Most Americans equate allergy season with Spring and its explosion of pollen. If you suffer from hay fever in Florida, though, you know that our mild climate results in an allergy season that lasts for almost the entire year. You might also know that there are two distinct hay fever-like allergies: seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial rhinitis. The seasonal version is truly hay fever as it is caused by allergic sensitivity to pollen and airborne mold spores. The perennial version causes the same sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchiness, but is caused by sensitivity to indoor contaminants such as dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, and (ew!) cockroaches.
If you live in Florida, it might be impossible to tell which of the two versions you have because the seasonal variation might as well be perennial, too, given the state’s long allergy season. Whatever the variant, you can do something about it by improving the quality of your indoor air. Improved indoor air quality reduces the indoor contaminants that cause perennial rhinitis. It also helps control pollen and airborne mold that enters your home.
The HVAC experts at Tallahassee’s Air Control Heating and Cooling know all about indoor air quality. We offer Floridians the following tips for improving it to keep seasonal and perennial allergies at bay:
Replace Your HVAC Filters Regularly
Your HVAC system’s filters capture and prevent dust, pollen, airborne mold, and other allergy-causing contaminants from entering your home. Because these filters clog up every few months, it’s essential to replace them regularly. Air Control Heating and Cooling recommends using high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filters to optimize the capture of contaminants.
Schedule Annual or Biannual Duct Cleaning
Your ductwork is like the arteries of your HVAC system, as they circulate air throughout your home. As such, they draw in and collect all manner of contaminants, which can then be circulated through the house. Regular air duct cleaning reduces this source of airborne contaminants, helping you breathe fresher air with fewer allergens.
Keep Your Home Dehumidified
Mold spores and dust mites thrive in moist environments. Anything you can do to reduce humidity inside your home will help keep their growth in check and have you breathing easier. Ensure your air conditioning system is working at peak efficiency to ensure optimal low humidity levels. Depending upon the configuration of your home, you may want to install an auxiliary dehumidifier or upgrade your existing HVAC system to reduce humidity levels further. Other tips for keeping humidity at bay include fixing any leaks or other moisture sources and ensuring that you always turn on the exhaust fan when using the shower or having a bath.
Keep Your HVAC System Working at Peak Efficiency
Whatever HVAC system is in use to heat and cool your home, always get regular service. To ensure that it’s operating at peak efficiency.
Upgrade Your Air Conditioning System
The high-quality air filtration components in newer air conditioning models are more efficient at removing airborne particulates and allergens, dehumidifying, and impeding mold growth. Their variable speed motors also promote better air circulation, which further improves air quality.
Contact an Indoor Air Quality Specialist for an In-Home Assessment
With more than 50 years of helping Tallahassee-area residents and businesses enhance their indoor air quality, the experts at Air Control Heating and Cooling can help you reduce the airborne contaminants that spur your allergies. We are pioneers in air duct cleaning in the region. We have long-held expertise in helping deliver clean, comfortable air into area homes and businesses. To schedule your indoor air quality assessment or other HVAC services, contact us today at (850) 562-1234. We guarantee the highest quality service in HVAC equipment sales, installation, service, and maintenance, in Tallahassee, Havana, Quincy, Monticello, and Crawfordville.