Construction & Contractors Blog
If your loved ones develop an unusual cold during the summer, seasonal allergies may be to blame. Pollen, mold spores, and dust mites in the air can trigger allergy symptoms in both kids and adults during summer. A poorly maintained air conditioner can exacerbate seasonal allergies by blowing the allergens into the home. Therefore, before the onset of summer, conduct the following AC maintenance tasks to prevent seasonal allergies in your home.
Change Worn Air Filter
Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, dander, and mold spores enter the home through doors and windows. When you turn on your AC, it pulls warm air from the house, cools it, and recirculates it back into the spaces. During the return process, your AC's filter traps allergens and releases clean air. However, if the filters are dirty, the allergens will be blown back into your spaces. If you have an old air filter, change it before the onset of summer. A new filter traps contaminants in the air and prevents the AC from recirculating them into the house.
Clean Air Ducts and Vents
Ducted air conditioning systems collect contaminants from the indoor air. The particles settle inside the ductwork and in the supply and return vents. As air circulates in the ducts, it collects the particles and releases them into your house. Therefore, even with a clean air filter, you may notice an increase in allergy symptoms in your household.
Clean your air ducts and vents before summer to get rid of the contaminants. Look out for mold in your ductwork, especially if you don't have a dehumidifier. If your AC has an outdoor unit, inspect it for damage. A leaking outdoor unit can introduce dirt and other allergens into your ductwork.
Replace Low-Quality Air Filter
Not all air filters can trap allergens in your indoor air. Low-quality filters allow small particles to pass through during the cooling cycle. Invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. According to the Energy Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters can remove at least 99.97% of the contaminants in the air. These contaminants include dust, pollen, pet dander, mold, and bacteria. Replacing your low-quality filter with a HEPA one can significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce seasonal allergies.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Summer air holds more moisture; therefore, the humidity in your home may be higher than usual. High indoor humidity creates suitable breeding grounds for mold and dust mites. Thus, it's common to experience late-season allergies even after conducting a pre-season AC cleaning. If your humidity levels usually spike during summer, pair your air conditioner with a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture.
You can ward off seasonal allergies in your kids by accomplishing these pre-season tasks. For air conditioning maintenance assistance, contact an HVAC contractor.
Share10 May 2021
Construction contractors have a very important job. They literally build the structures we live in, work in, and entertain ourselves in. They have control over how these spaces look, and also over how safe these spaces are. Some contractors lay flooring. Others install flooring. Some are generalists and do a bit of everything, from roofing to painting. When you start to understand the nature of a contractor's job, you start to really appreciate all of the buildings around you. It's that appreciation that we really hope shines through as we write this blog to share with you all, our loyal readers.
