4 WAYS TO FIGHT ALLERGIES WITH YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

Breathing conditions constantly affect many of us. Those of us who suffer from asthma and allergies (especially in summer and autumn) know the discomfort it causes and how delicate the situation is, especially when we are at home.

Mites, pollen, pet dander, and insects are some of the main culprits that we can find in the home. The good news is that our HVAC system is designed to filter out these allergens (and even more), when properly maintained and used. If your system is not properly optimized it may just circulate allergens throughout your home without removing them, increasing the intensity of your symptoms.

The idea is that your HVAC system is a great ally in the fight against these elements. Here are 5 ways for you to take advantage of your Air Conditioning system’s power to enjoy a much healthier indoor environment for your nose and lungs:

1. Use good filters and change them often: It sounds obvious, but it may be the most essential tip of all. The filter should be changed every 1-2 months, especially if you have pets or small children. Choosing a filter with a high MERV rating will ensure that more allergens are filtered out of your indoor air. MERV ratings rate the quality of air filtration on a scale of 1 to 20, with 1 being the worst and 20 being the best. Filters with ratings of 13 or higher are considered very good, with 17 or higher being the most effective at filtering out allergens.  Providing even higher levels of protection, HEPA filters remove at least 99.97% of pollutants from the air, making them the best option for removing allergens. However, take note that using higher rated filters (especially HEPA filters) can force your system to work harder, resulting in increased wear and higher energy costs. 
2. Get air circulating through your house: Just because the temperature inside is good doesn't mean you should turn off the A/C; air circulation helps flush pollutants out of isolated areas. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can program it to run at the time and duration you want. Occasionally opening the doors and windows of your home may also help with some allergens because it allows indoor air to escape and pumps fresh outdoor air into closed places. We recommend this process take at least 20 minutes.
3. Consider adding a UV light system: In addition to the allergens mentioned before, other organisms, such as mold and mildew, may invade your home and remain in the warm, humid, dark environment of your system for a long time. These can have adverse effects on your health. Air filters made of cotton and cardboard can provide food for these microbes, allowing them to multiply quickly, which is why filters should be changed frequently. Consider also adding a UV-light air purifier near the system evaporator, which absorbs the heat drawn from your home and is normally the place where microbes thrive. A UV light will kill bacteria and other biological organisms and reduce harmful growth in your HVAC unit.
4. Comprehensive, ongoing maintenance: In addition to all the contaminants we discussed above, condensation and moisture  can accumulate in hidden areas of your HVAC system without proper maintenance. For these cases, a maintenance visit with an authorized professional is necessary at least 1-2 times a year to drain and clean your system, change the air filters, and make sure that your system works correctly. Besides, proper maintenance avoids unexpected breakdowns and all the interruptions this can bring to your home environment.
5. Upgrade to an allergy friendly HVAC system. Your old unit may be harboring hidden allergens or allergy-provoking microorganisms. It may provide poor air circulation or offer limited filtration capacities. As a Rheem Pro Partner, Comfort Air installs top-of-the-line Rheem systems, which offer advanced air filtration options. We can add the Rheem Whole Home Exact Fit Media Air Cleaner to your new Rheem system. We can even add it as an upgrade to many existing Rheem systems. This advanced air filtration solution removes dust, pollen, and other common allergens to ensure your entire family breathes clean air.