Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating can help prepare your HVAC system for allergy season so you can maintain a comfortable and healthy home environment.
As the snow melts and the first blooms of spring appear, St. Louis homeowners also brace for the onset of allergy season. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can easily find their way into your home, making indoor air quality less than ideal. Fortunately, your HVAC system can become your first line of defense against these seasonal allergies.
Here’s how to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming allergy season in St. Louis, ensuring your home remains a haven of clean, fresh air.
Step 1: Replace Your HVAC Filters
The simplest yet most effective step is to replace your HVAC filters. Over time, filters can become clogged with dust, pollen, and other particulates, reducing your system’s efficiency and circulating allergens throughout your home. For allergy season, consider upgrading to HEPA filters, which can capture smaller particles and are especially effective at filtering out pollen and other allergens.
Step 2: Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Spring is the perfect time for a professional HVAC technician to inspect and maintain your system. A thorough tune-up will ensure your HVAC is running efficiently and can help identify any issues that might allow allergens to enter your home. Technicians can also clean difficult-to-reach components, such as coils and blower parts, further improving your system’s ability to filter out allergens.
Step 3: Clean Ducts and Vents
Your HVAC ductwork is a network of highways that can carry allergens throughout your home. Over time, these ducts can accumulate dust and debris, which your HVAC system can then distribute. Consider having your ducts professionally cleaned before allergy season to remove these allergens. Additionally, ensure your vents are clean and unobstructed, allowing for optimal airflow.
Step 4: Consider Adding an Air Purifier
Adding an air purifier can be a game changer for homes susceptible to allergens. Air purifiers work alongside your HVAC system to filter out particles that your HVAC filter might miss. Various air purifiers are specifically designed to eliminate allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.
Step 5: Control Humidity Levels
Allergens thrive in very dry and humid conditions. Maintaining a healthy indoor humidity level can prevent the growth of mold and dust mites, both of which are common allergens. An ideal humidity level is between 30% and 50%. Consider using a dehumidifier if your indoor air is too moist or a humidifier if it’s too dry to maintain optimal conditions.
Step 6: Seal Leaks and Gaps
Finally, ensure that your home is well-sealed against outdoor allergens. Check for leaks or gaps around windows, doors, and other openings where pollen and dust might enter. Sealing these leaks keeps allergens out and improves your HVAC system’s efficiency by preventing air leaks.
St. Louis HVAC Maintenance
Preparing your HVAC system for allergy season in St. Louis is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment. By following these steps, you can minimize the presence of allergens in your home, ensuring that you and your family can breathe easier this spring. Contact Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an appointment.