HVAC System and Allergies: How to Breathe Easier at Home

Allergy sufferers, you’re not alone! In fact, more than 50 million Americans deal with allergies each year, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. While we can’t control the outdoor air we breathe, there are ways that we can improve the quality of the air inside our home. Getting allergy relief at home really comes down to cutting down on allergens and keeping your air clean. The key is having a good plan that covers cleaning, air quality and keeps allergens in check. A well-maintained HVAC system can significantly reduce allergy symptoms by filtering air, controlling humidity and preventing the spread of allergens such as dust, mold and pet dander.

Beyond daily monitoring of your local pollen forecast, here are ways to improve your HVAC system and allergies at the same time.

Know Your Allergy Triggers

Knowing your allergy triggers and what’s blooming in your area is crucial for maintaining control of indoor allergens because it helps you take proactive, targeted steps to reduce exposure. Understanding your personal triggers also helps you prioritize which allergens to target inside your home. If you’re allergic to dust mites or mold, your strategy will be different than if you’re allergic to pollen or pet dander.

By aligning your allergy management with both seasonal changes and your unique sensitivities, you can create a cleaner, more controlled indoor environment and minimize symptoms year-round.

Create a Clean Environment

To reduce allergens in your home, follow these tips to keep your home clean:

• Declutter to reduce surfaces where dust can collect. 
• Dust regularly using a damp cloth to trap particles. 
• Vacuum frequently with a vacuum that has a HEPA filter. 
• Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites.
• Keep pets off furniture and out of the bedroom if you’re allergic or sensitive to animal dander. If you are a pet owner, these tips will be helpful. 
• Add cleaning your vent covers to your monthly cleaning regimen. Deep clean wall, ceiling and floor vents as well as air returns and once or twice a year. 

To further control allergens in your home, keep windows closed during times where there are high levels of pollen. After being outside, shower and change clothes to avoid tracking in pollen. Use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, choose hard flooring over carpet or vacuum rugs often. 

Consider HVAC System Upgrades

If allergies are a concern, optimizing your HVAC system can significantly improve indoor air quality. Here are some effective upgrades for managing your HVAC system and allergies.

1. Upgrade Your HVAC Air Filters

Upgrading your HVAC air filters is a cost-effective way to improve your existing system and enhance indoor air quality. 

• Use HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) to trap allergens such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites. 
• Choose MERV 11-13 filters for a good balance between filtration and airflow. 
• Change filters every one to three months, especially during peak allergy seasons.

2. Install an Air Purifier

Air purifiers can make a significant impact on the air quality of your home. There are two primary types of air purifiers: room air purifiers and whole-house systems.

Portable air purifiers clean the air in individual rooms, making them perfect for bedrooms or home offices where you spend the most time. They help reduce dust, pet dander and allergens right where you need it. For whole-house protection, air purifiers that work with your HVAC system can improve air quality throughout your home and use UV-C light or advanced filters to cut down on bacteria, mold and other irritants

Consult with your local, trusted HVAC company to determine which type of air purification will address the level of allergen control that you need.

3. Clean and Maintain Your Ductwork

Even if you clean your home regularly, dirty air ducts can continue to reintroduce dust and allergens into your living space. Every time your HVAC system runs, it can blow these particles—such as dust, pet dander, and pollen—back into the air, circulating irritants throughout your home. 

Cleaning and maintaining your HVAC ductwork, along with regularly wiping down vents and registers, helps reduce the buildup of these allergens. When ducts and vents are clean, there’s less dust to be pushed through the system, which means fewer particles settling on surfaces and fewer floating through the air. 

In addition, sealing your ductwork can prevent leaks that draw in contaminants from attics, crawl spaces, or basements which are places where mold spores and debris often accumulate. 

While duct cleaning alone isn’t a cure-all for allergies, it can be a valuable part of a broader indoor air quality plan. Pairing it with HEPA filtration and regular HVAC maintenance can significantly reduce allergens and improve the air your family breathes every day. 

4. Control Humidity Levels

Humidity plays a significant role in allergy issues and both high and low humidity can affect indoor air quality and allergen levels. High humidity (levels above 50%) can significantly worsen allergy symptoms. Dust mites thrive in warm, moist environments and high humidity creates ideal conditions for them to flourish. Low humidity (levels below 30%) can also aggravate allergy symptoms. When the air is too dry, it can cause your nasal passages to dry out, making them more sensitive to allergens and less effective at filtering them. This dryness can also irritate the airways, worsening symptoms for individuals with allergies.

To manage humidity:

• Keep indoor humidity between 30-50% to prevent mold growth and dust mites. 
• Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels. 
• Install a dehumidifier if your home is too humid or a humidifier if air is too dry. 
• Consider using a portable dehumidifier for specific problem areas, or a whole-house unit for consistent humidity control throughout your home. 

Ready to Allergy-Proof Your Home?

Florida’s extended allergy season makes it essential to take extra steps to manage your HVAC system and allergies. Upgrades such as high-efficiency air filters, regular duct cleaning and targeted air purification can dramatically reduce allergens. A well-maintained system doesn’t just run better – it helps keep your air cleaner all year long. Your trusted local HVAC professionals can help you choose the right upgrades for your home. 

Trust the Experts

The professionals of Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning have been proudly serving north Florida, south Georgia and the Emerald Coast areas for more than 50 years and three generations with top-quality home comfort service. Through committed hard work, integrity, ingenuity and treating customers like family, Barineau has built a reputation as the premier HVAC service company in the area. 

With Barineau Heating and Air Conditioning’s Total Comfort Service Program, you’ll receive a number of cost incentives, such as no overtime charges and a discount on repairs. Signing up for an annual plan removes the burden of having to remember annual maintenance appointments, and you will receive priority service whenever you need us. You can rest easy knowing that Barineau has your back and will remind you when it’s time for your appointment. 

Have questions? Call our team at (850) 580-4029 or schedule an appointment.