The arrival of spring also brings with it a variety of seasonal allergy symptoms for many people in the Jacksonville area. Spring allergies can be exacerbated by the additional rain and high humidity that Florida is well-known for during the warmer months. While you cannot really control what goes on outside with pollen and other allergens, you can take control to minimize your exposure to allergens lurking in your home, and here’s how!
Keep Up with General Housekeeping
It can be easy during busy spring and summer months to let some of the housekeeping chores around your home slide, especially with vacations and kids being home from school. However, by not keeping up, your home can become a veritable haven for allergens including:
- Pollen
- Pet dander and hair
- Dust mites
- Household dust
- Mold spores
Vacuuming floors and carpets at least once a week can help cut down on allergens in your home and those that get tracked in from outdoors. Do not forget to vacuum dust and debris from your HVAC returns and vent covers–at least once a week remove each vent cover and vacuum each duct opening. No one really enjoys dusting, but wiping down the various surfaces in your home a couple times a week will also help reduce allergens in your home.
Change Your HVAC Filter Frequently
During times of high use, you should be checking your HVAC system’s air filter once a month. When dirty, you should replace it immediately. This provides two immediate benefits:
- A clean filter keeps clean air flowing through your HVAC system
- A clean filter keeps your HVAC system running efficiently with good airflow
Get Your Ductwork Cleaned
If you find that your filter is always very dirty, you need to change your filters very often, or you find a lot of dust, hair and debris around your returns and vents, you may need your ductwork inspected and cleaned. It is a good idea to have your ductwork inspected and cleaned at least every 3 to 5 years or sooner if needed.
Small holes or cracks in your HVAC ductwork allow allergens to get inside where they make a home where mold and mildew can grow. When this happens, your home could smell musty. The allergens hiding in your ductwork can be continually recirculated through your home every time your system’s fan turns on.
Upgrade Your Air Purification Efforts
By choosing a higher MERV-rated filter for your HVAC system, you could eliminate smaller allergen particles and prevent them from being recirculated in the air in your home. Regular HVAC filters are designed to trap larger particles. You can up your game with improving the indoor air quality in your home by having an air purifier added to your HVAC system.
Keep Your HVAC System Professionally Maintained
You would not drive your car 50,000 miles without taking it in for an oil change, right? The same should go for your home’s HVAC. Before starting your air conditioner up for the season, you should have it inspected and serviced by a professional HVAC technician. This service includes making sure that your system’s air handler, condensate drain system and evaporator coil are clean and not clogged with dust, mold and other allergens.
Your home should be the place where you can be comfortable. And part of that is keeping it as allergen-free as possible. Breathe and rest easier by contacting Snyder Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule your air conditioner’s yearly tune-up.
