Understanding Air Conditioning And Allergies
As the blossoms bloom and the weather warms in Hazlehurst, so comes the onset of spring allergies. When your home lacks healthy indoor air quality (IAQ), allergens will be able to run free throughout your home. No one wants to spend spring inside coughing and wheezing.
At Channell Heating & Cooling, we understand the impact that seasonal allergies can have on your comfort and well-being. We’re dedicated to helping you combat these unwelcome guests with effective IAQ solutions. Let’s dive into how you can fight spring allergies and ensure your home remains a sanctuary of clean air.
Spring Allergies In Mississippi
Mississippi’s springtime air is often filled with allergens which can easily find their way into your home. They are a detriment to your indoor air quality and thus your health. Some of the most common spring allergies in Mississippi include:
- Ragweed
- Pollen
- Burning bush
- Cocklebur
- Lamb’s-quarters
- Pigweed
Recognizing these allergens and their peak times can help you prepare and protect your indoor environment. This is especially important for homeowners who are more sensitive to allergens.
How To Check Your Indoor Air Quality
Testing your indoor air quality can be tricky to do on your own. IAQ testing requires specific equipment that you can find at some stores, but this task is best left to the professionals. Our Channell Heating & Cooling team of licensed experts is just a call away for your IAQ services.
Poor IAQ causes a host of harmful symptoms, so it’s important to be on guard for them. Headaches, shortness of breath, excessive sneezing and coughing, dizziness and physical irritation are just some examples. If you begin to notice these symptoms, it may be a sign of poor IAQ.
As it’s always better to be safe than sorry, you should contact our Channell team right away to have the problem resolved.
How To Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
Improving your home’s air quality involves several strategies, each aimed at minimizing the presence and impact of allergens.
Change Your AC Filter
Dirty AC filters prevent clean air from circulating, and can often promote the spread of more polluted air around your home. We recommend you change your air filter once every month or two.
If you have pets in your home, you may need to change your filters more often. Some allergen-grade filters are designed to trap more common allergens.
Keep Your Home Clean
Frequent dusting, vacuuming and cleaning of surfaces and furniture can reduce the accumulation of allergens. Pay special attention to areas where allergens might enter or settle, such as windows, doors and upholstery.
Use Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can remove contaminants from the air, especially in high-traffic areas or rooms where allergens and pollutants are most prevalent. Look for purifiers with HEPA filters for the best results in capturing dirty particles.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Ensure your home is well-ventilated to reduce moisture levels and prevent mold growth. This also helps you save on heating and cooling bills. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to expel pollutants outdoors.
Control Humidity Levels
Maintaining optimal humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent can deter the growth of mold and dust mites, both of which can worsen allergy symptoms. Dehumidifiers and well-maintained HVAC systems play a vital role in managing humidity. Many HVAC units are specially made to help control the humidity in your home.
Reduce Indoor Pollutants
Excessive use of chemical cleaners, air fresheners and similar substances can spread volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through your indoor air. Tobacco smoke is also incredibly harmful to your IAQ. Be wary of the substances you use around your home, as being more mindful of this will progressively improve your air quality.
Does Air Conditioning Make Allergies Worse?
Have you ever thought “My air conditioner makes me sneeze”? While air conditioners are essential for comfort, they can also contribute to indoor allergy issues if not properly maintained.
Dirty air filters allow dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens to run rampant in your home. When indoor humidity is not controlled, your air conditioner will promote mold growth.
Your AC can either be a refreshing source of healthy air for your home or a breeding ground for allergens and bad IAQ. This largely depends upon how well you maintain your system.
A clean AC provides for you, while a dirty AC works against you and worsens allergies. By making use of regular maintenance, air purifiers, dehumidifiers and professional help from Channell, you can keep your AC on your side and boost your home’s IAQ.
Start Spring Right With Channell Heating & Cooling
Spring in Hazlehurst doesn’t have to mean suffering through allergies in your own home. With the right strategies and support from Channell Heating & Cooling, you can significantly improve your IAQ and enjoy a more comfortable, allergy-free environment.
Whether you’re looking for professional IAQ testing or a separate HVAC service, Channell Heating & Cooling has you covered. To take the next step towards a truly fresh, clean home — call us today!
