Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffer from allergies? Mold, pollen, dust mites, and animal dander are all common culprits for allergy symptoms. In an ideal world, your home should be an escape from airborne allergens, and your HVAC system would help clean up the air.

However, the world we live in is often not ideal. There is a real connection between allergies and your HVAC system, so if the sneezing doesn’t stop when you come inside, it’s time to call an HVAC specialist.

What’s In the Air?

The air around you, even in indoor spaces with the doors and windows closed, is full of potential allergens. Dust, pollen, and even mold spores can float in from outside or cling to your clothes.

The purpose of your HVAC system, among other things, is to move air around your living space. If your system is not optimized to combat allergens, it could be blowing irritating particles around the room without filtering them away.

What’s Wrong With the HVAC?

When allergy sufferers find themselves wheezing and sniffling indoors, they may suspect that they’re allergic to the HVAC system itself. However, it’s likely not the air conditioning they’re allergic to; it’s the particles in the air that the AC is moving around without filtering out.

A common culprit for HVAC allergy woes is clogged filtration. Your home’s ventilation system is made up of several filters that need to be changed regularly. When you go too long between filter changes, dust, mildew, mold, and other particles pile up on top of the old filter. With nowhere else to go, they get recirculated back into the room.

What Can Be Done?

First and foremost, put regular HVAC maintenance on your calendar! Many indoor air solutions begin with scheduled cleanings and filter changes to keep the ventilation system working at its best.

Second, ask your HVAC technician about specialized filters designed to combat allergies. They’re made to sift more pollen out of the air, so your home can be a safe space from those irritating particles.

Finally, consider installing a HEPA filter in your home. HEPA stands for High-Energy Particulate Air, and these filters will remove up to 99 percent of pollen from the air in your home. For the more stubborn allergies and smaller particles, the standard filters on your AC unit won’t cut it.

If you can’t find any allergy relief by staying indoors, your allergies may be connected to your HVAC system. Your symptoms may be a sign that it’s been too long since an HVAC technician paid a visit. To ensure cleaner, fresher air in your home, have your system cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Proper filtration is essential to allergy relief.