The end of summer is quickly approaching, which means crisp morning air, a break for your air conditioner…and the beginning of fall allergy season.
At Spurk HVAC, we know how miserable allergies can be – itchy eyes, a perpetually runny nose, and miserable, sleepless nights. We also know that your indoor air quality can either help your allergy symptoms or make them a lot worse. In this article, we discuss common fall allergens in Pennsylvania and how your indoor air quality can impact symptoms. Read our tips for keeping them out of your home – so you can breathe easy no matter the season.
The Most Common Fall Allergens in Southwest Pennsylvania
Cooler fall weather makes it tempting to turn off your HVAC system, open your windows, and get outside. But every time you or your pets come back inside, allergens can hitch a ride on clothing, skin, hair, and pet fur. Once indoors, they can linger in carpets, furniture, and your HVAC system.
Common fall allergens in Pennsylvania:
- Ragweed pollen
- Tree pollen
- Mold spores from decaying leaves
- Dust mites & pet dander
Is Your Indoor Air Helping or Hurting Your Allergies?
It’s nearly impossible to keep every allergen and irritant out of your home. But certain factors make some households more susceptible than others, including those who:
- Live in an older home with less airtight construction
- Keep windows open often, especially on shaded lots
- Frequently open and close windows and doors
- Share their home with pets
And while shutting the windows and limiting outdoor exposure might seem like the answer, the reality is indoor pollutant levels are often 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. Closing up your home might reduce allergens, but it can also trap other irritants and pollutants inside and worsen allergy symptoms.
How to Minimize Fall Allergens In Your Home
The good news is smart daily habits and HVAC solutions can significantly cut down on allergens and allergy-triggering pollutants in your home.
Daily Habits:
- Use low VOC cleaning and self-care products
- Never smoke indoors
- Minimize use of candles and scented air fresheners
HVAC Habits:
- Replace Filters Regularly: Change furnace and A/C filters every 1-3 months (or as recommended by your system manual).
- Upgrade to HEPA or High-MERV Air Filters: These capture finer dust, pollen, and allergens.
- Regular System Maintenance: Bi-annual HVAC maintenance – or a planned maintenance package – keeps your system clean and stops allergens from spreading.
- Consider Duct Cleaning: Especially if you notice dust buildup or mold growth inside your ductwork.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions:
For homeowners with persistent allergy issues, HVAC indoor air quality add-ons can make a big difference:
- High-Efficiency Air Cleaners: Capture dust, pollen, pet dander, and other microscopic particles and help your HVAC system function more efficiently.
- Energy Recovery Ventilators: Bring in fresh, conditioned outdoor air and exhaust stale indoor air to maintain a steady supply of healthy air.
- Humidifiers: Add balanced moisture during cooler months to reduce dryness that can worsen allergy symptoms.
- UV Lights: Installed in your HVAC system to neutralize airborne allergens and pathogens before they circulate through your air ducts.
- Air Ionizers: Release ions that attach to airborne particles (like dust and pollen), making them heavier so they fall out of the air instead of being breathed in.
Spurk HVAC Can Help You Breathe Easier
As a Mitsubishi Electric, Aprilaire, Rheem, and American Standard Dealer, Spurk HVAC offers our customers proven and effective solutions to indoor air quality concerns. Our team is trained and qualified to analyze your system and provide informed HVAC solutions.
Our trained technicians will:
- Inspect your current system and ductwork
- Clean ducts and equipment to remove hidden allergens
- Recommend tailored indoor air quality solutions based on your home, lifestyle, and allergy concerns
We understand that everyone’s homes and allergy concerns are unique. We’ll work with you to find a solution for a healthier, more comfortable home.
$500 OFF 2 or $1000 OFF 3 Indoor Air Quality Products
