Allergies and HVAC: How Allergens Get Into Your System

Whether your family deals with year-round asthma and allergies or only seasonal sneezes and sniffles, you know that keeping allergens out of your Jupiter, Florida, home isn’t always easy. From leaky ductwork and air filters to clothing and pets, discover three ways that allergens can get into your home’s HVAC system.

Leaky Ductwork

Brand new ductwork usually doesn’t have flaws. However, over time even high-quality ductwork naturally develops leaks and cracks. Leaky ducts can introduce dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens into your HVAC system. They reenter your air supply and cause endless sneezing and sniffling. Since fixing cracked ductwork typically requires more than duct tape, we recommend that you get an HVAC technician to help your family get allergy attacks under control.

HVAC Filters

Whether you use disposable or washable HVAC filters, these devices are designed to remove allergens from your home’s air supply. If you don’t replace or wash them frequently enough, however, HVAC filters can clog your air supply with dust, dirt, and other common allergy triggers. It is recommended that you replace your filter at least once every 90 days throughout the year. During allergy season, try switching filters out once every 30 days for even healthier indoor air.

Clothing and Pets

If pollen and pet dander tend to aggravate your family’s allergy or asthma symptoms, consider making a few changes to your routines and your home decor. To keep pollen from entering your HVAC system, remove shoes, jackets, and bags at the front door. When pollen levels are high, keep your windows closed and your HVAC system on.

To control pet dander, thoroughly dust and vacuum floors and upholstery at least once a week. Think about replacing carpet with hardwood or tile to give dander fewer places to hide.

Need a hand keeping allergens out of your HVAC system? Call your local indoor air quality experts at Stephen K. Denny, Inc. at (561) 250-7415.

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