Seasonal Allergies and Your HVAC System: How to Breathe Easy

For many Minnesota homeowners, seasonal allergies can make the shift between seasons a challenge. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can find their way into your home, triggering sneezing, itchy eyes, and breathing difficulties. The good news is, your HVAC system can be a powerful ally in reducing allergens and improving indoor air quality, helping you breathe easier year-round.

Here’s how to keep seasonal allergies under control with a properly maintained HVAC system.

1. Use High-Quality Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s air filter is your first line of defense against allergens. It captures dust, pollen, pet dander, and other particles that can trigger allergies. To maximize effectiveness, choose a high-quality filter with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. For allergy sufferers, a filter with a MERV rating of 8 or higher is recommended.

To ensure optimal performance, check and replace your filter every 1-3 months, especially during peak allergy seasons like spring and fall.

2. Consider an Air Purifier
For households with severe allergy issues, adding an air purifier to your HVAC system can make a significant difference. Whole-home air purifiers work in tandem with your HVAC system to capture even smaller particles than a standard filter. These systems use UV light or advanced filtration technology to neutralize airborne pathogens, bacteria, and allergens, creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

3. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Controlling the humidity in your home is crucial to managing allergies. Too much moisture can encourage the growth of mold and dust mites, while overly dry air can irritate the respiratory system. The ideal humidity level for indoor air quality is between 30-50%. A whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier, integrated with your HVAC system, can help regulate moisture levels year-round.

4. Clean Your Ductwork
Over time, dust, pollen, and other allergens can accumulate in your home’s ductwork. When your HVAC system runs, these allergens can be circulated throughout your home, exacerbating allergy symptoms. Regular duct cleaning can remove this buildup and improve the overall air quality in your home.

For homes with pets or in areas with high pollen counts, more frequent duct cleanings may be necessary.

5. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Routine HVAC maintenance plays a key role in keeping allergens at bay. During a professional tune-up, an HVAC technician will clean your system’s components, check for any signs of mold or mildew, and ensure your unit is operating at peak efficiency. Regular maintenance helps reduce the presence of allergens and ensures your system is running smoothly when you need it most.

By staying ahead of maintenance, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your system working efficiently throughout allergy season.

6. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat can help reduce allergens by allowing you to better control your HVAC system and keep your home at an optimal temperature. Some smart thermostats can even monitor indoor air quality and alert you when it’s time to change your filter. By using a programmable thermostat, you can ensure your HVAC system is running when needed, helping circulate clean, filtered air throughout your home.

Seasonal allergies don’t have to control your comfort. With a well-maintained HVAC system and a few upgrades, you can improve your home’s indoor air quality and reduce allergens, ensuring you and your family breathe easy all year long. Whether it’s upgrading your air filter or scheduling a tune-up, Air Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help Minnesota homeowners create healthier, allergy-free environments.