Pollen gives new meaning to the phrase “spring is in the air.” Allergens are quite literally floating around outdoors and in. We often think of pollen as living outside, but it can cause your allergies to flare up indoors as well, as it’s tracked into the house.
MTB Mechanical technicians field questions each spring about eliminating allergies, so if you find yourself sneezing, you certainly aren’t alone. Nearly 50 million people, or one in five Americans, suffer from allergies, according to the American College of Asthma, Allergies and Immunology.
Tree pollen is the first to show up each year, then grass pollination continues later in the spring into early summer. Many people also experience perennial allergies, with year-round symptoms caused by indoor dust mites, animal dander and mold spores.
Run Your A/C to Combat Allergies
During mild spring weather, it can be tempting to open the windows and go without the air conditioner. While this is a great way to reduce your energy bill and be more environmentally friendly, running the A/C helps reduce the allergens in your home. Your A/C system is built to filter out pollutants and aid you in breathing clean air.
Running your air conditioner also serves to maintain the humidity level as the weather gets warm. Mold, a frequent cause of allergies, loves the damp environment created by high humidity.
Beyond the filters in your HVAC system, installing a home air purification system can further eliminate allergens. These purifiers work 24/7 to sterilize your home’s indoor air, eliminating 99.9% of contaminants.
Help Your Unit Help You
Regular maintenance has a lot of benefits, and an appointment with an MTB professional can help reduce the number of allergens in your home and make sure your HVAC system is running its best. There are also several steps you can take on your own.
If your system’s filters are dirty, they are unable to clean the air as intended. Replace your filters often and keep an eye on them even more frequently during spring when pollen can wreak havoc. When buying a filter, be sure to choose a higher MERV rating as appropriate for your system.
You can also help your HVAC system by eliminating debris both indoors and out. Your outdoor A/C unit pulls in the surrounding air. Clean away debris and maintain the landscaping near your unit. Indoors, dust and vacuum around your unit, including registers and return vents. Use a damp rag to clean the vents in every room. Spring cleaning is important for your HVAC system, too!
With spring allergies extending into summer, then picking up again with ragweed in the fall, following these MTB-approved tips will help you breathe easier. Schedule a visit from the professionals to keep your system running efficiently and to install an air purification system to address allergens, bacteria and viruses year-round. Request an appointment online or call (704) 459-4066 .
