How Your Furnace Can Trigger Your Allergies

Have you ever felt when you start your furnace for the first time in the fall, you’re sneezing more frequently? While spring allergies seem to get a harsher reputation, fall allergies are still very common and many people are affected by them. For some, fall allergies can be even worse than spring colder weather affecting our immune systems and from cranking up our equipment. This might leave you thinking, can furnaces make allergies worse in the U.S., or even trigger them? 

While furnaces can’t cause allergies, they could aggravate them. How? During the hotter months, dust, dander and other pollutants can accumulate in heating ducts. When the cooler temps begin and we flip our heat on for the first time, all those allergens are now pushed out of the ventilation and circulate through our homes. Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your furnace from aggravating your allergies. 

How to Keep Your Furnace from Affecting Your Allergies

1. Get a New HVAC Filter. Frequently replacing your filters is one of the best tasks you can complete to minimize your allergies at any time of the year. New filters are ideal for snagging the allergens in your home’s air, helping to keep you in better health. 

2. Clean Your Air Ducts. Not only do particulates collect in your HVAC filters, but in your ductwork as well. An air duct cleaning can help ease allergy symptoms and help your HVAC system work more efficiently. When you call for an air duct cleaning, technicians survey and clean components including your supply/return ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers. 

3. Keep Your Furnace in Good Working Condition. Proper HVAC maintenance and routine service are another excellent way to both increase your home’s air quality and keep your heating performing as effectively as possible. Prior to flipping your heating on for the first time, it could help to have an HVAC mechanic complete a maintenance checkup to verify your filters and air ducts are clean and everything else is in good condition. 

Allergies and recurring illness can be frustrating, and it can be tough to figure out what’s causing or triggering them. Here are some additional FAQs, along with answers and suggestions that could help.  

Is Forced Air Bad for Allergies?

Allergy sufferers are usually told that forced air heating may affect your allergies even more. Forced air systems can push allergens through the air, causing you to breathe them in more regularly than if you owned a radiant heating system. While it’s accurate forced air systems can make your allergies more severe, that is only if you ignore suitable upkeep of your system. Other than the practices we listed already, you can also: 

• Dust and vacuum your house frequently. If there aren’t dust, dander or mold spore particles to collect in your air ducts, your air system can’t transport them into the air, and you can’t inhale them. Some additional cleaning ideas include: 

• Ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter. 
• Dust in advance of vacuuming. 
• Clean your curtains periodically, as they are a common collecto of allergens. 

• Remember to clean behind and under furniture. 

• Keep an Eye on your home’s moisture levels. Increased humidity levels can also lead to more severe allergies. Humidity supports mold growth and dust mites. Installing a dehumidifier with your HVAC system keeps moisture levels under control and your indoor air quality much healthier. 

What is the Ideal Furnace Filter for Allergies? 

Most often, HEPA filters are ideal if you or someone in your household struggles with allergies. HEPA filters are rated to remove 99.97 to 99.99% of particles, including dust, pollen and dirt. These filters have a MERV rating of 17-21, depending on the kind. This rating illustrates how successfully a filter can take pollutants from the air. Because of their high-efficiency filtration materials, HEPA filters are deep and can restrict airflow. It’s helpful to touch base with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to confirm your heating and cooling system can perform properly with these high efficiency filters. 

Can Dusty Filters or Air Ducts Make Me Sick? 

Old filters can hold on to particles and allow poor quality air to recirculate. This also applies to dusty ductwork. If you inhale these particles it can produce sneezing, coughing or other asthma-related problems, depending on your sensitivity. 

It’s beneficial to swap out your HVAC filter after 30-60 days, but here are some signs you might need to more regularly: 

• It’s taking longer for your system to cool or heat your residence. 

• You find more dust in your house. 
• Energy expenses are going up with no apparent reason. 
• Your allergies are acting up. 
• Clues your air ducts require cleaning include: 
• The metal is coated in dust. 

• Filthy supply and return vents. 
• Mold in your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump or air handler. 
• Dust coming from your vents when your HVAC system is working. 
• Your residence is frequently dusty, regardless of continuous cleaning. 

Your health and comfort are our first priority at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Whether it’s furnace repair now.