What’s the Best Line of Defense Against Allergies?

Does your Yuma area home make you wheeze and sneeze? Allergies are a problem for many southern Arizona homeowners. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the common indoor particles that trigger allergy symptoms.

  • Starting from the inside. Prevention is always worth the effort. It may be time to replace older energy-inWhat's the Best Line of Defense Against Allergies?efficient windows, and caulk door and window frames to help prevent mold, pollen and other allergy-triggers from finding a way into your home. Seal any foundation cracks and ensure your home is properly insulated. Smooth surface flooring and furniture that can be quickly and easily dusted or damp-mopped are other great ways to reduce the build-up of allergens.

If you’ve already done some of the above precaution and prevention methods for household allergies, the next best line of defense is the use of HEPA filters. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are designed to capture 99.7 percent of all particles that are 0.3 microns and smaller. This includes mold, animal dander, pollen and dust mites.

HEPA Filters and Your Home

  • Whole house solutions. If you have a central forced-air system, you can contact a qualified HVAC contractor to see about sizing and installing a whole-house HEPA filter. Because HEPA filters are so effective at collecting smaller particulates, they must be regularly replaced to ensure that airflow doesn’t become blocked, resulting in damage to your central HVAC equipment. Many households will find that an air filter with a MERV (Minimum Efficiency Rating Value) of 8-12 will be sufficient for allergy reduction.
  • Portable solutions. A less costly but often effective solution is the purchase of portable air cleaners outfitted with HEPA filters. These room air cleaners will help reduce allergens wherever they’re placed. Because they aren’t installed within your HVAC, they won’t pose equipment conflicts.
  • Vacuum with HVAC filters. Room air cleaners purify the indoor air environment, but to get at those allergy triggers trapped in carpets and furniture, you’ll want a HVAC-equipped vacuum.

For more ways to reduce allergies, please contact your southwest Arizona HVAC experts at Hansberger Refrigerator and Electric Company.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about allergy defense and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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