Choose the Best Denver HVAC Companies to help Prevent Allergies | Quality Home HVAC
Learn how to prevent allergies by keeping pollen and other microscopic particles out of your home. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may already know that your Denver air conditioning system can prevent allergies or exacerbate them. But did you know that heating systems also play a role? You’ll discover ways to avoid dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and other allergens from spreading through your HVAC system and causing problems.
Pollen is an allergen that causes seasonal allergies. Pollen grains are small enough to get through your nose and into your lungs, causing sneezing, coughing, and other respiratory problems. You can help prevent allergies by keeping indoor air clean and dust-free. If you have pets, consider getting a HEPA filter for your HVAC system to keep pollen out of your house. At Quality Home HVAC, we pride ourselves on being one of the best Denver HVAC companies in Colorado. In this article, we discuss ways you can mitigate allergies by having routine HVAC inspections and maintenance.
Air Purification and Scrubbing Devices
Air purification systems can be added to existing HVAC units. These systems will remove allergens and other air particles before entering the rooms. Air purification systems can also help clean the air by eliminating dust mites and bacteria. You should consider installing an air purifier if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
HEPA Air Filters
HEPA filters are designed to keep dust and other contaminants from entering the indoor environment. A HEPA filter will trap 99.97% of airborne particles 0.3 microns or larger. These filters are usually found in central heating systems, but you may also see them in ductless mini-split heat pumps. Consider using a HEPA filter if you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
Keep Ductwork Clean
Dirty filters clog up your system and reduce its efficiency. A powerful HVAC can circulate all that dust back through the new filtration systems, keeping your air clean and healthy. Your ducts are designed for airflow, not buildup. If you keep them well maintained, you rarely need to clean them out.
Keep Mold Risk Areas Free from Humidity
Reducing moisture sources will help prevent mold growth in your house. If you have a humid indoor environment, you might need to reduce moisture in your air conditioning unit. You may also want to consider adding dehumidifiers if you have a damp basement.
First Step: Prevent Allergies
Allergies are caused by an immune system response to something foreign. Allergens are usually tiny particles that come in contact with our skin or eyes. These particles can cause allergic reactions when we breathe them in. To prevent allergies, you need to keep your home free of allergens. You can do this by sealing cracks and holes in your home, improving on sealed insulation, and adding new caulking around windows and doors. You should also consider vaccinating pets against specific allergens if you have pets. Finally, if you have a heating or cooling system, you should change your filters regularly.
What Type of Air Filter is Best?
Your air filter should be changed every three to nine months, depending on the size of your home and its climate. Select a filter with a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV), which measures the filter’s effectiveness in stopping dust and particulate matter. A higher MERV rating means a cleaner indoor environment.
Allergy-rated filters should be placed in the indoor air registers of the HVAC system. These filters will pull fresh air into the house and remove any allergens that may be present. Allergies are caused when you inhale tiny particles called allergens. These particles can come from many sources, including pollen, pet dander, molds, and dust. When you breathe in these particles, your immune system reacts by producing chemicals that cause inflammation. You might notice symptoms like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, or nasal congestion if you have allergies. You can also experience asthma attacks if you’re allergic to specific triggers. An HVAC filter helps keep allergens out of the air you breathe.
Every home should have its unique level of filtration to ensure safety and comfort. Those with allergy sensitivities may need extra filters like ionizers and UV air scrubbers to help keep them healthy. A higher MERV rating might be necessary for someone with an autoimmune disorder.
How Often Should I Clean My Air Ducts?
Most air ducts are cleaned regularly. If you notice mold growth, critters living inside the ducts or outdoor vents, excessive dirt buildup, or if you smell an unpleasant odor from your air ducts, you may need to clean them out. You can hire a professional to come and do a thorough cleaning, or you can try doing it yourself. The first step is to turn off all of the fans in your house, including those in the attic. Then you must remove the access panel covering the air ducts. Once you have removed the panel, you can start vacuuming the debris accumulated in the channel. After you vacuum out the debris, you can spray down the walls of the duct with water. Finally, you can replace the panel and reinstall the fan.
Is Humidity a Cause for Concern?
Air conditioning systems are designed to keep your house cool, and while they’re great at keeping you comfortable during hot summer days, they also help prevent mold growth. Mold spores are found everywhere around us, including inside our houses. These spores cause allergic reactions in many people, especially those with asthma, rhinitis, and other respiratory problems. When temperatures rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, moisture levels increase rapidly, which causes mold to multiply. If you notice any signs of mold, call an expert immediately.
If you’ve ever had excessive water or flooding in your Denver home, wet carpeting and other damp surfaces can cause mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere, including in the air we breathe. Even small amounts can trigger an allergic reaction if you’re sensitive to mold. Dehumidifiers help remove excess moisture from your home, which prevents mold growth.
Keep Your Outdoor A/C Unit Clean
Keep your outdoor unit clean to help it run efficiently. Cleaning will also help prevent mold growth and other problems. You can start by cleaning the exterior of the unit. Remove all debris and brush around the unit. If there are leaves or branches near the unit, get rid of them.
Next, clear the area around the unit. Use a hose to spray water on the unit and then let it drain. Finally, remove the top condenser cover and wash down the fins with a hose. Make sure to clean the fins thoroughly because they collect dust and debris.
Replace the air filters regularly. If you notice dust buildup, clean them out. You should also check the filter for holes. A dirty filter could cause an issue with your system.
Other Tips for Reducing Allergens?
If you’re allergic to pollen, mold spores, dander, dust mites, pet hair, cockroaches, or other airborne contaminants, installing an air purifier can help keep your allergy symptoms at bay. An air purifier will remove allergens from the air, reducing the dust and mites in the air, and killing bacteria that may cause illness. If you’re concerned about indoor air quality, consider adding an air purifier to your home. You’ll see immediate results as well as long-term benefits.
Reduce Allergies with Your HVAC System
HVAC systems clean the air in your home or office. They remove dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and other pollutants from the air. The best Denver HVAC systems will also help you lower energy bills by increasing efficiency. When you buy an HVAC system, you should choose a unit that meets EPA standards because it will be certified by the EPA. You should also check if the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty. A quality Denver HVAC system will last at least ten years.
At Quality Home HVAC, we offer regular tune-ups and preventative maintenance services to help keep your Denver HVAC system working at its best. Your heating and cooling system should be checked regularly to ensure it runs efficiently. If there are any problems, contact our
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