How To Prepare Your HVAC for Spring Allergies

Spring is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation following the long, brutal winters for which the Northeast Ohio area is known. However, as plants and flowers bloom and dust gets kicked up from spring cleaning and kicking on your AC for the first time, increased allergens can make life at home miserable with constant sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Your HVAC system plays an important role in preventing spring allergies from irritating your household, and it’s important to take the time to prepare your system accordingly.

In this blog post, the comfort specialists at Heart of Ohio explain how you can adequately prepare your HVAC equipment to protect against unwanted allergens in your home this spring.

What Causes Spring Allergies?

The most common cause of spring allergies in Northeast Ohio is pollen from trees, grass, and weeds. Trees are the primary culprits behind allergy symptoms, with popular trees like oak, birch, maple, cottonwood, elm, and ash pollinating in April. Allergy-causing grasses in the area typically include ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and orchard grass, while weeds like ragweed, Russian thistle, and pigweed are also common irritants.

Along with pollinating plants, mold spores are another common source of allergy symptoms in the area. As the warm weather thaws out snow and ice, all that added moisture can create the perfect environment for mold growth, aggravating allergies for sensitive individuals.

How Your HVAC System Can Reduce Indoor Allergens

A well-maintained HVAC system is the key to minimizing allergy symptoms for your family during the springtime. As you make the gradual switch from heating to cooling, your AC’s air filter will help trap allergens like pollen, pet dander, dirt, and other debris, enhancing your indoor air quality and reducing allergies.

Spring Cleaning for Your HVAC System

There are important steps you’ll need to take before the spring season hits to ensure your air conditioner is prepared to protect you from airborne allergens, including:

• Change filters: Air filters should be changed before the cooling season begins to promote smoother airflow, enhance efficiency, and improve indoor air quality. 
• Clean vents: Be sure to clean your vents and registers to remove any built-up dust, dirt, and debris that your forced-air system may distribute around the home.
• Install air purifiers: Adding an air purification system can give your air conditioner the extra boost it needs to trap particles and prevent allergy irritation for your family.
• Schedule duct cleaning: Professional duct cleaning should be performed once every three to five years; however, you may need this more often if you’re an allergy sufferer or have pets.

More Ways To Allergy-Proof Your Home

Along with the aforementioned methods for spring cleaning your HVAC system, there are additional ways you can allergy-proof your home before the weather warms up. These include:

• Keep windows closed: Reduce the risk of allergens coming into your home by keeping your windows closed.
• Use a HEPA vacuum filter: HEPA vacuum filters are designed to trap tiny particles as you clean your home, minimizing dust that can aggravate allergies.
• Leave shoes at the door: Pollen can enter your home through your shoes, and leaving them by the door can keep you from tracking this irritant inside.
• Bathe pets often: Dirty pets can lead to aggravated sinuses, so be sure to bathe your pets regularly to reduce the risk of an allergy attack.

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Call Heart of Ohio for Spring HVAC Prep

Preparing for the spring season doesn’t have to be difficult when you have the right HVAC technician to guide you through the process. At Heart of Ohio, we specialize in providing comprehensive tune-ups to ensure your HVAC system is prepared to protect you from the effects of allergens this spring. With our annual AC maintenance, we’ll clean and change air filters, clear away debris, and enhance energy efficiency so you can enjoy cleaner, fresher air all season long.

Say goodbye to allergy attacks this season by booking an AC tune-up online with our team today!