BLOG

Escaping Allergies

Although the length of spring and fall may vary from year to year, one thing remains constant. That is the fact that many people suffer from allergies during these two seasons. There’s one location where you should be able to minimize the physical symptoms brought on by blooming weeds outside, however, and that place is the inside of your home. If your ductwork hasn’t been properly cleaned or maintained, though, escaping allergies inside your house may be difficult for you. The following provides overviews of how your HVAC system can affect your allergies and what you can do to make sure the inside of your home remains a safe and healthy place to be.

Affects

If you’re experiencing a runny nose or a persistent cough indoors and you know it’s not a common cold or other type of temporary ailment, you should look into environmental causes. Often, your HVAC system can contribute to your discomfort by stirring up allergens like mold, dust mites, and insect droppings. No matter what air freshener you’re using, you can’t rid your indoor air of these particles. They cannot be masked, and if your ventilation system is stirring them up, they will likely end up in your respiratory system.

Your HVAC system may also be harboring mold inside its maze of ducts. Mold is often a volatile irritant that causes a runny nose and congestion. It can also bring on a perpetually scratchy throat. The symptoms can be even more severe with exacerbation of asthma and its resulting impediment of breathing being one of the more serious situations.

Inadequate filtration can affect the amount of allergens your HVAC system allows into your indoor air. This issue can occur when filters have not been changed in a timely manner or when the system isn’t functioning with the right type of filter.

What You Can Do

If you suspect that mold is growing in your ducts, you need to have a professional check them for you. Some HVAC repair and maintenance companies can perform this task, or you can call a mold mitigation company that has experience with affected ductwork. If mold has, in fact, taken hold in the ducts, you need to arrange to have them cleaned as soon as possible so as to restore your air quality. Some companies actually specialize in this process now, and you should make sure to get several free estimates from different sources before proceeding. You can expect to pay several hundred dollars for a thorough and correct duct cleaning.

If the problem is stemming from inadequate filtration, have your HVAC maintenance person recommend a filter that is optimal for your system. Sometimes high-performing HEPA filters can put too much strain on the system. A medium grade may be more appropriate in these instances.

No matter the direction you need to go, be aware that clean air indoors is essential to healthy living. The process of obtaining it may get a little expensive, but it’s worth every penny if it guarantees your peace of mind.