As we head into the spring weather, our cars and homes are all showing signs of the green hue that signals not just spring, but allergy season. Springtime is beautiful in South Carolina due to the blooming flowers and greenery, but with them also comes allergies! If you want to get a jump on the allergens getting trapped in your vents, here are five tips to ease your allergy burden from our best HVAC Charleston experts!
Change Your Air Filters
There is no substitute for changing out your HVAC filters every 30 days. Changing your filters isn’t just about easing your allergy suffering; it’s also necessary to extend the life of your HVAC system and reduce your overall energy costs. If you have a hard time remembering, set a reminder on your phone for every 30 days. You don’t need to invest in the expensive filters, either. If you plan on changing them on time, the cheaper ones might actually be better from an energy-efficiency standpoint!
Have Your Home Pressure Washed
It isn’t just about the aesthetics of your home growing mold, mildew, and pollen; all of those things can build up and when you open your windows, they will rush in. Once they get into your home, they become trapped and will continue to circulate, increasing your allergy issues. By pressure washing your siding and your windows, you remove all the buildup that is likely sitting dormant. The build-up of algae, pollen, mildew, and mold can get trapped in your ventilation system and circulate allergens and mold spores, which are a health hazard.
Vacuum Frequently
One of the best ways to reduce allergens around your home is vacuuming frequently to remove fine particles before they become airborne and get trapped in your HVAC system. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to ensure that you are purifying the air as much as possible, instead of just stirring it up to make it circulate throughout your home and make allergy symptoms worse. Also, make sure to dust frequently.
Clean Bedding and Pillows
One of the worst offenders for allergy sufferers are bedding and pillows. Although most of us don’t think about our pillows being an allergy trigger, dust mites can infest your pillows and make your suffering worse. Use dust mite-proof covers on your pillows and mattresses to keep them out of your sleeping area and your home.
Use a Dehumidifier
If you have damp places like a crawl space or basement, they are likely a breeding ground for mold and mildew. A dehumidifier can help prevent the growth of mold. That mold will not only make your allergy symptoms worse; it is also a health hazard. Also, keep bathrooms well ventilated to tackle mildew and mold before they can grow.
Bonus Tip: Have Your HVAC System Maintained
Springtime is an excellent time to have your HVAC system maintained. While our technicians ensure that it is in top shape, they will also clean your system and head off any issues that might need to be addressed before they become problematic.
As we head into spring, you can already see the signs of pollen everywhere. The best way to ease your allergy suffering indoors is through prevention. Try these air quality-enhancing tips from our best HVAC Charleston experts to breathe a little easier this spring and summer. Also, if you haven’t had your HVAC maintained lately, now is an excellent time to schedule your appointment!