HVAC Maintenance Can Help Reduce Allergens

HVAC Maintenance Tips to Help Avoid Springtime Allergies

Allergy season really starts to ramp up around April every year, and most sufferers are looking for ways to breathe easier. A good place to start is by trying to keep the home as free from allergens as possible.

While this may seem like a small project, getting there can be much more involved and complicated. Below are a few tips about how HVAC maintenance can help reduce seasonal allergies in the home with very little effort.

Let’s Talk Small Particle Filters

Regular HVAC maintenance in the home should involve selecting the best air filter for the system. One of the two best types of air filters for homes with people suffering from allergies is a small particle filter.

When looking for a small particle air filter, homeowners should pay attention to its MERV rating. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value,” and refers to how well it can remove particles (from 0.3 to 10 microns in size) from the air.

The higher the MERV rating, the better job the filter does, and the scale runs from 1 to 16 for home-usage. Obviously, a MERV 16 is going to be the best of the best. Proper HVAC maintenance always includes changing the filter on a regular basis, because even the best small particle filter can only work efficiently for so long.

The good news about small particle filters is that they fit into most standard HVAC systems without any additional needed parts.

HEPA Filters… a Great Option

HEPA filters are usually considered the best option for allergic households. They can trap even the smallest microparticles, so they remove 99.99% of all allergens including hair, fur, dander, pollen, molds, and dust.

However, when it comes to HVAC maintenance, it is important for homeowners to know that not all systems can tolerate a HEPA filter. HVAC systems need to have an additional fan that is used to further filter the air. If the home’s system is not compatible with this type of filter, it will not work efficiently and can ultimately cost the home money in additional energy costs.

In some cases, HEPA filters also cost more than small particle filters. This more than pays for itself in the long run though, when it comes to the reduction in medical bills for those in the home with asthma and allergies.

Why Vent Cleaning Helps

Even with the best air filter money can buy, and regular HVAC maintenance, the vents in the home will always get dirty eventually. As the dirt and allergens build up in the vents, they start to circulate through the home and cause allergies to flare up again.

A good way to counteract that is by having an HVAC professional come to the home and perform a vent cleaning (sometimes called a “duct” cleaning, but essentially the same thing). This cleaning should also include a full inspection of the inside of the air duct system, leaving you with unobstructed home ventilation.

Some companies will use a camera so that they can show the homeowners what was done and if any additional HVAC maintenance is needed. Once the vent cleaning is done, regular HVAC maintenance should be performed to keep the system running smoothly and free of as many allergens as possible.

About 1st Choice Air Solutions

1st Choice Air Solutions has been around since 1995, and is still family-owned and operated. They offer round-the-clock emergency services as well as routine HVAC care and maintenance. Their staff is focused on providing top-rated HVAC services in Fort Worth, TX from the moment they answer the phone to the day they arrive at your home!

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