If you're an allergy sufferer, it's important to find relief when you can. Although you can't control mother nature, such as tree, flower, and weed pollen, you can control your indoor air quality for ultimate relief.
Did you know your AC plays a vital role in the quality of your indoor air? If you are an allergy sufferer, here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your air conditioner can help you stay as comfortable as possible in your own home.
Simple Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Indoor Air for Allergy Relief
1. Change Your Filter
One of the simplest maintenance tasks you can regularly perform to ensure your AC stays in good working order is to change your filter. Doing so helps to maximize your AC’s efficiency. Removing dirty filters will also reduce the odds of the particles they trap getting inside your home and negatively affecting your indoor air quality.
It’s usually best to change your AC filters every three months. However, as with many AC tips, that’s just a general rule of thumb. If you notice your filters getting dirty substantially earlier, replace them sooner.
Additionally, you should consider using a filter with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of at least 8. A high-quality filter will trap tiny particles, further improving your indoor air quality. We’d be happy to recommend the ideal filter for your needs if you’re not sure which to choose.
2. Keep the Unit Clean
Regularly inspecting your system is another essential AC maintenance tip worth remembering. Although it’s best to schedule annual inspections with professionals to ensure your AC remains in good working order (and doesn’t break down without warning when you need it most), you should also make a point of visually inspecting it yourself from time to time. You want to make sure there aren’t any obvious signs of damage or leaks.
Pay attention to whether the system appears dirty when inspecting it. If you notice dust or debris accumulating around the outside of the AC, clean it away. This dust and debris could work its way inside the system if you ignore it. When that happens, the AC may distribute it throughout your home, which is definitely something anyone with allergies wants to avoid. Remember to clean your dust vents and registers too.
3. Upgrade Your HVAC System
It’s worth noting different types of allergens may accumulate in your home. You shouldn’t merely take steps to keep dust and other particles from affecting your indoor air quality. You also need to guard against bacteria.
Exposure to bacteria makes virtually anyone uncomfortable to at least some degree. However, those who are allergic to mold and bacteria can experience quite severe reactions if they’re exposed to it.
Bacteria tend to develop in moist environments. Thus, you need to keep the humidity levels in your home relatively low.
Your HVAC system will help you do so by ensuring you don’t have to keep the windows open to maintain a comfortable temperature at certain times of the year. If your HVAC system isn’t working properly, there may be days when you decide you need to open your windows and doors to adjust your home’s temperature. This increases the odds that rain may get inside, resulting in the kind of moist environments where mold and bacteria develops. That’s not something you need to worry about when you’re able to keep the windows closed thanks to a functioning HVAC system.
(Keep in mind that you should be on the lookout for moist or damp areas when inspecting your AC. If you notice any issues, contact an HVAC expert to determine what might be causing the problem.)
However, to truly keep your home’s humidity levels in a safe range, you may want to upgrade your HVAC system by installing a whole-home humidifier that integrates with your ductwork as well. Doing so will allow you to exercise a greater degree of control over your home’s humidity levels. Again, we’d be more than happy to make a recommendation if you’re not sure where to start.
Remember these AC tips if you have allergies. They’ll help you stay comfortable throughout the year. And, if you ever need AC service in the Tampa Bay area, be sure to give us a call at 813-COLDAIR (813-265-3247).