Created by Privette Heating & Air Conditioning Admin
Many things can trigger allergies. The most common are pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander. They are carried into your home through the air, settle on the surfaces of your home, and make you and your family uncomfortable. Airborne particles like pet dander, dust mites, and mold make the air in your home harder to breathe and cause coughing and sneezing, red eyes, itchy throats, and runny noses.
The following are ways to reduce allergens in your home:
1. Change your filters. Your filters will either need to be changed 30 days, 90 days, or will be washable. Make sure that you are changing or washing your filters the way the filter instructions specifies.
2. Check the area around the indoor and outdoor unit. The outdoor AC unit pulls air from outside through your HVAC system, and that air eventually circulates throughout your home. Check for dust and debris, and clear it away from the unit as often as possible to keep it from being pulled into your home. Don’t forget about the indoor unit, either. Just like the outdoor unit, if dust and debris are around the indoor unit, it will eventually end up circulating throughout your home. Sweep, vacuum, and dust the area around the indoor unit often to reduce excess allergens in your system.
3. Check for mold. Mold thrives in humid, moist environments, so take a look at the ducts, condensate drip pan and drain, evaporator coils, and the air handler every few weeks to check for signs of mold.
4. Dust register and return vents first before dusting anything else in your house. When you dust the vents, use a damp rag so you don't stir up dust in the air.
5. Schedule an HVAC maintenance agreement. A regular preventative maintenance will keep your system healthy and service by an HVAC professional will help reduce indoor allergens and ensure your system is dust and blockage free.