Spring Allergies: Your HVAC System Can Help You Breathe Easier in Your Home

Spring is a time of renewal, but for millions of homeowners, it’s also the season of sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion.

Trees and grass in Boone, NC, are prominent springtime culprits, letting pollen loose into the air and on surfaces—and if we’re not careful—into our homes.

We track it indoors, let it in through open windows and doors, and may not even realize when it sneaks in through poorly caulked holes and cracks. You not only breathe in allergens outdoors, but also get a second dose inside your home.

At Scott Brothers Heating & Air, our team of HVAC professionals helps homeowners throughout North Carolina improve indoor air quality (IAQ) just by boosting HVAC performance. When it is operating at peak efficiency, your heating and cooling system becomes your #1 weapon against pollutants—including pollen—in your living space.

Adding an IAQ filtration or purification device to your HVAC unit to help clean the air, along with our advice on optimizing your system, may be all you need to achieve a pollen-free environment. Before we look at optimization steps, let’s take a brief look at pollen.

Can Pollen Really Get Inside My Boone, NC, Home?

Yes. Easily. Pollen is microscopic and incredibly sticky. In the spring, trees such as mulberry, ash, pine, oak, maple, and birch release fine powder that can travel for miles on a light breeze. Flowers and grasses join the pollen party by late spring.

These particles can hitch a ride on your clothes, settle into your pet’s fur, and get sucked through tiny gaps in windows and doors. Every time someone walks across the room or plops onto the couch, the pollen kicks back into the air, and you have a better chance of breathing it in. 

An efficient HVAC unit can trap pollen particles and other contaminants, removing them from circulation. It all starts with the right filter.

Which Filter Traps Allergens?

Every HVAC filter has a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating that tells you how effective it is at capturing particles. Filters with low ratings prevent larger particles from entering your HVAC unit and then blowing back into your living spaces through your ductwork. Here’s a look at MERV ratings:

MERV 1–4: These basic fiberglass filters protect your HVAC equipment from large dust particles, but let microscopic pollen flow right through.

MERV 5–8: This middle-of-the-road filter catches some pollen, in addition to dust and mold spores. It is best for households without pets or allergies.

MERV 11–13: Allergy sufferers won’t go wrong with these dense, pleated filters that trap mold spores, fine pollen, and even some bacteria.

MERV 14 and Higher: These are extremely high-efficiency. They thoroughly clean the air but may be too thick for some HVAC units, restricting the airflow and causing the system to overheat. Our Scott Brothers Heating & Air technicians can determine if your blower motor can handle the resistance.

During the height of pollen season in Boone, NC, check your filter more frequently and replace it if it looks gray and dirty.  A full filter can’t trap any more allergens.

Does My HVAC Trap Pollen When It Isn’t Running?

If you set your thermostat to Auto, the fan only blows when your AC or furnace is operating. Some spring days may not require 24/7 air conditioning, especially at night. While your HVAC is idle for hours, pollen simply settles on surfaces in your Boone, NC, home. 

You can reverse this pause in filtration by switching your thermostat fan setting from Auto to On. The fan will continue running even when your HVAC unit is not cooling or heating. It will continuously pull air through your HVAC filter, trapping allergens. However, this may slightly increase your electricity bill.

Humidity Is an Allergy Trigger

Pollen isn’t the only spring allergen. When indoor humidity levels rise above 50 percent, dust mites thrive, and mold spreads in damp areas such as basements and bathrooms.

Your air conditioner or heat pump also dehumidifies the air. As your system cools the air, it pulls moisture out and sends it down a condensate drain. By maintaining your AC, you ensure it effectively removes excess moisture from the air, making it impossible for mold and mites to take hold.

Keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent helps improve indoor air quality (IAQ).

Does My AC Really Need a Spring Tune-Up?

A dirty HVAC system works harder and dirties your indoor air. If your internal coils are dusty or your blower cabinet is full of debris, your system blows those irritants through your vents every time it turns on.

A professional spring maintenance visit includes:

• Cleaning the Evaporator Coil: Cleaning eliminates mold or bacteria from areas where moisture collects.

• Inspecting Ductwork: We check for leaks that might suck in unfiltered air from your attic or crawlspace.

• Clearing the Condensate Line: A clean line prevents water backups that lead to mold growth.

• Blower Cleaning: We remove dust caked on the fan.

We also check the refrigerant level, lubricate moving parts, inspect electrical connections, and replace the air filter.

What Can I Do to Improve Indoor Air?

Keep your indoor air as pure as possible by following these tips:

• Close Your Windows: We all love a spring breeze, but open windows are a welcome mat for millions of pollen particles. Rely on your HVAC for circulation instead.
• Don’t Track Pollen Inside: Place mats inside and outside your doors. Better yet, take your shoes off at the door to prevent tracking outdoor allergens onto the carpet.
• Pet Grooming: Wipe your dog down with a damp cloth before it comes inside after playing in the yard.
• Shower Before Bed: By showering or shaving before bed, you prevent pollen from settling on your skin and hair, rather than rubbing it into your pillow.

Should I Buy an Air Purifier?

A standard filter might not be enough for homeowners with severe asthma or chronic allergies. We often recommend whole-home air cleaning systems, such as ultraviolet (UV) lights, electronic air cleaners, or air purifiers that capture contaminants in the air and on surfaces.

Let Scott Brothers Heating & Air Improve Your IAQ in Boone, NC

Stop suffering from allergens in your Boone, NC by calling us at 336-877-1702 or request service online.