HVAC Solutions to Reduce Allergens
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 100 million Americans experience allergies annually. For many people, allergies can cause intense symptoms that dramatically affect their quality of life. Your home can shelter you from those adverse effects, and your HVAC system can help.
Ductwork
Ductwork is integral to the performance of any central HVAC system. If your ductwork is in poor condition, it can undermine air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency. Consider scheduling a duct camera inspection every other year. Dust will build up in your ducts over time, and a technician can clean them to eliminate the effect on your allergies. Duct sealing and duct repairs will stop allergen-rich air from getting into your ducts from your attic or crawl space.
Maintenance
Schedule heating maintenance in the fall and cooling maintenance in the spring. This is good advice for many reasons, including professionally cleaning your equipment. Fuel-burning HVAC equipment can release many particles into your air. With air conditioners and heat pumps, the evaporator coil is a concern. It can build up microbial growth that gives off allergens and even make you sick.
HVAC Filtration
The HVAC industry uses the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) to measure filter effectiveness. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filtration and the higher the static pressure. You want as much filtration as possible without increasing static pressure too high. When researching new HVAC systems, look for models that support a high MERV rating. Many of the best systems support up to MERV 13. When purchasing replacement filters, choose a high-quality pleated filter with as high a MERV rating as your system supports. Check it at least once a month and replace it as needed.
Mechanical Ventilation
Eliminating all allergens often isn’t possible. That’s why it’s so crucial to lower their concentration levels. When levels are lower, you’ll be less exposed and less prone to attacks. Your symptoms will be less severe as well. During the summer and winter, many households rely entirely on passive ventilation for fresh air, but that may not be enough. A whole-house fan can provide you with ample fresh air throughout the spring and into the summer. If you want a fan you can run throughout the year, consider a recovery ventilator. These advanced whole-house fans can preheat the fresh air to avoid energy losses in the fall and winter.
Air Purification
An air purifier is the best way to remove allergens and other impurities to improve your indoor air quality. Many in-duct air purifiers have a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and activated carbon. A HEPA filter traps not only allergens but over 99% of all particulate matter. They’re so effective that most hospitals throughout the U.S. use them. Activated carbon provides adsorption to remove unpleasant odors, gases, and airborne chemicals.
Allergy sufferers should also consider adding a germicidal light to their ducts. Allergens irritate your respiratory system and may cause inflammation. That makes you more susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, and a germicidal light will eliminate over 99% of those.
Humidity Control
Relative humidity (RH) can have a significant impact on allergies. If RH is too low, which is common in winter, it can irritate and even inflame the respiratory system further. Too high an RH can have a similar effect. It can also make it more difficult to breathe and increase the presence of allergens in the home. A humidifier will increase RH in winter, and a dehumidifier will decrease it in summer. There are also energy recovery ventilators that can help offset minor RH problems.
Smart Thermostat
You want a programmable thermostat at the very least. It will limit how often your system cycles through automatic temperature scheduling. A smart thermostat installation adds remote access and control. It can have remote sensors, including indoor air quality monitors. Smart thermostats are also a key element of zoning systems, which help improve air quality as well.
Better Indoor Air Quality for Orange County
Alps Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is a family-owned and -operated HVAC company located in Anaheim, CA. We’ve served Orange County and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Our company proudly employs NATE-certified technicians who clean, seal, repair, and install ducts. We install and service air purifiers and humidity control systems.
You can count on us for the installation, maintenance, and repair of all ventilation, cooling, and heating systems. Call today to learn more about the many products and services we offer.