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Fight Those Fall Allergies with Your HVAC System
You know it’s fall when those chilly mornings arrive, followed by warm, sunny afternoons… When the gorgeous autumn foliage filling the neighborhood with color… And, of course, when you get that never-ending runny nose, sneezing and congestion — thanks, fall allergies!
But before you reach for that OTC allergy medicine that somehow manages to make you feel too drowsy to function yet completely incapable of sleep at the same time, consider a healthier way to conquer seasonal allergies: Your HVAC system. Here’s how.
Humidity, Be Gone!
Whether your Achilles’ heel is dust, mold, pollen or pet dander, these allergens all share a common characteristic: They love humidity. When you’ve got excess moisture in your home, these allergens will thrive… and make you miserable.
Optimal indoor humidity levels range from 40 to 50 percent; any higher than that, and you’ll simply be creating a playground for mold, dust mites and — egads — cockroaches, all of which increase allergen levels. The good news is that your HVAC unit — specifically, your air conditioner — is one of the most effective ways to control excessive humidity.
Think about how your car windows fog up when it’s wet out. What’s the fastest, easiest way to de-fog them? By running your air conditioner. The same principle holds true inside your home during that still-warm fall weather. Bonus: the air conditioner will also filter the air, decreasing pollen, dust, pet dander and other allergens.
Keepin’ it Clean
In order for your air conditioner’s filtration system to work, you’ve got to do your part by keeping those filters clean. Whether you have a wall-mounted A/C or a central unit, keep the filters filtering by cleaning them regularly. If you’re got electrostatic filters, take them out and give them a good vacuuming at least every two months. If you buy the replaceable filters, replace them every month during high allergy season.
Nuclear Option
If you’re running the air conditioning with regularly cleaned filters and you’re still having allergy issues, consider getting your home’s air ducts cleaned — you may be harboring mold. Get up close and personal with your vents and give them a good sniff. If you smell a moldy, musty or otherwise unpleasant odor coming out, it’s time to call in the professionals to give your ducts a good once-over.
And when it comes time to replace that HVAC system, consider a unit that draws air from outside, rather than simply recycling indoor air. This increased air flow will help decrease mold, mildew and humidity, and discourage those nasty allergens from multiplying and making your sinuses miserable.
