Spring and summer allergies can be brutal. When plants are blooming and pollen circulates through the air many of us head indoors to try to escape the snotty reaction our allergies will bring. However, if your HVAC system is dirty, you could end up suffering more from allergic reactions to contaminants circulating inside your home. Here are some tips on how to maintain your AC system for best performance and to relieve allergies.
Cleaning your AC system
A dirty air system can make your allergies worse. This is especially true if you have floor vents. Common contaminants like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and dust can collect in your vents and ductwork. Left standing, these contaminants can blow around your home and contribute to poor air quality within your home and make your allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues worse.
Check your central HVAC system filter(s). An air conditioner works at its optimal efficiency and capacity with a nice clean unobstructed airflow.
- If you have a washable filter, wash it. If you have a throwaway filter, replace it.
- If your air conditioner is outside on the ground, make sure it is free of any obstructions such as bushes or vines. Vines can be especially invasive, and if they grow up into the outdoor coil, can cause major damage to the system.
Clear the Stagnant Air
Run your system regularly – you can run the fan without the system running to help circulate and clean the air, even when you aren’t running the air conditioning. Some thermostats you can set to “circulate” 20 minutes every hour. Others, just switch to “on” for a while to get the air moving across that filter.
By running the fan more frequently you may need to replace your systems filter more often, it’s worth it because you’ll have better air quality and more comfortable temperatures during the high allergy season.
Time for a New AC Filter
When the season changes, it’s a great time to check your HVAC filter.
Your HVAC system filters out pollen and other allergens by circulating air through a filter and preventing dust and debris from entering your ductwork. If a filter is left unchanged for too long it can lose its effectiveness, and if it becomes clogged it can lead to system failure.
Most HVAC technicians recommend that you clean or replace your AC filter very two to three months, or it may become overloaded and blow allergens like pollen, dander, and dust mites back through your home.
Upgrade to a New Filter System
For even cleaner air, you may want to use a HEPA filter or consider upgrading your HVAC system to include a whole-home air purifier.
At Perfection Home Systems we proudly carry air purifiers and filters by Aprilaire®. Installed as part of your HVAC system, it puts you in complete control of indoor air pollution. When your central heating and cooling system fan is on, it delivers cleaner, healthier air throughout your home by removing fine particulates like pollen. Indoor air quality is important and a whole-home air purifier can help you manage it.
Get an AC Tune-Up
An improperly maintained air conditioning system may be collecting condensation and moisture in hidden places. A professional AC tune-up can ensure that your cooling system is free of condensate clogs and running at peak efficiency. Don’t wait until your allergies are out of control to schedule an AC service appointment.
If you’re looking for a licensed, insured, and trusted air conditioning contractor in the Sacramento area contact Perfection Home Systems. In addition to improving the energy efficiency of your AC unit, routine cooling system tune-ups can also improve the quality of your indoor air. With a thorough inspection and cleaning, our technicians can get rid of dirt and debris that may be hiding in your HVAC system promoting a more efficient and healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
Whether you need routine AC maintenance, AC repair, or new AC installation we’ve got you covered. We value our customers and approach every job with competence, honesty, and dependability. Our professional, trained, and experienced technicians have the know-how and expertise to do the job right. You can count on us to provide the services you need and to go above and beyond to create a positive experience. Call (916) 481-0658 to contact Perfection Home Systems to request service.
SERVING THE GREATER SACRAMENTO AREA SINCE 1981