Is there anywhere better than New Orleans in the fall? From cooler weather to festivals and one of the most scary-fun Halloween celebrations anywhere, it’s hard to beat the Crescent City in autumn.
But for many people, fall also brings miserable allergy flare-ups. It’s hard to enjoy anything when you’re congested and sneezing, but with some changes to your home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation system, you can experience fewer discomforts and breathe easier. Let us show you how to optimize your HVAC system for allergy relief in the fall.
HVAC System Upgrades and Tips That Offer Defense Against Allergies
Your home’s HVAC system is your biggest ally in the fight against allergy symptoms. With some minor upgrades and maintenance, you can breathe easily without succumbing to the worst of fall allergies.
Replace the Air Filter
Keeping up with air filter changes is good for your health and your HVAC system. If you have fall allergies, consider changing the HVAC filter every month to ensure that it can catch the maximum amount of dust, pollen, pet dander, and other pollution. Be sure to use HEPA filters, which can collect over 99% of airborne particles as small as .3 microns.
Invest in Duct Cleaning
Even though your HVAC system’s air filtration system catches a substantial amount of contaminants, the ductwork throughout your home can accumulate debris. This dust, dirt, and more can blow into rooms and exacerbate your allergy symptoms. A professional air duct cleaning is effective for allergen reduction, as it removes the built-up grime so the air coming from the vents is clean and fresh.
Install a Whole-House Air Purifier
Room-size air purifiers can help clear the air, but a whole-house air purifier is more energy-efficient and effective. In fact, if you’re wondering how to optimize your HVAC system for allergy relief in the fall, this may be your best bet. These powerful air filtration systems can remove particles as small as .1 microns, making them significantly more effective at eliminating allergens than standard HVAC filters.
Make Ventilation Improvements
Your home’s HVAC system doesn’t pull in fresh air but rather recirculates conditioned air. This can make your home feel stuffy and worsen your allergy symptoms. Adding an Energy Recovery Ventilator to the system will remove the stale air and bring in fresh air without affecting the indoor temperature or energy efficiency.
Use a Whole-House Humidifier
Dry autumn air allows allergens and germs to spread more easily. For ultimate humidity control, add a whole-house humidifier to the HVAC system. Instead of trying to manage smaller, room-size units, you can select your desired humidity level (ideal is between 30% and 50%) and the unit will automatically adjust, helping you feel more comfortable and have fewer symptoms.
Breathe Easy With Help From H & E Comfort Services
If the changing season has you down for the count with uncomfortable symptoms, let H & E Comfort Services show you how to optimize your HVAC system for allergy relief in the fall. Call (504) 294-4392 to schedule a visit with one of our HVAC professionals and explore options for your New Orleans, Louisiana, home. Learn more now.