If you suffer from allergies or have asthma air quality is an important concern. Seasonal allergies can be problematic as they cause itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, and headaches. While your allergen may be outdoors, retreating inside may not improve your symptoms as your indoor air quality may not be the best. So, if you want to keep your allergies under control, here are some HVAC tips to relieve your symptoms and boost your health.
Keep It Clean:
Cleaning your home is a vital element of improving your seasonal air quality. You should vacuum carpets and soft furnishings regularly and fit your vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. You may also want to consider purchasing allergen suppressing bags for your vacuum cleaner. As part of your cleaning routine, you should wash your bed linens and dust all hard surfaces at least once a week.
Maintain Your Vents:
In addition to lengthening the lifespan of your ventilation system, keeping your vents clean will also help to improve your air quality. You should also be diligent about changing the filters in your ventilation system and consider using HEPA filters. These should be used in your air conditioner and any other air handler units in your system. A high rated HEPA filter will trap more pollutants and allergens.
Shut Up Your Home:
While air leaks can be a problem for heating and cooling efficiency, they can be even more problematic for allergy sufferers. To maintain good indoor air quality, you will need to keep your windows and doors tightly closed, particularly during high allergen periods. So, it is a good idea to check for any air leaks that could allow pollutants or allergens into your home to compromise the indoor air.
Invest in an Air Purifier:
An air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter can be invaluable for improving indoor air and alleviating allergy symptoms. Choose a model with a solid reputation and ensure that you run it regularly.
Run Your Humidifier:
Since you’re keeping your home sealed up tight, there is a risk that the air may become overly dry. This can not only put your wooden furniture, flooring, and panels at risk of damage, but can also irritate the sinus passages. Low humidity can cause itchy eyes, dry throat, and irritated skin, since these are also allergy symptoms, it can make you feel even worse.
Have Your Home Tested:
Finally, you need to consider having your home tested for carbon monoxide and radon. Even if the tests show no traces, it is important to have carbon monoxide, radon and smoke detectors that operate correctly installed for protection at all times.
Taking charge of your indoor air quality will also allow you to take a measure of control over your family’s health. While some of these tips involve a small investment, they offer fantastic improvement in your indoor air quality and your overall health.
If you do have concerns about your indoor air quality, you should speak to an HVAC professional. An experienced technician can assess your system and guide you through the range of options available to make significant improvements and alleviate your allergy symptoms.