Coping with asthma or allergies can be a frustrating experience. It may feel particularly difficult if you’re allergic to something inside your home. Those telltale symptoms and respiratory concerns can be aggravating, particularly if they’re a response to airborne contaminants. An HVAC contractor can help you resolve these problems with proper maintenance and care.

A Guide to HVAC Systems, Allergies, & Asthma

How Do HVAC Systems Cause Health Concerns?

While you rely on your HVAC system to keep your home comfortable year-round, it may also harbor unwelcome contaminants if it’s not properly maintained. Mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and pollen are some of the more common pollutants that can get trapped in a unit’s air filter. This vital component is designed to trap harmful particulates to keep them from circulating through your indoor air.

Mold formation is another common issue that may be to blame. If your HVAC system has mold growth, spores will float through the ducts and into your home whenever the unit clicks on. These particles will settle on a surface inside the home, triggering reactions in individuals with sensitive or compromised immune systems.

How Can You Resolve These Problems?

It’s vital to have an HVAC contractor perform annual maintenance to rule out the presence of mold. They’re trained to recognize the common signs of a problem, including powerful odors, blocked drip pans, and leaks around the unit.

They can also determine if the system is running efficiently. An inefficient system could be the result of a clogged air filter. Clogged filters will block airflow into your home, and the HVAC system will exert more energy working overtime to cool your house. Replace filters once every three months, or more frequently if you have a pet.

Excessive humidity is another culprit. Maintaining balanced moisture levels is a key way to reduce allergic responses to common allergens. Dust mites, for example, thrive in consistently high humidity levels. Mold also requires moisture to proliferate. Ask your HVAC contractor about options, like whole-home humidifiers, to mitigate moisture and humidity.

If you’re concerned that your heating and cooling system may be to blame for your allergies or asthma, turn to the team at Inner City Trades Inc. These HVAC contractors have been proudly serving clients throughout Somerset, KY, and the surrounding areas since 1999. They offer a variety of services, including furnace and AC installation and repairs. Visit them online for more information, or call (606) 678-9663 to schedule an appointment.