If you suffer from allergies, you probably know all too well that they can be just as bad or worse indoors. External allergens often find their way inside. Many people inadvertently introduce indoor allergens, and those particles become more concentrated in a closed-up space. Let’s explore tips from the experts, including the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), to reduce allergens in the home.
Dust Often
Dust is a major allergen and a top contributor to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). It provides a breeding ground for dust mites. It also absorbs pollutants and contaminants and releases them over time. To combat dust, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises deep dusting at least once a week. Use a microfiber duster. Dust a room from top to bottom paying particular attention to dust traps. Then, use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Vacuum carpets, rugs, floors and furnishings to remove all dust. The HEPA filter will help ensure that you don’t just redistribute it.
Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance
You should schedule an HVAC tune-up in spring prior to needing cooling and in fall prior to needing heating. This is especially important if you have central HVAC, as it can exacerbate IAQ issues. During that appointment, your technician will clean all of the equipment. This includes components like your blower and evaporator coil, which can dramatically impact IAQ when dirty.
Upgrade Your HVAC Filter and Keep It Clean
A tune-up is also a great time to ask your technician if you’re using a good enough HVAC filter. All central systems will have a filter for each supply vent. Ductless systems have a filter inside each indoor unit. Filters have a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. This indicates filter strength. Most modern HVAC systems support up to MERV 13. If yours does, you’ll definitely want to upgrade if necessary. A filter with a MERV 13 rating will trap:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
For central systems, check your HVAC filter every month. Replace it when there’s a visible buildup of dust. For ductless systems, you need to wash the filter every two weeks and replace it once a year.
Clean and Seal Your Ducts
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends a duct inspection each year. You can schedule that inspection alongside either your spring or fall tune-up. During this appointment, your technician will use a video camera to inspect your ducts. The EPA recommends duct cleaning as needed. This can be as often as every other year for people with bad allergies. Your technician may also find that your seals have worn out. This can lead to allergens in the home through air leakage. If you need to have your ducts resealed, the EPA recommends the aerosol method.
Install a Whole-House Air Purifier
Your HVAC filter will help, but there simply isn’t enough air movement for true air purification. For that, you’ll want to install a whole-house air purifier, such as an air cleaner in your ducts. The AAFA advises avoiding air cleaners that generate ozone. Instead, opt for an air purifier with mechanical filtration and activated carbon. You can also get an air purifier with ultraviolet (UV) filtration, or install UV lamps.
The mechanical filter is usually a HEPA filter. It will eliminate 99.97% of large particulate matter. It will also trap a significant amount of fine particulate matter. The activated carbon will absorb unpleasant odors but also volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases and airborne chemicals. The UV filtration will neutralize:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Mold spores
- Fungal spore
- Dust mite eggs
Install a Whole-House Dehumidifier and Humidifier
The EPA recommends maintaining a relative humidity between 30% and 50%. You’ll breathe easier at your optimal RH and be less prone to attacks. You’ll need a dehumidifier for summertime. At 50% RH or below, you eliminate the chance of mold and dust mites. The air will also be able to hold less allergens. You’ll need a dehumidifier for winter. It won’t reduce allergens like a dehumidifier, but it does reduce respiratory sensitivity and make you less prone to infections.
Install a Whole-House Fan
A whole-house fan allows you to ventilate your home without introducing allergens. It can also reduce your reliance on your AC. Homeowners with central fans can use that instead of AC throughout spring and even into summer. You may also want to consider a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or energy recovery ventilator (ERV). These are more advanced whole-house fans that you can use when running your heat as well. Both HRVs and ERVs reclaim heat energy from their exhaust to improve heating efficiency. An ERV also reclaims moisture. That can eliminate the need for a humidifier.
Monitor AQI and Use Allergy Window Screens
You may want to open your windows and doors at times to air out your home. Just be careful when you do. Monitor the air quality index (AQI) for your area. Keep the windows closed when it’s above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, don’t open your windows without first installing allergy screens. These screens have a fine mesh that blocks pollen and other allergens from the outside.
Choose Household Products With Allergens in Mind
The AAFA recommends purchasing natural household cleaners and deodorizers. Many household cleaners contain toxins that can serve as an allergen or irritate your lungs to make you more susceptible. Many products that are safe for those with allergies will have information about that on the label.
Groom Your Pets Regularly
Pet dander is a bad trigger for many people with allergies. It’s so bad for some that they can’t even have dogs or cats in the home. If you’re more fortunate than that, you should still take care. Ideally, you should have a professional groom your pet every week. If you do it yourself, be sure to do it outdoors. That will help keep the hair and dead skin out of your home.
Your Local IAQ Experts in Jacksonville
J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing is proud to serve Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Our IAQ team tests ductwork and performs duct cleaning and duct sealing. We also specialize in air purifiers, UV lamps, insulation, HRVs and ERVs. Our HVAC technicians specialize in all manner of ducted and ductless heating and cooling systems. We install and configure smart thermostats and zone control systems. Our company also has plumbers that clean drains and install both tank and tankless water heaters. Call us today or contact us online with any questions or to schedule an in-home consultation or service appointment.
