Seasonal allergies in Corpus Christi can be brutal. Unlike in years past when allergens stayed outside where they belong, today’s homes are sewn up tight to prevent energy loss. The upshot is that the inside of your home probably contains allergens in higher concentrations than the great outdoors. Between the pollen outside and the contaminants inside, it can be tough to find relief. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to reduce symptoms.

Maintain Your HVAC

A common source of indoor allergens is a dirty HVAC system. As the system runs, contaminants flood your living space and affect air quality negatively. If your air conditioner has a dirty filter, so much the worse. The first line of defense against allergens is to schedule AC maintenance before allergy season starts and to change the filters frequently. Clean filters trap contaminants and help to improve indoor air quality. Use filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 12. The higher the rating, the more allergens the filter will catch. Filters with a MERV of 12 catch 95 percent of airborne allergens.

Keep Humidity Levels Optimal

An inexpensive device called a hygrometer can measure relative humidity in your home. Ideal relative humidity is 40-50 percent. Anything higher encourages the growth of mold and mildew which can aggravate allergies. UV lights, available from your HVAC contractor, can prevent the growth of mold and other fungi.

Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Inspection

An indoor air quality inspector is trained to assess indoor allergen levels and to determine which air quality products would most effectively clean your indoor air.

Have Your Air Ducts Inspected

In homes with forced-air cooling, ductwork can get excessively dusty. In some cases, allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold accumulate there and circulate throughout your home whenever the AC is running. Duct cleaning will solve this problem.

A preventive maintenance plan will ensure that your heating and cooling equipment won’t be making allergy symptoms worse. To learn more, visit Bodine-Scott Air Conditioning or call (361) 883-9900.

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