hvac-allergy 

According to WebMD, an online publisher of human health news and information, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, insect stings, mold, food, latex, medication, and cockroaches are the most common allergy triggers.

While many of these allergens are seasonal, are you thinking about how your heating and cooling equipment could be the culprit or exasperating this health issue? Think about pet dander, dust, mold, and cockroaches in your home year-round.

Warner Service of Frederick, Maryland, talks about typical allergy symptoms and how your home HVAC system can help or hurt:

Breathing problems. Shortness of breath is a more common symptom of asthma, but allergies can cause asthma-like symptoms. According to The Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma Theta Tau International), respiratory allergies happen when your immune system has a negative reaction to an airborne substance, such as dust, which can cause breathing problems. This is especially apparent during exercise.

Solution: Schedule regular maintenance check-ups for your home HVAC unit, and change the air filter monthly, especially if you live in a home with excess dust, hair, pet dander, and smoke.

 

Sneezing. Shortly after inhaling an airborne substance, such as dust or mold spores, a sneeze occurs. This can be an indicator of allergies, as this natural response is your body’s first defense against allergens and pathogens getting into your lungs. The more often you sneeze, the more allergens and pathogens are trapped in your nasal passages, attempting to make it to your respiratory system.

Solution: Again, it’s important to change the air filter monthly, but if too many allergens and pathogens in your home are causing symptoms, consider switching to an air purifier or the Air Scrubber by Aerus. Learn more about your options here.

 

Itchy, watery eyes. Most of the time, itchy, watery eyes are due to allergies. This is especially common with the change in seasons. However, the HVAC in your home could also play a big role in triggering this symptom. If holes are in the ductwork, it sucks in unfiltered air and redistributes it throughout the house.

Solution: Improve indoor air quality by calling a maintenance expert to check for leaks and gaps in the ductwork. This step should be done annually.

 

Runny nose. Because many HVAC units don’t come with a humidifying function, it causes the air to be cold and dry. This often leads to the body’s natural response to unnatural coldness, which are basic flu-like and allergy symptoms, such as a reddened, runny nose.

Solution: Turn down the air conditioning, and purchase a humidifier to moisten the air. This leads to less runny noses and watery eyes.

 

Sore or scratchy throat. According to Healthline, a consumer health information site, “Postnasal drip is the main culprit in cases of allergy-induced sore throat. It's the result of exposure to an allergen and occurs when congestion in the sinuses drains down the throat. This causes tickling or scratchy pain.”

This irritation can also cause coughing, acid reflux, excessive swallowing, throat irritation, and difficulty speaking.

Solution: Add a humidifier to your bedroom, and shift it to between 35 and 55 percent. This helps moisturize your throat, eliminating many of these uncomfortable symptoms. For more about whole-home humidification and proper ventilation, check out this guide.

When it comes to allergy season, your home heating and cooling can make your breathing; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; runny nose; and sore or scratchy throat worse. It doesn’t have to happen every allergy season, though.

To learn more about combating allergens and pathogens in your home, click on the button below to download Warner Service’s Guide To Home HVAC During Allergy Season:  

Download Our Guide To Home HVAC During Allergy Season