Your HVAC system is the heart and lungs of your home delivering much-needed warm or cool air, depending on the season. One of the major assumptions Toronto homeowners make about the heating and air conditioning system is that the air coming out of the vents is healthy. While the vast majority of the time it is there are times when allergens can find their way into the system. The good news is that these allergens can be eliminated with a few common-sense steps.
For many spring is the most wonderful time of year; a time of rebirth and promise. For others, it means something profoundly different: allergies. So many allergens are released into the air each spring that it’s no surprise some of them find their way into your home’s HVAC system.
The outdoor unit of your heating and air conditioning system can become choked with dust, debris, blossoms from flowering trees, and everything else that floats in or falls through the air. Take a trip outside at least once a week and clean off the outdoor unit to ensure the air you’re breathing indoors is as clean as possible.
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) scale rates air filters on their ability to remove microscopic particles from the air. The scale ranges from 1 to 16 with a higher MERV rating meaning the filter will trap smaller particles. The filters in most homes only range from 1 to 4 on the MERV scale, meaning they’ll only trap the largest particles. To help ensure allergen-free home purchase filters that have a MERV of at least 8 or 10.
The amount of dust and debris that can accumulate in ductwork can be astonishing. It’s also fairly common for animals ranging from mice to raccoons to find refuge in your ducts. When they do they can create allergy nightmares as their fur and dander are repeatedly circulated throughout the house. Birds too will both nest and die in the ductwork. Have your ducts thoroughly inspected and cleaned to eliminate this problem.
Many allergy-causing particles come to rest on the registers where they sit for a while before rejoining the air circulating through the home. Dusting off the registers regularly will remove these particles from circulation and help restore the air quality in your house. If you use a dry cloth you could simply loosen the particles and send them back into the air. Instead, make sure you wipe the registers with a damp cloth.
Mold can accumulate on the blower fan and evaporator coil along with many other places and can trigger allergic reactions or worse (some forms of mold are known to be potentially fatal). Have your entire system checked and cleaned if necessary by a qualified professional to eliminate this possibly serious health threat.
High humidity can promote the formation of mold, dust mites, and other allergies in your house. To keep your house pleasant and allergen-free, maintain an optimal indoor humidity level of 30-50%. This is possible with the aid of a whole-house dehumidifier, which works with your HVAC system to manage humidity levels throughout your home.
If you see excessive humidity or apparent evidence of mold, it’s vital to safeguard your family from allergies.
A smart thermostat is a useful tool for controlling airflow and temperature in your house. Programmable features allow you to better regulate your HVAC system, which helps to prevent allergen circulation. For example, you may program your thermostat to operate the air conditioning system during the warmest hours of the day, maintaining regular airflow while conserving electricity.
The easiest and best way to keep your system free of offending allergens is to schedule regular furnace tune-ups and air conditioning maintenance checks. During these checkups, your HVAC technician will not only make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible he’ll also make sure your system is free of potential pollutants that could cause allergic reactions. As well it will help you avoid any unforeseeable air-conditioning repairs and premature furnace replacements.
Outdoor allergens can enter through gaps in windows, doors, and ducting. Sealing these gaps keeps allergens out of your house and keeps your HVAC system running smoothly.
By following these guidelines, you may enhance the air quality in your house and minimize allergens that can harm your health. For the best results, call Tropic Air for professional HVAC services in Toronto. When you arrange for scheduled maintenance with us you’ll help to ensure that the air in your house is as clean and healthy as it should be.
Tropic Air has been serving the HVAC needs of businesses and homeowners since 1992. Our expertise extends. We provide expert HVAC tune-ups, repairs, and installations, as well as professional services for heat pumps, tankless water heaters, and boilers.
Phone: (647) 955-8625
Email: info@heating-airconditioning.ca