Allergies in Austin? Try These HVAC Tips!

From Cedar Fever in the winter to the ragweed of summer, it seems EVERY season in Austin is allergy season. If you are one of the millions of people that suffer from allergies, you know how frustrating it can be. Itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing… all the time. And even if you’re not allergic to pollen and trees, you might still have reactions to other allergens like pet dander.

So you’re familiar with all the symptoms, but here’s something you might not know. Your HVAC system can help! Here are some of our best tips for improving your indoor air quality to ease allergies throughout the year. 

Filters are Your First Line of Defense

Air filters play an important role in reducing indoor allergens. But not just any filter – a CLEAN filter. It’s good to upgrade your air filter to a high-efficiency filter (MERV8 or above), but if you have allergies, you must replace your filter regularly.

Filters are crucial because the air in your home is constantly recirculated. That’s a big reason the Mayo clinic recommends people living with allergies stay indoors. As long as you’re inside, you’re limiting your exposure to sneeze-inducing outdoor allergens. But your home is not a bubble. Allergens make their way in on shoes, clothes, or simply just by floating through doors when opened. Once those particles are in your air, they’ll just keep recirculating… unless your filter catches it. 

Dirty filters are about as effective as a clogged shower drain. Air struggles to pass through it, meaning those allergens just stick around in your living space. That’s why our most important advice is to upgrade your filter and replace it regularly. People susceptible to allergies or who have asthma should replace filters every two months. 

Invest in a Whole Home Air Purifier

Air purification technology has come a long way in the last decade. If you’re serious about addressing your indoor air quality, we strongly recommend a whole-home air purifier. We install this type of air purification device inside your ductwork. Your pleated air filter catches larger particles, but the really tiny particles? That’s where an air purifier comes in. 

Homeowners for whom we’ve installed in-ductwork air purifiers love them. For one, they are out of plain sight – no equipment or wires to hide. Also, it purifies all the air in the home rather than just a single space. Finally, you never have to remember to turn this device on or off. We tie it into the operation of your HVAC system, so anytime your heating or air conditioning is running, your air purifier is purifying. 

We encourage you to check the science on air purifiers. It’s a great option! 

Control the Humidity in Your Home

We often overlook humidity as a contributor to allergies. After all, when it’s raining, it’s a sign that all those allergens get washed away. But for some people, the moisture in the air can play a major role in the severity of their symptoms. Grasses and molds grow in wet weather. And, dust mites can be worse when it’s humid. Indoor humidity is also essential for flu season.

For these Austinites, we recommend a whole-home dehumidifier. This will help keep humidity levels within your home in check. We can help recommend the right size and type of unit for your home to best meet your family’s needs. 

Call McCullough Heating & Air for Indoor Air Quality Help

Spring, summer, winter, fall, Austin residents with allergies struggle with them all! McCullough Heating & Air Conditioning can help you improve your indoor air quality. The air we breathe is important to our overall health and well-being. Take action today and we’ll have your family breathing better in no time. Contact us now!