Are fall allergies bringing you down?
If you are a fall allergy sufferer, you are not the only one. Although spring is the more recognized allergy season, fall can be just as bad, if not WORSE, for some people.
But, before you load up on allergy medications, make sure you are doing a few simple things around your home to keep indoor air quality high and allergen levels low, while maintaining the best comfort possible.
Change your furnace filter regularly. A dirty furnace filter can decrease airflow, decrease efficiency, increase utility bill spending and push previously trapped particles back into your indoor air. A good rule of thumb is once per season, but some people may need to change it as frequently as once per month.
Do a thorough fall cleaning. Like allergies, spring is usually the season associated with a good, deep cleaning. However, it can be a good idea to do a fall deep clean to make sure you have the freshest air possible, year round. Plus, it can provide a nice clean slate for the cooler winter months – when you will be spending more time indoors.
Resist the temptation to open the windows and doors. Not only can an open window or door let in a draft when you just want a nice breeze, but it can increase HVAC system demand (if your equipment is on) and let in unfiltered air (increasing allergen levels in your home). Do yourself a favor and resist the temptation to open the windows and doors during mild fall weather.
Schedule a duct and HVAC system cleaning. A clean unit is a better working unit. Clean ducts mean better airflow and cleaner indoor air. Also, a duct cleaning can alert you to unseen problems your home may be facing (i.e. rodents, mold, bugs and more)!
Remember, a more long-lasting, permanent fix to high allergen levels in your home is to invest in indoor air quality products that work directly with your heating and cooling system. Make sure you ask your contractor about IAQ products during your fall furnace maintenance appointment if you need to reduce allergies and increase indoor air quality.
What do you do to keep your home allergy free?
Air pollution affect a lot of people every year. Although you can see it and it takes a while to show the side effects, it’s there. We always recommend our clients to keep everything as clean as possible. including their air conditioning units, ducts, and airways.