Approximately 50 million Americans have environmental allergies, but you don’t have to suffer in your own home. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate allergens from your Cave Springs, Arkansas, home, there are some ways your HVAC system can help reduce the spread of common allergens, like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
Change Your Filters
Make sure you’re checking your HVAC system’s air filters regularly and changing them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If your filters become clogged, they can’t stop allergens and other particulates from ending up in your living areas and causing watery eyes and scratchy throats.
Use the Right Filters
While filters are designed to trap contaminants, not all filters are created equal. There are four general types of filters: flat filters, medium-efficiency filters, high-efficiency filters, and high-energy particulate air (HEPA) filters. They’re each measured by their minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) and range from 1 to 20, with the higher values catching smaller particulates.
Adjust the Humidity
You might notice that the air in your home gets drier as the temperature outside gets colder. As your furnace heats the air in your home, it decreases moisture, reducing the inside humidity levels. If the humidity in your home is too low, the dry air can further irritate throats and nasal passages. This can make you and your family members more susceptible to allergy-induced asthma and other respiratory issues.
Add an Air Purifier
An HVAC professional can add an air purifier to your system to trap dust mites, pet dander, and more as they move through your system. Some systems trap and remove up to 99.98 percent of airborne particles, lessening your family’s allergy symptoms and helping you stay healthier.
While it’s impossible to eliminate your exposure to allergens, it’s possible to minimize the impact they have. Contact George’s Refrigeration & Heating today at (479) 636-1470 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll be happy to explain how we can help improve the air quality in your home.
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