Florida Allergy Survival Guide
One of the best things about living in Florida is the mild climate. Warm temperatures and a year-round growing season make the area a prime location for a variety of flowering plants. While these plants make for beautiful surroundings, they can pose health concerns for individuals with allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. Unfortunately, pollen doesn’t just cause problems outdoors. It can also affect the operation and efficiency of your HVAC system, which can lower your home’s indoor air quality.
How Pollen Enters Your HVAC System
Pollen most commonly enters your HVAC system due to improper maintenance. Overlooking regular AC maintenance can not only lower the effectiveness of your home’s unit, but can also expose your family to numerous bacteria and viruses. Here are some of the most common ways pollen can enter your HVAC system:
- Dirty drip pans and coils
- Inefficient or dirty filters
- Poorly maintained air ducts
- Buildup of dust and debris
- Improper air balance
Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Indicators of poor indoor air quality can often be subtle. For example, you may find you have to dust more frequently or notice a musty smell inside your house. Eventually, you or other members of your family may even experience respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing.
Effects of Pollen on Your HVAC System
Pollen and other pollutants drastically affect the efficiency of your HVAC system and can cause your electric bill to increase over time. The dust and debris from pollen particles also put excess strain on your unit and ultimately shorten its lifespan. This is why preventative maintenance and attentive removal of pollen are vital steps in avoiding costly expenses and potential health problems.
How to Improve Your IAQ
The first step towards enjoying better indoor air is to change your filter regularly. You should check your home’s air filters monthly, and as a general rule, replace any that appear dirty. In most cases, your filter will need to be replaced every one to three months, depending on the time of year and regional climate. For those who suffer from asthma or allergies, you should consider investing in a filter with a minimum efficiency reporting value of 11 or 12.
Call Quality Control Air for Issues With Pollen and Air Quality
Regular maintenance by a qualified HVAC technician is a crucial step in protecting and prolonging your HVAC system, and improving your home’s overall air quality. At Quality Control Air, our technicians will inspect all aspects of your HVAC system to ensure everything is working at peak performance and efficiency. We can also recommend a variety of air filtration products designed to improve the air in your home so you and your family stay comfortable and healthy. Call us today schedule your appointment!