Allergens can be a nightmare. Itchy, watery eyes, congestion, and coughing can keep you up all night and make you miserable all day. But while you’re likely to blame pollen and other allergens outdoors, your home heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system–or HVAC, for short–could be responsible for your symptoms. At J. H. Roberts, Inc. we often find when people complain of poor outdoor air quality it is actually the indoor air quality that is causing their problems.
Here are the ways that your HVAC system may be contributing to your allergy symptoms, and what you can do to make your indoor air cleaner and safer to breathe.
Improve Your Filter
HVAC systems tend to recycle the same air over and over again in order to keep temperatures comfortable. The filters in your heater or return air vent are designed to help remove contaminants like dust and pet dander so you don’t continue breathing the same nasty air. Upgrade to a HEPA-style filter with a MERV rating of at least 10 for better filtration performance.
Clean Your Filter
Even if you choose a high-quality, high-performance filter, you still have to keep it clean. Change it or clean it every 1-3 months for better, less irritating air. Clean air also contributes to a more efficient and reliable heating and cooling system.
Improve Filtration
Electronic air filters, ionizers, and air purifiers are often used to remove allergens and contaminants in HVAC systems. These filters use electricity to attract and trap particles. As with ordinary filters, look for an MERV rating of 10 or higher for a more reliable purifier. Talk to a J H Roberts, Inc. installation professional for product recommendations and installation.
Clean Air Ducts
If you keep your air ducts clean, you can experience cleaner, less irritating indoor air. J. H. Roberts offers full home duct cleaning services. We will eliminate debris that can make your indoor air just as allergy inducing as the outdoor air you’re hoping to avoid.
Keep Humidity Balanced
Too much or too little humidity can irritate your allergies. Very dry or very moist air can make you feel terrible allergy symptoms like headaches or eye redness. Use humidifiers and dehumidifiers to balance your indoor air to a relative humidity of around 40%, which is the recommended level for comfortable, healthy air.
Dependable Indoor Air Quality Solutions!
J. H. Roberts Inc. indoor air quality specialists can diagnose your HVAC system and determine how to best keep your indoor air allergen-free. After performing a comprehensive analysis of your indoor space, our NATE-certified specialists outline a detailed and cost-effective strategy. Our goal is not to sell you a product but to provide a sustainable solution. We combine skilled services and state-of-the-art technology to manage issues with insufficient humidity, excessive moisture, airborne contaminants, and organic growth. By specializing in Aprilaire and Honeywell brand air quality systems, we offer a wide range of innovative and proven options, certain to meet your highest expectations.
