These allergens typically become embedded inside of the air filters and throughout the duct system. Once the filters fill up, they start to collect in the ductwork and around vents and registers.

When that happens, the system circulates these contaminants throughout the home as it’s running and raises the risk of exposure to an asthmatic individual. Without the necessary precautions, it can increase the frequency of attacks.

Why You Should Call an HVAC Contractor

Luckily, there are numerous steps that an HVAC contractor can take to help alleviate this problem. It’s important to schedule regular maintenance and service because the contractor can replace all of the air filters and remove built-up contaminants from the ducts and vents.

For households with asthmatic people, it’s recommended to install HEPA filters, because these are specifically designed to capture higher levels of indoor pollutants. That prevents them from circulating throughout the home if they do manage to get inside. There are also air purification systems with UV lights that can be installed.

These specialty devices use UV radiation to eliminate bacteria in the system. When paired with a whole-home humidifier that works in conjunction with the HVAC system, these devices drastically reduce the number of contaminants and increase the quality of your indoor air.

 

If you suffer from asthma, make sure you’re protected by calling the professional HVAC contractors at Doug Mapstone in Manlius, NY. For more than 20 years, they’ve provided local homeowners with a variety of HVAC and electrical services. They’ll perform a thorough inspection of your HVAC system to diagnose any issues that are exacerbating your symptoms and provide reliable solutions designed to minimize your risk. Schedule an appointment by calling (315) 682-7181 or learn more about their services online.