While summer is all fun and games for many people, for some it means experiencing troublesome symptoms like stuffed up sinuses, a runny nose, and sneezing. No one can do much about the outdoor conditions. Luckily, there are certain steps you can take to reduce summer allergies when you’re inside your house. Here are some simple tips to help you breathe easier during this summer allergy season:
Change the Air Filter Regularly
The filters in your HVAC system capture lots of allergen-containing dust and debris from the air with continued use. When they get dirty, they become less effective at capturing airborne particles. If you use the 30 day filters be sure you are changing them each month. When buying a new filter, check its packaging to ensure it will remove allergens and other harmful particles from your home’s air. Your HVAC contractor can help you choose the best filter for your home, and they will always change the filter for you when they perform your maintenance tune ups.
Seal Ducts
Your home’s ductwork is the means by which air from your HVAC system moves throughout your home. Over time, it can develop cracks and holes. These openings can allow dust and dirt from unconditioned spaces such as your crawl space and garage into your household air. You can seal accessible ducts on your own with metal tape or mastic sealant. Have any inaccessible ductwork professionally sealed.
Install an Air Cleaner
If you have severe summer allergies, consider incorporating an electronic air cleaner into your cooling system. The unit electrically charges airborne contaminants as they enter it, making them stick to its collector plates.
Have Your System Serviced
Lack of regular maintenance can result in the buildup of dust and allergens inside your HVAC equipment, which can later be circulated throughout your house. You should have your air conditioner cleaned and serviced on a regular basis to reduce the chances of the system releasing allergens into your home.
Take the above steps to prevent allergies from taking the fun out of summer. For more tips on reducing summer allergies and improving your indoor air quality, contact us at Jackson & Sons. We’ve been proudly serving the Eastern North Carolina area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Eastern North Carolina (including Wayne, Johnston, Greene, Lenoir, Pitt and Duplin Counties) about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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