Most people love the summer season; it’s a time for vacations, cookouts, and fun in the sun. However, if you suffer from allergies, being outside can be a real bummer! You may be thinking that staying inside is the easiest way to cut down your symptoms, but did you know that indoor air pollutants can cause allergy problems just as much as the outdoors? Some common indoor allergens include mold, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. Unfortunately, your air conditioning system can harbor and spread those allergens around your household. Use these tips to help create a cleaner environment for your family this summer.
- Choose the right filter for your home. There are different filters to choose from such as flat panel, medium efficiency, high efficiency, and HEPA filters. They are measured by MERV (minimum efficiency recording value). Higher MERV numbers provide better filtration, lower MERV numbers will need to be replaced more frequently.
- Change filters regularly. Generally, it is recommended that homeowners change their filters every three months. This can vary depending on the number of people in the house and if pets are present.
- Monitor your air ducts. It is good to monitor your air ducts closely and clean them on a regular basis. This will ensure air can travel through your house freely and that there is not a presence of mold or mildew.
- Clear your units of debris. Observe your outdoor unit often since it is pulling air from the outside. Clean the space surrounding your unit as often as possible, keeping plants at least 3 feet away from the unit and cutting any overhanging branches. Keep any indoor units free of dust so that it does not circulate into your air.
- Maintain a proper humidity level. High humidity can cause mold to grow and low humidity can lead to clogged pores and dry skin. A healthy level of humidity is between 30%-50%. Ask us about humidifiers or dehumidifiers if you are having trouble with your levels.
Using these tips will aide in making your household a cleaner environment and will help cut out allergens. Keep in mind to always monitor your HVAC system closely and call for professional maintenance if you suspect any problems. If you have any questions regarding your HVAC system, call Nelson’s Heating and Cooling at (757) 566-3052.
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