Got Allergies? It Could be Your Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that between 10-30% of the world’s population suffers from some kind of environmental allergy? From dust to dander to pollen, poor air quality can leave even the most stoic sniffly, sneezy, and itchy. Here in Charlotte, pollen and grasses are the biggest allergenic culprits this time of year.Does Your Indoor Air Quality Matter?
In a word, yes! Even if you’re careful to maintain a clean home or office, many allergens are what’s known as “community” irritants, making their way indoors on people’s shoes and clothing. Pollen and pet dander are particularly good at this, but dust is a natural allergen that builds up on just about every surface over time. For people with asthma or other breathing conditions, even small levels of pollutants can cause serious health effects.
Scientists confirm that indoor air quality is worse now than it was just a few decades ago, and often the air inside is more polluted than the city air outside! Unfortunately, as our cities grow, allergy seasons are getting longer and longer as pollutants like gasses, emissions, and construction dust continue to build up year round.
What Can You Do About Your Indoor Air Quality?
The single most important thing you can do to ensure the best air quality possible is to maintain your HVAC system. Because all systems filter outdoor air in, the filters themselves will build up residue over time and should be changed every three months at minimum. In areas like North Carolina where pollen and other plant matter builds up on the ground, it’s important to have your HVAC system serviced at least twice a year to clear debris from exhausts, outside filters, and the units themselves.
If allergies consistently present a problem for you, it might be smart to consider an at-home air filtration system. An Air Knight Purification System, for example, is designed to destroy mold, viruses, and other pollutants in the air, while Media Air Cleaners provide hospital-level filtration, getting pollen, mold, and dander measurements down to an almost-invisible 0.3 micron. If you have small children, pets, or family members suffering from breathing problems, a whole-home solution might be a worthwhile solution.
Call MTB Mechanical today to talk about your options for improving indoor air quality. We’re Charlotte’s choice for heating and cooling systems with over 40 years of experience battling the Southeast’s worst allergens!