How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Spring Allergies

Spring Allergies and the Role of Your HVAC System

• Spring Allergies in Florida: As beautiful as spring can be, it also brings seasonal allergies. In Tallahassee and the Florida panhandle, pollen, mold, and other allergens can quickly become an issue indoors, aggravating respiratory symptoms and making it hard to enjoy the season.
• Why Your HVAC System Matters: A well-maintained HVAC system can significantly reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and allergens circulating indoors, keeping your home more comfortable for allergy sufferers.
• What to Expect in This Guide: We’ll cover essential tips to prepare your HVAC system for spring allergies, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and reducing allergens in your home.

Change or Upgrade Your Air Filter

• Why Air Filters Matter: Air filters are the first line of defense in trapping allergens and pollutants before they enter your living space. Standard filters can remove larger particles, but a high-quality filter is essential for capturing smaller allergens like pollen and dust mites.
• HEPA and MERV Ratings: Consider upgrading to a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter or a filter with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating between 8 and 13. These filters trap finer particles and can significantly improve air quality.
• Changing Frequency: During allergy season, it’s recommended to change your air filter every 1-2 months to maintain optimal airflow and ensure the filter is effectively capturing allergens.

Outbound Link: Learn more about air filter types and ratings from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Consider an Air Purifier

• Why Air Purifiers Help: Air purifiers work alongside your HVAC system to capture and neutralize airborne allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Adding an air purifier can reduce the number of allergens circulating in your home, providing relief for allergy sufferers.
• Types of Air Purifiers: HVAC-compatible whole-house air purifiers are ideal for consistently improving indoor air quality. Many of these devices use UV light or advanced filtration technology to kill bacteria, mold spores, and other allergens.
• Portable vs. Whole-Home Purifiers: Portable air purifiers can be effective for single rooms, but a whole-home purifier integrated with your HVAC system provides broader protection.

Learn about different air purification technologies from ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers).

Schedule a Professional HVAC Inspection and Tune-Up

• Why Regular Maintenance is Key: Spring is an ideal time for a professional HVAC inspection. During an inspection, a technician can identify any issues that could reduce indoor air quality, such as leaks, mold, or dirt buildup.
• What to Expect in a Tune-Up: An HVAC tune-up typically includes checking the air filter, cleaning the coils, inspecting ductwork, and ensuring your system runs efficiently. This not only helps with air quality but also improves system efficiency, lowering energy bills.
• Finding the Right Technician: Choose a licensed and reputable HVAC company, like Lawson HVAC, for your inspection to ensure your system is thoroughly checked and well-prepared for allergy season.

For more about HVAC maintenance, check out this HVAC maintenance checklist from Energy Star.

Adjust the Thermostat and Manage Humidity Levels

• Why Humidity Control is Important: High humidity can encourage mold and mildew growth, which are common allergens. In Tallahassee’s warm climate, keeping humidity levels between 30-50% can help prevent mold growth and dust mites.
• Using Your Thermostat and Dehumidifiers: Smart thermostats can help regulate temperature and humidity, making it easier to maintain a comfortable environment. Some HVAC systems come with built-in dehumidifiers, or you can use standalone dehumidifiers in areas prone to dampness.
• Ventilation Tips: Proper ventilation can help manage indoor humidity levels. Keep windows and doors closed during high-pollen days and consider using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

The American Lung Association offers tips on managing indoor humidity for better air quality.

Clean and Maintain Vents and Registers

• Importance of Clean Vents: Dust, pet hair, and pollen can accumulate in your HVAC vents and registers, reducing airflow and dispersing allergens. Cleaning vents regularly helps improve indoor air quality and airflow.
• How to Clean Vents: Remove and clean the vents with mild soap and water, vacuum the interior of the vent area, and ensure all registers are open to allow unrestricted airflow. Doing this every few months is recommended, especially during allergy season.
• Professional Cleaning: For an in-depth clean, consider hiring a professional service to vacuum and sanitize your ductwork and vents.

For more cleaning tips, check out this guide on cleaning air vents and ducts for more detailed cleaning tips.

Consider Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat

• Benefits of a Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat not only provides better control over your home’s temperature but also allows you to monitor indoor air quality settings. Many smart thermostats are compatible with air purifiers and humidifiers, enabling you to optimize your indoor environment remotely.
• Automated Adjustments: Many smart thermostats can automatically adjust humidity levels or filter reminders based on seasonal changes, making it easier to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
• Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats also help reduce energy costs by learning your schedule and adjusting temperatures accordingly, which is especially helpful in Tallahassee’s warm climate.

For more on how smart thermostats can enhance air quality, visit Energy.gov.

Check for Air Leaks and Seal Your Home

• Why Air Leaks Matter for Allergies: Air leaks around windows, doors, and vents can allow outdoor allergens to enter your home. Sealing these leaks helps prevent dust, pollen, and other allergens from infiltrating your indoor space.
• How to Detect Leaks: Walk around your home and feel for drafts near windows and doors. Weatherstripping and caulk are affordable solutions for sealing gaps.
• Insulating Ducts: Properly insulated ducts prevent dust and pollutants from entering the airflow, which is essential for reducing indoor allergens. Sealing your ducts can also improve HVAC efficiency and help maintain consistent temperatures.

Learn more about sealing air leaks to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Keep Your Home Clean to Minimize Indoor Allergens

• Regular Cleaning Routines: Frequent dusting, vacuuming, and washing bedding can help keep allergens to a minimum. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles that could be stirred up during cleaning.
• Houseplants and Allergens: While some houseplants can improve air quality, they may also harbor mold or pollen. Choose low-pollen houseplants, or consider an indoor air purifier if you have plants in the home.
• Control Pet Dander: If you have pets, bathe and groom them regularly to minimize dander. Use pet-specific air purifiers or filters to keep the air clear of pet hair and dander.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has useful tips for reducing allergens in the home.

Why Choose Lawson HVAC for Your Spring HVAC Needs?

• Local Expertise in Tallahassee: Lawson HVAC understands the unique climate of Tallahassee and specializes in preparing HVAC systems to handle Florida’s allergy season.
• Comprehensive Services: From professional duct cleaning and air purifier installation to maintenance and tune-ups, Lawson HVAC offers services tailored to improve air quality.
• Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: Lawson HVAC

If you live in a household that is affected by the gamut of allergies that North Florida puts all of us through, reach out to Lawson and we’ll see what we can do to help.

‍