Can HVAC Systems Help Reduce Allergies and Asthma Symptoms?

Ventilation

Proper ventilation ensures that stale indoor air, along with common allergens and pollutants, is removed. A well-ventilated home allows for fresh, filtered air to enter, improving overall air quality and reducing irritants that are floating around.

To improve ventilation, consider using exhaust fans, opening windows when weather permits, or installing a ventilation system that brings in fresh air from outside while filtering out contaminants. This will help maintain a steady flow of clean air, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

UV Light Systems

UV germicidal lamps, when installed in your HVAC system, use ultraviolet light to kill or neutralize harmful microorganisms like mold, bacteria, and viruses. They work by emitting UV-C light, which destroys the DNA and RNA (a nucleic acid) of these germs, stopping them from reproducing and spreading. This helps cut down on biological allergens, making the air cleaner and lowering the chances of respiratory issues for you and your family.

Air Purifiers

Whole-home air purifiers are also a great way to reduce airborne contaminants, especially for allergy sufferers. They filter out tiny particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores that regular filters might miss, significantly improving the quality of your indoor air. By removing these allergens, air purifiers help create a cleaner, healthier environment, making it easier for those with allergies or asthma to breathe easier and feel more comfortable at home.

Regular Maintenance

Keeping your HVAC system in top shape is key for allergy and asthma relief. Regular maintenance helps ensure that your system is running efficiently and not circulating allergens throughout your home. During a maintenance visit, a technician will clean or replace air filters, check for any issues with airflow, and ensure everything is working properly to keep your air clean and prevent dust, pollen, and other irritants from building up.

It’s a good idea to have your HVAC system serviced twice a year – once before the heating season and again before cooling season.

Top 20 U.S. Cities with High Allergy Triggers

Certain cities are more prone to high levels of allergens due to their climate, vegetation, and air quality. If you live in one of these cities, a properly maintained HVAC system can make a huge difference in your indoor air quality and overall comfort. Below are the top 20 cities in the U.S. with severe allergies and the primary allergens that HVAC systems can help mitigate:

• Wichita, Kansas – Primary Allergen: Ragweed
• Dallas, Texas – Primary Allergen: Grass Pollen
• Richmond, Virginia – Primary Allergen: Tree Pollen
• Scranton, Pennsylvania – Primary Allergen: Mold
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Primary Allergen: Ragweed
• San Antonio, Texas – Primary Allergen: Mountain Cedar
• Memphis, Tennessee – Primary Allergen: Grass Pollen
• Louisville, Kentucky – Primary Allergen: Ragweed
• Birmingham, Alabama – Primary Allergen: Mold
• Jackson, Mississippi – Primary Allergen: Tree Pollen
• Hartford, Connecticut – Primary Allergen: Grass Pollen
• New Orleans, Louisiana – Primary Allergen: Mold
• Springfield, Missouri – Primary Allergen: Ragweed
• Providence, Rhode Island – Primary Allergen: Tree Pollen
• Columbus, Ohio – Primary Allergen: Grass Pollen
• Knoxville, Tennessee – Primary Allergen: Mold
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Primary Allergen: Tree Pollen
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Primary Allergen: Ragweed
• Charlotte, North Carolina – Primary Allergen: Grass Pollen
• Buffalo, New York – Primary Allergen: Tree Pollen

Additional Tips to Control Allergies and Asthma Symptoms

• Keep Windows Closed During High Pollen Seasons: Pollen can easily enter your home through open windows, which can worsen allergy symptoms. Keeping windows closed, especially on days the pollen count is high, can reduce exposure and help keep indoor air cleaner.
• Wash Bedding and Curtains Regularly: Dust mites and pet dander often accumulate on fabrics. Washing bedding, pillowcases, and curtains once a week can help reduce allergens and improve your sleep quality.
• Use Allergy-Proof Mattress and Pillow Covers: Consider using allergen-proof covers for mattresses and pillows to prevent dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens from collecting. This simple step can make a big difference in reducing allergy symptoms at night.
• Keep Pets Out of Bedrooms: Pet dander is a common allergen, and limiting pet access to sleeping areas can significantly reduce exposure. Designating pet-free zones in your home can help improve air quality in these areas.
• Clean Regularly to Reduce Dust and Allergens: Dust and allergens can build up quickly, causing irritation and triggering allergies or asthma symptoms. Regularly cleaning surfaces, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and dusting with a damp cloth can help remove these irritants, making your indoor air cleaner and reducing the potential for flare-ups.