Reduce spring allergies in 3 simple ways! Spring brings warm temperatures, blooming plants, and allergies. Over 45 million Americans have seasonal allergies. These allergies and the AC make enjoying beautiful weather difficult and relaxing at home somewhat impossible due to compromised indoor air quality. Instead of hoarding over-the-counter allergy medication, start eliminating contaminants and pollutants from the inside.
Common In-Home Air Contaminants
Did you know your residence is home to hundreds of air contaminants? Some of these contaminants include:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Radon gas.
Pollen – Pollen is a yellow powder-like substance with a coarse texture. So, if you are allergic to pollen, you may experience nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes.
Pet dander – Pet dander is microscopic skin flakes that dogs and cats, and other animals with fur shed. Thus, if you are allergic to pet dander, you may experience sneezing, runny nose, and postnasal drip.
Dust mites – Dust mites are small creatures that resemble tiny bugs, but do not confuse them with bed bugs. These mites can cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Also, these allergic reactions can include a scratchy throat and hives, which are red, itchy spots on the skin.
Radon gas – Radon is a radioactive gas that is odorless, colorless, and known to cause lung cancer. This gas enters your home through tiny cracks and holes in your home’s foundation. The symptoms of radon poisoning include persistent wheezing and coughing that don’t dissipate over time.
Spring allergies and the AC are the worst. However, regular AC maintenance can significantly reduce the presence and symptoms of spring allergies.
How Regular Maintenance Can Reduce Spring Allergies
1. Excellent HVAC Air Filters Improve Indoor Air Quality
American Air Cares recommends using filters that have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 8. As a result, these filters are excellent for trapping microscopic particles. The number of times you should change your HVAC air filter depends on several items.
- How many pets do you have?
- Are there young children in your home?
- Are you hypersensitive to indoor contaminants?
Fiberglass filters are the least expensive. However, you should change these filters more frequently than pleated filters. Fiberglass filters are not designed to hold tons of pollutants over long periods. Change fiberglass filters every 30 days. However, change pleated filters every two months. If you’re a pet owner, change your filter every month. If you have young children in your home, change your filter every two to three months. Failure to change your air filter regularly results in a less efficient HVAC system and expensive utility bills.
2. Reduce Spring Allergies by Removing Dust and Debris
Dust and debris are the primary culprits of indoor allergens. Therefore, you need to ensure the exterior and interior portions of the unit remain dust and debris-free. Maintaining a dust and debris-free HVAC system will improve the air quality in your home. The outside part of your unit draws in the fresh air that travels throughout your home. As a result, this also means dust and debris can also go throughout your home through the unit. The indoor part of the unit pulls debris into the unit, which causes buildup. Buildup affects the unit’s performance and efficiency. You can help improve your indoor air quality by regularly sweeping around the base of the unit.
Most importantly, you need to dust your vents and registers. Leaving these areas full of debris allows particles to circulate freely throughout your home. The best way to clean these areas is to use a damp cloth. For example, debris sticks to damp towels instead of flying into the air as it would with a dry cloth.
3. Schedule Preventive Maintenance Services
Preventive maintenance services for your AC is a great way to ensure your unit is performing at its optimum level. Consequently, at American Air Cares, we provide thorough HVAC preventive maintenance. This includes:
- Checking refrigerant levels for leaks.
- Inspecting your duct system for leaks.
- Measuring airflow traveling through the evaporator coil.
- Cleaning condensing coils as necessary.
- Drain line cleaning.
- Tightening and cleaning the electrical connections and inspecting terminals.
- Examining your system’s temperatures for fluctuations and inefficiencies.
- Checking the thermostat and calibrating as necessary.
- Providing recommendations and a final report of findings.
Reduce Spring Allergies with American Air Cares Help!
Our name says it all. To sum up, here at American Air Cares, we dedicate ourselves to providing you with reliable, professional HVAC services. Thus, we believe your home should be enjoyable and comfortable year-round. We proudly serve homeowners in many Florida locations, including:
- Fort Pierce
- Port St. Lucie
- Jensen Beach
- Palm City
- Stuart
- Hobe Sound
Whether you need AC repair in Stuart, AC repair in Port St. Lucie, or surrounding areas, American Air Cares is there. Please contact us to learn more about your home’s indoor air quality and the other HVAC services we offer.
