Imagine a beautiful spring day in Missouri — the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the temperature is warmer than it’s been in months. You open your windows to let in a welcome breeze, only to start sneezing uncontrollably. There’s no doubt about it — allergy season has arrived.
Fortunately, you can alleviate your misery by preparing your HVAC system to combat airborne allergens. Simply follow these steps to help you breathe easier during allergy season.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
If you do nothing else on this list, at least replace the air filter. A clean filter traps allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander more effectively. HVAC professionals recommend replacing your HVAC filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on the type of filter and your household’s specific needs. For instance, if you have pets or allergies, you’ll want to replace your filter more frequently. Also, consider upgrading to a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 8 to 12 for better filtration and reduced allergy symptoms.
Seal and Insulate Your Air Ducts
Leaky or poorly insulated ductwork allows allergens and heat from unconditioned areas like the attic or crawl space to enter your HVAC system and distribute throughout the house. Sealing and insulating your ductwork improves indoor air quality and increases system efficiency for lower energy bills.
Have Your Ducts Cleaned
Over time, even adequately sealed and insulated ductwork can accumulate dust, debris, and allergens. When your HVAC system runs, these contaminants circulate through the air, worsening your allergies. Having your ducts professionally cleaned can improve indoor air quality and alleviate allergy symptoms. Consider scheduling duct cleaning every three to five years or as needed.
Control Indoor Humidity
Maintaining the proper humidity level is crucial in Missouri’s humid climate. After all, high indoor humidity promotes mold growth and dust mite populations, both worsening allergy symptoms. Running a whole-house dehumidifier alongside your air conditioner helps maintain the ideal relative humidity of 30% to 50%. As a plus, you may be able to keep your home comfortable on mild days with the dehumidifier alone, saving you on air conditioning costs.
Install an Air Purifier
Adding an air purifier to your HVAC system further reduces airborne allergens. Air purifiers use media filters, ultraviolet (UV) lights, and other technologies to capture or neutralize allergens and germs. Whole-house air purifiers work directly with your HVAC system, but you can also opt for portable air cleaners in specific rooms. Both options help improve indoor air quality and provide seasonal allergy relief.
Schedule Preventative HVAC Maintenance
Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system running efficiently to reduce the chance of allergens circulating through your home. A qualified technician can inspect the equipment, clean and lubricate components, replace the filter, and identify issues. Schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in the spring and heating maintenance in the fall for optimal results.
Why Choose Buckner’s?
At Buckner’s Heating & Cooling, we understand the importance of a comfortable and healthy home environment, especially during allergy season. With 40 years of experience, our expert technicians confidently provide the best HVAC solutions in Kansas City. Come to us for a wide range of indoor air quality services to help you breathe easier all season long. Our commitment to upfront prices, exceptional customer service, and quality work guarantees your 100% satisfaction!
Don’t let allergy season get the best of you — contact Buckner’s today at (816) 436-1244 for help preparing your HVAC system for allergy season in Missouri.
