How to Combat Your Spring Allergies with Your HVAC System

Aah, spring allergies. It seems like most of us are allergic to something out there that blooms and puts out pollen in the spring. Allergic reactions to pollen range from mild to severe, with many sufferers needing to seek medical attention, while others even find themselves avoiding the outdoors altogether. But if you’re stuck in your house this spring to avoid pollen, you need to ensure it’s not a source of allergens. Your HVAC system can help.

Allergens in Our Homes

Many airborne pollutants to which we develop allergic reactions can be found in our homes, among them:

• volatile organic compounds
• pet dander
• dust
• dust mites
• mold
• insect body parts and waste
• pollen

You can eliminate a good portion of the year-round allergens listed above by controlling them at the source. Pollen, which is likely to be produced at specific times of the year when plants bloom, is a bit different, but still can be managed. You’ll need to keep your doors and windows closed, for one thing, and also brush off your clothes and pets before entering the house. If you’ve got blooming plants in your home, you may need to sequester them in one room while they’re blooming.

Enlisting the HVAC to Control Pollen

Another way to control pollen or other airborne pollutants is to use a good quality, pleated air filter. These filters are denser than ordinary fiberglass filters, and so do a better job of trapping particles. Choose an air filter rated MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) between 8 and 12 for best results. Change the air filter whenever it looks dirty to ensure it’s still working efficiently to clean the air.

If you feel you need added protection from airborne pollutants, consider having an air purification system installed. You can use portable models, but they have to be moved from room to room, and don’t do as good a job as a whole-home system. Talk to your HVAC consultant about the several models available on the market.

For more information on controlling allergies in your home, contact Mathews CCAC. We serve the Coastal Bend area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your HVAC system, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.