Can Poor Indoor Air Quality Affect Your Allergies?

Posted on: 20 August 2020

If your allergies are worse inside your home than at work or school, you could have poor indoor air quality. Good or bad, air quality can impact your health over time. If the air inside your house is stuffy, filled with dust, or contaminated with mold, your allergies could get worse. Clean the air inside your home with the tips below.

Dust Regularly and Thoroughly

If the dust in your home is overwhelming, it could be a reason for your allergies. Not only is dust filled with tiny insects called mites, but it also contains mold, insect feces, and pollen. Large HVAC systems, such as your cooling system and air ducts, could easily spread dust throughout your home. 

Take some time to clean the dust in your home. As a precaution, cover your nose and mouth with a facemask. The mask should keep dust out of your nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Be sure to dust your home as often as you can to keep the air clean. 

If the dust doesn't subside in your home, check your HVAC system. Your HVAC system could be overwhelmed with dust and other allergens.

Clean and Sanitize Your HVAC System

Your HVAC system is designed to keep the air clean. But over time, dust and other contaminants can build up inside your indoor air handler and air ducts. Even if you dust your house regularly, dust hidden inside your HVAC system can still blow into the house and aggravate your allergies. An HVAC contractor can clean and sanitize your cooling unit and air ducts.

The first thing a contractor might do is vacuum, wash, and sanitize the evaporator coil inside your air handler. The evaporator coil absorbs heat from your home's air. However, the coil can also suck in dust and other debris over time. The coil may blow some of the debris back into your home during the day. Cleaning the coil should eliminate most of the dust in your house.

A contractor may check the quality of your air ducts during the visit. If the ducts are impacted with debris, a contractor may suction them with a high-powered vacuum. Some contractors use other methods to clear out impacted air ducts. 

Finally, a contractor may suggest you place exhaust vents in your kitchen and bathroom. Vents can keep the air clean by redirecting contaminated or unhealthy air out of the house. Vents also allow clean and healthy outdoor air to enter your home. The vents should improve your indoor quality over time.

If you're ready to clean up the indoor air quality in your home, contact an HVAC contractor for an appointment.

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