Most of us love the spring season. The reason behind this is not difficult to crack; spring turns our surroundings into a visual treat. We get to see more of those beautiful flowers, grass, and trees. However, on the flip side, the spring could seriously trigger allergy issues. More so, if you have weak lungs. Stats reveal that up to 30 million people have to endure various allergies during the springtime. Sometimes the tally goes past 60 million. That is where your HVAC system flips into action.

Odd as it may sound, the HVAC system can be beneficial to keep indoor allergens in check. If you find this statement useful, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Here is how HVAC contributes to the allergy-free atmosphere:

1. Pay Attention To The Filter

The filter is the most critical component of the HVAC system. So you are better off investing in the one that blocks the tiniest specks. To measure the purification capacity, you need to take its MERV (Minimum Efficiency Recording Value) rating into account. A filter with a higher MERV rating, such as 20x25x1 Glafloss, tends to perform better.

You can find MERV filters ranging between the ratings of 1 to 20. According to experts, a MERV filter with a 14 to 16 rating can eradicate the thinnest fragments. However, HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters outperform MERV filters quite comprehensively. It could tempt you to buy a HEPA filter. But it would help if you were mindful that a standard HVAC system couldn’t support HEPA filters. It is because they put more strain on the entire HVAC system. Though, one can install a HEPA filter after introducing necessary upgrades in the HVAC system.

Regardless of the type of air filter you select, you should make it a point to change it every once in a while. Depending on who you ask, you could get additional feedback regarding the ideal time to replace air filters. But we recommend you to swap them every 90 days, especially if you own a pet.

2. Tidy Up Air Ducts

It has been proven that proper duct cleaning boosts the overall functioning of the HVAC system. In other words, avoiding or delaying duct cleaning is equivalent to inhaling contaminated air.   

Yet, a vast proportion of homeowners overlook this critical errand. It could be because hiring professional duct cleaning services is not a financially feasible option. Well, if you happen to be one of these people, we have good news for you. There are various handy DIY duct cleaning practices that hardly cost any money. Let’s unveil them without further ado:

• Cover up supply registers: While you get busy removing dust from the ducts, cover supply registers might end up catching dirt. Wrap paper towels around the supply register to ensure complete protection.

• Switch the thermostat to “fan on” mode: The fan will push the dirt out after some time you start scrubbing. If your thermostat does not include “fan-only” mode, you could turn to “heat” to get the job done.

• Start tidying up supply registers: Once you complete cleaning the inner parts, it is time to wipe out dust from supply registers. A handheld vacuum cleaner is hands down the best tool to restore a supply register’s pristine condition, regardless of how messy it may be.    

3. Install a UV light

Installing a UV light can complement the functioning of the HVAC system. It keeps the air clean by eradicating mold, bacteria, and allergens. It got observed that many people place UV lamps randomly in their houses. Well, that is a flawed tactic. If you want to make the optimal UV light usage, make sure to position it as near the coils as possible.   

4. Keep A Check On The Humidity Level

Breathing in a humid atmosphere is equivalent to creating breathing problems. It is because the space between airways shrinks significantly. That is precisely why reducing humidity level could amp up your HVAC system’s performance to a great degree. Investing in a dehumidifier is hands down the best way to meet this objective.

It bears worth mentioning that you should not wholly starve air off humidity because not having a certain amount of moisture in the air is also detrimental. Under the findings of many credible studies, the ideal humidity level in a household is 40%. However, keeping the humidity level between 30 to 50 percent would do it nicely for most people.     

5. Regular Maintenance Of The HVAC System

Like many home devices, the HVAC system also requires consistent upkeep to stay on top of the performance. It is highly advisable to schedule a maintenance session with professionals every year. Regular care will add to the proper functioning and save you from significant overhauls down the road.

The Final Verdict

Ever since the pandemic has emerged on the scene, we got limited to our houses. So it is even more important to keep allergens at a distance from our living space. If you have an HVAC system, you do not need to go out of your way and take extra measures to nib in the bud of allergies. Just walk the tight line of the above tips and ditch allergies comprehensively.