Allergy season can be rough for many people. No matter what you do, or how much you try to avoid going outside, sometimes, allergies are just something that you have to deal with. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things that could be making your allergies worse. One of those things could be your air conditioning unit.
If not cleaned out properly, air conditioners can be circulating allergens like dirt, dust, pet dander, and even pollen in your home—causing those allergies to flare up.
The good news is, there are things that you can do to lessen the impact that your AC unit is having on your allergies. This includes investing in good air filters. Try to get true HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters. To be true HEPA filters, they must be able to capture at least 90% of all particles that are 0.3 microns or larger.
In addition to these new filters, you should also make sure that you are getting regular maintenance performed on your HVAC system. By hiring a professional to perform annual or bi-annual inspections you can make sure that your HVAC system is working in the way it is supposed to and that you are limiting the number of allergens that are being circulated in the home.
Regular maintenance should include:
- Cleaning Out the Air Ducts- Years of dust, pollen, and mold spores may be hiding in your system—an HVAC technician can clean those out for you. It is recommended you have this done every 3-5 years.
- Removing Debris from Around Your AC Unit- Take a look at the area around your outdoor AC unit. If it is covered with dirt, debris, and plants, this may mean your AC unit is sucking up outside allergens and circulating them inside your home.
- Check for Mold- Unfortunately, sometimes mold can build up in your HVAC system. Mold can make your allergies act up and make you ill. Mold most commonly collects in the condensate drip pan/drain, in the air handler, or around the air ducts and evaporator coils.
Regular maintenance like this can help lessen the number of allergens circulating in your system. Maintenance can also make sure that your HVAC system is up and running properly. This is a great way to get ahead of potential issues with your system and even lower your utility bills.
If you are ready to start on a maintenance schedule or have questions about improvements you can make to your home’s system, call the experts here at Texas Pride Heating & Air to schedule an appointment today.
