If you suffer from allergies, the months ahead may present some challenges. Unfortunately, there’s not much anyone can do about the conditions outside. What you can do is follow these five simple tips to reduce summer allergies inside your home:
1. Air Filters
The filters in your air conditioner trap dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores and other particles from the air, but
not all filters are created equal. Look for air filters with a MERV rating of 8 or higher for increased efficiency. Also, be sure to change your filter whenever it gets dirty – usually every month or two during summer. Dirty filters remove airborne particles much less effectively than clean ones. Clogged filters can also damage your A/C equipment.
2. Duct Sealing
The ducts that carry air to your home from your HVAC are often hidden out of sight. Over time, these ducts can develop cracks, holes and loose connections. These openings not only reduce the efficiency of your HVAC, they also let various potentially irritating particles and fumes into your air supply. Having your ducts sealed by a professional technician eliminates this problem.
3. Reducing Moisture
Mold thrives in a moist environment, and you can usually eliminate mold by eliminating moisture. You can do this in a number of different ways. Run a vent fan in your bathroom while showering, avoid letting wet items lie around your house for more than 24 hours, and use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in summer.
4. Annual Maintenance
Having your air conditioner serviced once a year, right before the cooling season, removes a year’s worth of particle buildup, which can include dust and a host of other substances. Annual maintenance also boosts efficiency and extends the lifespan of your cooling system.
5. Routine Cleaning
One of the best ways to manage indoor allergy symptoms is to keep a clean home. This includes dusting, reducing clutter, maintaining a regular vacuuming schedule, and washing your bedding weekly in 130-degree water to eliminate dust mites.
To learn more about ways you can reduce summer allergies, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Twin Cities metro area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about reducing summer allergies and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!