Allergy season in Lubbock can be tough. Dust, pollen, and other allergens fill the air, making it difficult for many people to breathe comfortably. While outdoor air quality is out of our control, we can take steps to improve the air inside our homes. At Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric, we understand how important indoor air quality is, especially during allergy season.
Your heating and cooling system plays a big role in keeping the air inside your home clean. With a few simple HVAC changes, you can reduce allergens and make your home a healthier place to breathe. Follow these indoor air quality solutions to keep allergies under control this season.
How HVAC Systems Affect Your Indoor Air Quality
Your heating and cooling system does more than keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It also helps filter and circulate air. If your system is not clean or working properly, it can spread allergens throughout your home.
Dust, pollen, pet dander, and organic growth spores can get trapped in the system and recirculate every time the air conditioner or heater runs. That is why regular HVAC maintenance is important, especially during allergy season.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality is to change your HVAC air filter. The air filter traps dust, pollen, and other airborne particles before they can enter your living space.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
- Every one to three months for standard filters
- Every month if you have pets or allergies
- More often during peak allergy seasons
A clean air filter helps your system run more efficiently while keeping the air cleaner. Look for high-quality filters with a MERV rating of 8 or higher to catch more allergens.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Air Filter
Not all air filters are the same. Some basic filters only catch large dust particles, while others trap tiny allergens that cause sneezing and itchy eyes.
Consider using a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter or an advanced pleated filter. These filters remove smaller particles, such as pollen and organic growth spores, making a big difference in allergy relief.
Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance is one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality. A professional technician can inspect your system, clean essential components, and make sure everything is working properly.
What Happens During HVAC Maintenance?
- Cleaning of ducts, vents, and coils
- Checking and replacing air filters
- Inspecting humidity levels
- Testing for organic growth or mildew buildup
A clean system will not only help with air quality but also improve energy efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC unit.
Use an Air Purifier
An air purifier works with your HVAC system to remove more allergens from the air. These devices use special filters or UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and organic growth spores.
Types of Air Purifiers
- Whole-home air purifiers connect to your HVAC system and filter the air in every room.
- Portable air purifiers clean the air in specific rooms, such as bedrooms or living areas.
If allergies are a major concern, a whole-home air purifier is a great investment.
Keep Your Ducts Clean
Over time, dust, pet dander, and organic growth can build up inside your air ducts. When your HVAC system runs, these allergens spread throughout your home.
Signs Your Ducts Need Cleaning
- Increased dust buildup around vents
- organic growth or musty smells coming from vents
- Worsening allergy symptoms indoors
A professional duct cleaning service can remove these allergens, helping to keep the air fresher and healthier.
Control Indoor Humidity
Too much humidity can lead to organic growth and mildew, while too little humidity can cause dry skin and irritated sinuses. A well-balanced home keeps allergens under control.
How to Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
- Use a dehumidifier if the air feels damp or musty.
- Use a humidifier if the air feels dry and uncomfortable.
- Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% for optimal comfort.
If you are unsure about your home’s humidity levels, a professional can help measure and adjust them.
Keep Your Home Clean
Your HVAC system is not the only thing that affects indoor air quality. Regular cleaning can help remove allergens before they circulate through the air.
Allergy-Friendly Cleaning Tips
- Vacuum carpets and rugs at least twice a week using a HEPA-filter vacuum.
- Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to trap allergens instead of spreading them.
- Wash bedding in hot water weekly to remove dust mites.
- Keep windows closed during high pollen days.
By combining a clean home with a well-maintained HVAC system, you can breathe easier during allergy season.
Contact Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric for Indoor Air Quality Solutions
At Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric, we know how challenging allergy season can be in Lubbock. Our team is here to help with expert indoor air quality tips, HVAC maintenance, and air purification solutions.
If you are struggling with allergies and want to improve the air in your home, contact us today. We are committed to providing top-quality service with honesty and integrity, just as we have since 1934.
Do not let allergy season take over your home. Let us help you breathe easier with a cleaner, healthier indoor environment!
