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5 Ways to Prevent Summer Allergies

June 4th, 2020 by cverdone

Seasonal Allergies

Summer is a great time to get out of the house and enjoy the warmer weather. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, spending time outside is the last thing you want to do. Even inside your own home, you may have a flare-up that can leave you feeling miserable. The following guide can help you prevent an outbreak of symptoms. Feel better and enjoy your summer a little more.

Get Your Ducts and Registers Cleaned

Over time, dust and other contaminants can get in your ducts and registers in your home. Reduce allergens by having an HVAC professional clean out your ducts. This will reduce the allergens that the air blows throughout your home. Once a professional cleans the ducts, keep them clean by using a duster. Clear out the registers and exposed ducts on a regular basis throughout the season.

Keep Your Condenser Clean

One part of your HVAC check-up is inspecting and cleaning the condenser unit. The condenser is the part of your air conditioner that’s located outside the home. Since it is outside, it’s especially vulnerable to debris, such as leaves, dirt, and pests. Although it has vents to protect against contaminants, some debris does get inside. You can help your HVAC contractor. Keep the area around the condenser clear of leaves, branches, and litter all year.

Check Your HVAC Air Filters

If you use your HVAC system often, you should check and replace your air filter once a month. If you use your system more often, you should check the air filters every two weeks to be sure they remain clean. A dirty filter will prevent the system from cleaning the air. This causes the contaminated air to recirculate throughout the home. Additionally, dirty air filters will cause greater wear and tear on your HVAC unit.

Use a Dehumidifier

Does your HVAC system include a dehumidifier? If it doesn’t, an HVAC professional can help you choose the best dehumidifier for your home. This device is essential for areas of the home that are either damp or humid. This is the type of environment that allows allergens and mold to thrive. Running a dehumidifier will keep the air dry and free of pollen, mold spores, and dust.

Set Your Unit to Auto

Many people leave their thermostat in the “on” position. This creates more problems that can cause allergies to worsen. When the system isn’t running, but the fan is set in the “on” position, this causes condensation. It accumulates in the unit and it can push it out into the air. Leaving the unit in the “auto” position will give the unit periods of rest. This allows the condensation and moisture to dry. This prevents the unit from pushing damp air into the home. This air can carry allergens, or cause the growth of mold and mildew.
 
It’s also a wise decision to have an HVAC professional service your unit at the start of the season. At Thornton Heating Services, Inc., we have the skills to maintain, repair, or install any HVAC unit. We know that keeping your unit in the best condition is vital during the summer months. You can count on us to service your unit. To request a service appointment, call us today!