You may wonder what pollen and indoor air quality have in common. If on the other hand, you suffer from pollen-induced allergies, you already know. Pollen is at an all time high right now in Central Kentucky. You won’t be able to avoid the yellow dust outside, but in your home there are a few things you can do to make sure spring pollen doesn’t ruin your home’s air quality. Here are a few way you can use your HVAC system to reduce the problem of allergies this spring.
Change Your Filters
If you can’t remember the last time you changed your HVAC filter then more than likely you have a dirty filter. Filters are designed to keep allergens out of your ducts, vents and the rest of your house. If you have a clean filter, not only will it affect the air quality of your home but it will also enable air to flow more freely into your system and this keeps your HVAC system running more efficiently. During high pollen season, it is a good idea to change your filters every month. Look for filters that have a high MERV rating. This stands for “minimum efficiency reporting value” and ranges from 1 to 12. The higher the value the better indoor air quality you’ll experience. HEPA filters are designed to collect and prevent the most amount of pollen from entering your system.
Don’t Bring Pollen In
If you’re like most people in Central Kentucky now is a good time to turn the HVAC off and open the windows. If you have a problem with allergies or pollen, now is not the time to give in to this temptation. Pollen can get through screens and enter your house. If you’re suffering from pollen-induced allergies, keep your windows closed. Consider running your HVAC fan in the “on” position to circulate clean air. Don’t track pollen in on your shoes and clothing but consider changing shoes at the door. If you’ve been outside working, make sure you shower and wash thoroughly before bed.
Spring HVAC Maintenance
If you haven’t scheduled your spring HVAC maintenance yet, now is the time to do so. ADA Heating and Air can make sure your system is sealed so pollen has less of a chance to enter your house. We can also clean your ducts and system so that you’re starting with fresh air. We specialize in indoor air quality and offer many ways to increase the indoor air quality of your home. Keeping your system running efficiently is the first and best step toward cleaner indoor air.
Call your Central Kentucky HVAC company, ADA Heating and Air for any questions you have about your HVAC system and the air quality of your home. We’re here to help.
