Just about the time the citrus bloom, spring allergies start to affect Yuma residents. Often people associate allergies with the citrus because of their heavy and widespread fragrance. In reality, it’s the pollen from trees, shrubs and grasses that trigger the allergies and not the plants with conspicuous flowers or strong perfumes.
Minimizing Allergy Effects
Your HVAC system can play a big role in minimizing the effects of airborne allergies by:
- Upgrading the air filter. Look in your manual to learn the densest filter the manufacturer recommends for your system. They may specify the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating or the filter quality. MERV ratings tell you the smallest particles the filter can trap and higher ratings indicate that the filter will trap smaller particulates. Better quality filters trap more particulates, as well.
- Having the system serviced. When an HVAC pro tunes up the system, he or she will clean all the parts and remove the dust that collects inside the air handler. Since a lot of air passes through the air handler, the parts inside it are a repository for pollen.
- Checking the ductwork for leaks. The ducts for your HVAC system run through the attic where there might be years of dust and pollen. A leak in the ductwork can pull those particulates into your air, making those allergies worse.
- Cleaning the ductwork. Over time, dust and pollen collect inside the ductwork and worst case, mold can grow or the ducts may be home to insects and vermin. Clean ducts will improve your home’s air quality since you breathe whatever is in the ducts.
Other Ways to Manage Allergens
- Take off your shoes before entering your home.
- Brush your pets after they’ve been outside.
- Keep the windows closed.
- Cut back on your outdoor activities until there’s less pollen in the air, usually after the weather gets hot.
Besides helping you cope with spring allergies, HVAC maintenance, duct sealing and professional ductwork cleaning reduce your energy bills and increase comfort. To learn more, contact Hansberger Refrigeration & Electric Company, providing HVAC and IAQ services for Yuma-area homeowners.
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 other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 928-723-3183.
