With spring just around the corner, flowers will soon be coming back into bloom. At this time of year, allergy sufferers are gearing up for another season of sneezing and nose-blowing. If you're one of those unfortunate allergy sufferers, you may be seeking ways that you can make your spring a little bit easier. What you may not be aware of are all the ways in which your HVAC system can work to reduce your allergy symptoms at home. Through proper maintenance and with continual use, your HVAC system can reduce the presence of pollen and other allergens in your home.

Run Your HVAC System Continuously

When the weather warms up, many people turn off their heaters and throw open the windows. This may be a pleasant tradition for some, but for allergy sufferers, this is the start of the pollen invasion in your home. To prevent pollen from circulating through your house, keep the windows shut and run the HVAC system even when it's not necessary. In addition to the fact that this will prevent outdoor air from coming inside, the HVAC system in your home comes equipped with filters that remove pollen and other allergens.

Have Your Ducts Cleaned

Duct cleaning services are designed to remove pollen and dust from the ducts in your home, preventing that pollen and dust from circulating through the heater, air conditioner, and rooms of your house. Duct cleaning services don't need to happen on a yearly basis, but for people with allergies, annual or bi-annual duct cleaning services may be called for. To find out if your ducts need to be cleaned, call an HVAC professional to your home. He or she will inspect your ducts using a camera and will then make recommendations for cleaning. 

Replace Your HVAC System Filter with a HEPA Filter

Your HVAC system has one air filter that services both the air conditioner and the heater. All air that circulates through your ducts must pass through the air filter. HEPA stands for "high efficiency particulate air". HEPA filters are designed to filter out uber-small particles that normal air filters might miss. HEPA filters are an allergy sufferer's best friend. Replacing the normal air filter in your HVAC system with a HEPA filter will help weed out particulates as small as 0.01 micrometer, improving your home's indoor air quality and reducing the pollen flowing through your HVAC system. 

For more recommendations for maintaining your HVAC system to improve your indoor air quality, speak with an HVAC system professional.

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