Is Your Home Ready for Allergy Season? How Your HVAC System Can Help
February in Ankeny may still feel like the heart of winter, but allergy season is right around the corner. As we inch closer to spring, pollen, dust, and other allergens will start creeping into the air—both outdoors and inside your home. While many people associate allergies with the great outdoors, poor indoor air quality can be just as much of a culprit when it comes to sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory discomfort.
At Obsidian Heating & Cooling, we know that your HVAC system plays a crucial role in maintaining clean, allergen-free air in your home. Here’s how you can prepare your home for allergy season and improve indoor air quality before spring arrives.
1. Change Your Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s air filter is your first line of defense against allergens. A clogged or dirty filter allows dust, pollen, and pet dander to circulate throughout your home, worsening allergy symptoms.
How to Fix It:
✅ Check your air filters at least once a month, especially as allergy season approaches.
✅ Replace standard filters with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which capture even the smallest allergens.
✅ Consider setting a reminder to replace your filter regularly to maintain peak air quality.
2. Clean and Inspect Your Ductwork
Over time, dust, pet hair, and other allergens build up inside your ductwork, only to be recirculated every time your HVAC system runs. If you or your family members experience persistent allergy symptoms at home, your air ducts may be a hidden culprit.
How to Fix It:
✅ Schedule a professional duct cleaning to remove accumulated dust and allergens.
✅ Inspect ducts for leaks or blockages that could be causing inefficient airflow and poor air quality.
✅ Keep vents clean by wiping them down regularly and ensuring they aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.
3. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Humidity levels play a big role in indoor air quality. Air that’s too dry (common in winter) can irritate your nasal passages and make allergy symptoms worse. On the other hand, excessive humidity can encourage mold growth, which is a major allergen trigger.
How to Fix It:
✅ Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50% using a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed.
✅ Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to prevent moisture buildup.
✅ Schedule an HVAC checkup to ensure your system is properly regulating indoor humidity.
4. Invest in an Air Purifier
Even with clean air filters, some allergens still manage to circulate indoors. A high-quality air purifier can help trap airborne pollutants, giving you cleaner air and fewer allergy flare-ups.
How to Fix It:
✅ Consider a whole-home air purification system that works with your HVAC system for continuous allergen removal.
✅ Use portable air purifiers in bedrooms or high-traffic areas to target specific allergy hotspots.
✅ Look for air purifiers with HEPA filters and activated carbon to remove allergens, odors, and pollutants.
5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat does more than just control your home’s temperature—it can also help manage indoor air quality. Many modern thermostats include features like air quality monitoring and automatic fan settings that help improve ventilation.
How to Fix It:
✅ Set your thermostat to run the HVAC fan periodically to keep air circulating and filtered.
✅ Use scheduling features to optimize airflow when pollen counts are high.
✅ If you don’t already have one, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to enhance energy efficiency and air quality.
6. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Before Allergy Season Hits
One of the best ways to prepare for allergy season is by ensuring your HVAC system is running efficiently. A professional inspection and tune-up can identify any issues that could be contributing to poor air quality, such as dirty coils, leaks, or inefficient airflow.
How to Fix It:
✅ Call Obsidian Heating & Cooling for a pre-spring HVAC maintenance check.
✅ Have your system inspected for potential issues that could impact indoor air quality.
✅ Ensure your system is running at peak efficiency before allergy season ramps up.
Breathe Easier with Obsidian Heating & Cooling
With allergy season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to take steps toward cleaner, healthier indoor air. Whether it’s replacing air filters, cleaning ductwork, or investing in an air purifier, your HVAC system is your best tool for reducing allergens and keeping your home comfortable.
At Obsidian Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help Ankeny homeowners improve their indoor air quality and breathe easier all year long. Contact us today to schedule your HVAC maintenance check and get ahead of allergy season!
Call now to book your appointment and start enjoying cleaner air before spring arrives! 🌿🍃
