A Well-Maintained HVAC System in NJ Can Reduce Your Allergies

Spring is coming, and that means allergies. Some people suffer from allergies more than others, but it’s a common problem that anyone can have; small bits of dust, pollen, pet dander, or other particles make their way into your sinuses and irritate them, causing you to sneeze.  The more allergens are in the air, the more likely you are to start having coughing or sneezing fits in your home.

What many people don’t know is that your HVAC system can actually be a major line of defense against allergies.  When it’s properly maintained, it can help keep your indoor air clean.  Moreover, there are a few affordable upgrades that can further help reduce allergies if you have specific complaints. If your HVAC system isn’t doing this, you might want to think about calling for HVAC maintenance service in New Jersey!

How can your HVAC system reduce allergies? Here are some of the ways.

Five Ways HVAC Maintenance and Upgrades Can Help with Your Allergies

• 1 – Cleaning your air filter

First, the easiest fix: Make sure your HVAC’s air filter is always clean and well-kept. Air filters can clog up quickly, especially in the spring when they’re dealing with more particles in the air than normal.  As the filter fills up with gunk, more of that is going to slip into the airflow and get distributed around your house.

A filter is going to last a maximum of three months’ daily use without needing to be cleaned or replaced. Realistically, it’s often more like two months.  So be sure to check your air filter regularly, and ensure it’s helping prevent problems, rather than causing them.

• 2 – Installing High-MERV Filters

So, what if your standard air filters aren’t doing enough to cut down on the allergens in the air?  Then it’s time to think about buying better filters.  High-MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filters have a tighter mesh and are more effective at capturing the tiny particles which cause allergies. A filter with a MERV rating of 11 or higher can filter almost any allergen and should help improve air quality.

However, be aware: tighter meshes will restrict your airflow, so there might be some loss of air pressure from your AC system. Check your owner’s manual to see if there are any maximum limits on the MERV rating on its filters. Also, these filters will tend to clog up even more quickly than standard filters, although they also typically can be cleaned a few times before they need to be replaced.

• 3 – installing Air Purification/Scrubbing Devices

Do you have an excess of particles in the air, due to living near dusty or sandy places, or near an industrial zone? If so, your HVAC system’s air filter might not be able to handle all the particles in the air by itself.  In particular, if you find yourself having to clean or replace your air filter once a month or so, there’s too much dust in the air.

In these situations, we typically recommend people install an in-line air purification device. This is an air scrubber that is installed into the HVAC system, adding additional levels of cleaning and filtration as air circulates around the system. This upgrade will cost a little, of course, but it can be absolutely invaluable if you have a lot of contamination in the air.

• 4 – Cleaning your ducts

Dirty ducts can also be a major factor in spreading allergens around a house or office. It’s easy to forget about your ducts since they’re hidden away from sight, but they will slowly accumulate dirt, grime, and debris over time.  If they’ve gone too long without cleaning, the ducts may even become home to vermin such as roaches or mice, whose droppings can also be a source of allergies and other health problems.

Then all it takes is one strong gust of air from the HVAC system, and that all gets blown back into your home. In particular, if you ever see a lot of dust built up on blower vents or immediately beneath them, that’s a big red flag that your ducts are too dirty.

Ductwork typically should be cleaned every 3-4 years, for best results. However, be aware that this does require professional assistance – average people just don’t have the tools to properly clean their ducts, and in some cases, may actually make the problem worse by dislodging dust that can be blown around.  If your ducts haven’t been cleaned in a few years, call for HVAC maintenance service in NJ to improve your air quality.

• 5 – Installing a de-humidifier in high-humidity areas.

Finally, there’s one other common source of allergies inside buildings: mold and mildew.  The spores created by these invasive fungi can be extremely allergenic or even potentially cause other more serious breathing problems.

Mold and mildew need three things to breed effectively: darkness, relatively cool temperatures, and moisture.  That’s why they tend to form in people’s basements, and in other dark unattended places in a building.  Installing a dehumidifier in your HVAC system – or even utilizing a portable/standalone dehumidifier in the basement – can do a lot to prevent mold and mildew from growing. In turn, this will improve your home’s air quality and your overall health.

A Well-Maintained HVAC System Is Key to Happy, Healthy Living

For more than a decade, Air Temp Service has proudly provided HVAC maintenance services to New Jersey, with a long history of satisfied customers. We’re fully licensed and insured, with highly qualified staff who know area HVAC systems inside and out.

If your home’s air quality is suffering, or you just want to help reduce your allergy problems, contact us to schedule a visit and a FREE consultation!