Fall can be an especially tough time for people with seasonal allergies. Ragweed, grasses, mold, and other fall allergens can cause itchy eyes, runny noses, and asthma flare-ups. Keeping outside allergens out and your home free from indoor ones can help prevent these annoying to life-threatening symptoms.
Plus, to ensure your HVAC system is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible, call Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric’s licensed HVAC technicians at (303) 993-1550 for the seamless, affordable assistance you need.
In the meantime, below are some tips on how to prepare and protect your home.
Common Fall Allergens in Colorado
Ragweed Pollen is the primary fall allergen in Colorado. These late-blooming plants, such as sunflowers, marigolds, and zinnias are typical in Mid-Western states. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, “ragweed pollen usually reaches peak levels in mid-September; this type of pollen can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis (more commonly known as hay fever), which affects as many as 23 million people in the U.S.”
In addition, smoke from forest fires has been one of the state’s main new irritants for fall allergens over the last several years.
In warmer states and summers with higher than average temperatures, grasses continue to pollinate in the fall and can also contribute to fall allergies. Indoor mold can cause allergy symptoms all year round. In the fall, leaves that have fallen off trees create outdoor mold as well.
How to Prevent Fall Allergens in Your Home
There are some simple things you can do to keep fall allergens out of your home. They include:
- Remove shoes before coming inside.
- Wipe off your pet’s fur and paws after being outside.
- Don’t leave windows and doors open on high allergy days.
- Vacuum and dust frequently.
- Don’t go to bed without washing your hair, as some pollen can become trapped in your hair and then end up on your pillow.
- Keep your dog’s fur short and groomed during peak allergy season.
- Change your HVAC filter often to reduce allergens.
How Does Your HVAC System Fight Allergies?
Your HVAC system does more than heat and cool your home. Due to energy standards, homes are built air-tight, meaning that the air that enters the home generally stays in the home. HVAC systems keep the air flowing through your home. Here are the ways it can help fight allergies:
Filters
The filters in your home are designed to trap dust, pet dander, and pollen. Keeping those filters clean is one of the top ways to ensure that clean air flows through your home. Filters are graded with a MERV rating. The higher the MERV rating, the more effective they are filtering the air. Higher MERV ratings also create more air restriction, which not all systems can handle. Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric professionals will evaluate your HVAC system to determine the best filtration and air purification products available for your particular system.
Clean washable filters once a month and make sure to dry them out completely before reinstalling them to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Filters should typically be replaced about every three months. The pros at Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric break down the benefits of different types of filters here.
HVAC Check-Up
Your HVAC system is just like a car: It’s a mechanical device that can run the equivalent of 500,000 miles in a single heating and cooling season. Maintaining and cleaning your HVAC system will prevent premature breakdowns and keep your system running efficiently, saving you money.
Air Purification
As an addition to your HVAC, a full home air purification system removes pollutants, viruses, bacteria, and other debris in your air. Many homeowners with air purification systems installed as part of their HVAC systems leave their fans running, allowing the air purification systems to constantly filter and purify the air in your home. Not only will you have cleaner air, but this system can help extend the life of your HVAC system.
Whole-Home Ventilation
A healthy air system brings in fresh air from the outside to circulate through the home, reducing in-home pollutants.
Whole-Home Humidifier
The fall also brings cooler and dryer weather. Maintaining ideal humidity levels with a whole humidifier system can help alleviate respiratory issues related to allergies. Adding humidification to your system can also enhance the filtration process because humid air is more dense and filtered more efficiently and effectively.
Have questions about how to get your home and HVAC system ready for the fall allergy season?
Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric’s expert technicians follow a 26-point checklist covering all major components, checking for operation, safety, and cleanliness. An efficient and properly working system is the most effective way to circulate and clean the air in your home. Contact the Doctor Fix It Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric pros for your fall HVAC service at (303) 993-1550 or on the website!
