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.
1. Swap out Your HVAC Filter for a Fresher Start
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 8-12 for better filtration and reduced allergy symptoms. Keeping up with filter changes is one of the easiest parts of spring HVAC system maintenance.
2. Seal and Insulate Ducts to Keep Allergens Out
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.
If you’ve noticed uneven temperatures or higher bills, sealing ducts could be an essential step in preparing for allergy season in Missouri.
3. Clean out Your Ducts for Healthier Air
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.
Most homes benefit from duct cleaning every three to five years, though homes with pets, recent renovations or visible dust may need it more often. Duct cleaning is a valuable part of spring HVAC system maintenance and can make a noticeable difference in how you feel indoors.
4. Tackle Humidity Before It Triggers Symptoms
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%-50%.
As a bonus, you may be able to keep your home comfortable on mild days, giving your air conditioner a break and potentially reducing energy use for improved spring air conditioning maintenance.
5. Install an Air Purifier for Extra Protection
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 like bedrooms or nurseries. For families focused on preparing for allergy season in Missouri, an air purifier adds an extra layer of protection.
6. Schedule Preventive HVAC Maintenance
Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your air clean and your HVAC system running efficiently to reduce the chance of allergens circulating through your home. A professional tuneup includes:
Schedule routine air conditioning maintenance in the spring and heating maintenance in the fall for optimal results.
Why Choose Buckner’s Heating-Cooling-Plumbing?
At Buckner’s Heating-Cooling-Plumbing, 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.
Breathe Easy This Spring With Help From Buckner’s
Don’t wait until your allergies flare up. Take control now with professional HVAC care tailored to Missouri’s springtime challenges. We’re here to help you tackle everything from spring air conditioning maintenance to full indoor air quality upgrades.
Contact us today at (913) 914-2942 and enjoy the season without the sniffles — your nose will thank you. We focus on the small details that make a big difference. Plus, we stand behind our work with a commitment to quality and transparency.
