Summer is one of the best times of the year. But as fun as swimming and grilling can be, you'll still be indoors very often. Marathoning shows, spending time with family, and hosting parties will be less fun if allergies or asthma symptoms flare-up. From monitoring humidity levels to contacting your HVAC contractor, summer will be a fun season with no allergies in sight. 

How Can You Prevent Summer Allergies? 

1. Monitor Humidity Levels 

Humid air is moist, leading to the growth of mildew and mold. They produce spores that will exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms.

However, a lack of humidity is also detrimental. With too little moisture, pollutants and allergens remain in the air longer. Their particles will spread throughout your home and cause flare-ups during the summer. 

Add a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier to your HVAC system. Once installed, keep the relative humidity levels in the 40% range so pathogens can't thrive. 

2. Schedule Routine Maintenance 

Schedule routine HVAC maintenance twice a year—in the spring before summer and in the fall ahead of winter. While you should check for and remove mold from the system regularly, HVAC contractors are more thorough. 

Mold can infiltrate difficult-to-reach and easily overlooked areas in the system. Over time, mold spores will grow inside the ductwork, drip pan, and coils. They'll circulate through the home, settle on surfaces, and reduce overall air quality. 

HVAC contractors will remove the contaminants from hard-to-reach areas without damaging the system. 

3. Install an Air Purifier 

Install a whole-home air purifier in the ductwork of your HVAC system. Purifiers with ionizers remove additional allergens, pathogens, and odors from the home. The ions kill contaminants or bunch them together until they're large enough to be removed by the air filter. 

4. Maintain a Cleaning Schedule

Those with allergies, pets, or children should replace their air filters monthly. When they're dirty, the filters will spread contaminants throughout the home. 

Clean the vents and ductwork regularly to ensure quality performance and prevent pollutants from propagating. 

The outdoor portion of the HVAC system collects allergens on its surface, eventually making their way into the home. Wipe the system down with a damp cloth to remove the pollen and allergens. 

Those with allergies should schedule routine cleanings with HVAC contractors. Using a powerful vacuum, they'll remove persistent dust and debris from the system's interior areas and ductwork. 

If allergies are interfering with your summer fun, reach out to B & H Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in High Point, NC. Their HVAC contractors have many years of experience installing and maintaining heating and cooling systems. They'll clear the ductwork and replace filters to ensure the air is clean throughout the year. From bi-annual maintenance to emergency repairs, their insured and licensed technicians are available when you need them. For more information on their air quality services, visit their website. To schedule a free estimate, call (336) 841-5050.