Autumn’s beauty is undeniable as the morning air becomes crisp and chilly, and the colors of the leaves shift to a palette of oranges and reds. Yet, for some, fall brings an onslaught of allergies, leading to sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, and discomfort. If you are one of the millions that fall into this category, the transition from summer to fall is probably accompanied by anxiety, if not dread.
Good news, allergy sufferers… Empire Heating & Air is here to help make this fall a bit more tolerable. We will show you how to use your HVAC system as a weapon against allergens, thus improving your chances of surviving the season.
The Cause of Autumn Allergies
To effectively combat an enemy, one must first understand it. Fall allergies, predominantly caused by pollen, are often labeled “allergic rhinitis” or “hay fever.” You know the symptoms… sneezing, congestion, fatigue, a runny nose, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. These minor (and sometimes major) irritations arise from the histamine released upon inhaling allergens.
Ragweed stands as the primary offender for many allergy sufferers. Its pervasive nature means it can sprout nearly everywhere, with its pollen traveling vast distances. In addition to ragweed, indoor allergens such as pet dander, mold, dust mites, pollen, and even cockroach droppings play a part in the allergy onslaught.
Your HVAC System: An Unlikely Hero
Like so many other problems we face with our health, allergies and asthma can often be made worse by little things we overlook in our homes. Understanding how certain habits exacerbate the allergy situation can open the door to a healthier future.
Remember, your HVAC system is not just about comfort; it’s about health. Asthma and severe allergies can significantly impact one’s quality of life. A well-optimized HVAC system plays a pivotal role.
Here are a few tips on how you can leverage your heating and cooling system to improve your home’s air quality:
- Manage Humidity: Maintaining balanced humidity levels is crucial. High humidity can foster mold growth, further irritating allergies. Air conditioners naturally remove moisture from the air and, when combined with whole-home dehumidifiers, can help achieve a more optimal humidity level.
- Whole-Home Solutions: A whole-home air purifier can reduce humidity and lead to healthier, more breathable air. We recommend whole-home solutions instead of portable units, as they do a better job of entirely and thoroughly managing the problem.
- Optimize Air Filtration: Upgrading your HVAC filter is an easy yet effective step. At Empire Heating & Air, we recommend HEPA filters or filters with a high MERV rating. Remember, while HEPA filters with a 17-20 rating are excellent at trapping allergens, they may strain some HVAC systems. If you aren’t sure which filter will work best in your system, give us a call, and we can help figure it out.
- UV Protection: UV lamps can be integrated into your HVAC system to sterilize the coil and the air that passes through it. By neutralizing mold, bacteria, and other triggers, your HVAC produces cleaner air. Clean air is the enemy of allergies.
- Regular Maintenance: A well-maintained system operates at peak efficiency. Replace filters every one to three months, periodically checking for dirt build-up. Of course, an annual service agreement with Empire Heating & Air is the best way to ensure your air conditioner and heating unit remains in top shape. Our maintenance plan comes with two annual inspections, priority services, and discounts on repairs.
- Smart Integrations for Cleaner Air: Utilizing a free service called IFTTT (if-this-then-that), homeowners can seamlessly integrate their HVAC systems and air purifiers with other smart home devices. By harnessing the power of automation, maintaining optimal air quality becomes easier. For instance, when your smart air quality monitor detects rising pollen levels, it can automatically trigger your air purifier into action.
- Voice-activated Allergy Defense: Modern air purifiers with Wi-Fi and Alexa skills enhance user experience and accessibility. Simply voice your commands and let Alexa manage your indoor air quality. Whether scheduling purification during peak pollen hours or turning on the device without lifting a finger, voice-controlled systems bring ease and efficiency to allergy sufferers.
Final Thoughts
Why let allergies destroy your ability to enjoy the beautiful fall season? Trust Empire Heating & Air (and our array of American Standard products) to be your fall allergy solution. With our help, you can transform your home into a fortress against allergens.
Remember, your HVAC system is not just a comfort provider; it’s a health protector. For assistance with any of the tips we discussed above, you know you can always call us at (682) 233-3367 and we’ll be happy to lend a hand!