Have you ever felt when you start your heat for the first time in the fall, you’re wheezing more frequently? While spring allergies often get a worse reputation, fall allergies are still very typical and affect many. For some, fall allergies can be even worse than spring thanks to temps weakening our immune systems and from starting up our furnaces. This might leave you wondering, can furnaces make allergies worse in the U.S., or even lead to them?
While furnaces can’t cause allergies, they can intensify them. How? During the warmer months, dust, dander and other allergens can build up in heating ducts. When the cooler temperatures arrive and we turn our furnaces on for the first time, all those allergens are now pushed out of the ventilation and move throughout our residences. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your furnace from worsening your allergies.
Allergies and recurring illness can be frustrating, and it can be hard to figure out what’s creating or triggering them. Here are some common FAQs, complete with answers and ideas that might help.
Allergy sufferers are often 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 used a radiant heating system. While it’s true forced air systems may make your allergies more severe, that is only if you ignore proper maintenance of your heating equipment. Other than the tasks we included previously, you can also:
H2: What is the Ideal Furnace Filter for Allergies?
Typically, HEPA filters are a strong option if you or someone in your family deals with allergies. HEPA filters are rated to remove 99.97 to 99.99% of particles, such as dust, pollen and dirt. These filters have a MERV rating of 17-21, depending on the kind. This rating reveals how thoroughly a filter can take pollutants from the air. Due to their high-efficiency filtration construction, HEPA filters are thick and can restrict airflow. It’s wise to talk to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to confirm your heating and cooling system can work right with these high efficiency filters.
Old filters can hold on to particles and allow poor quality air to circulate. The same goes for dirty ductwork. If you inhale these particles it can cause sneezing, coughing or other asthma-related symptoms, depending on your sensitivity.
It’s recommended to switch out your HVAC filter around 30-60 days, but here are some indications you may need to more regularly:
Your health and comfort are our top priority at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Whether it’s furnace repair today.
Student loan debt in the USA has been a growing issue for years. Today’s total student debt soars over $1.7 trillion, with the average college graduate owing $20,000 to $25,000. If you’re considering your educational journey or counseling someone who is, it’s important to weigh the... Continue reading
If you’d like to replace your old furnace, don’t move forward thinking a new furnace is your only choice. This may be the go-to choice for most North American households, but heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Still, the question remains: Is a heat pump the right fit for everyone?... Continue reading
If you’re thinking about upgrading your furnace, an important first step is to decide on an efficiency rating. This will influence your up-front costs and what you pay for home heating down the road. Use this guide to learn more about AFUE ratings and how they affect you. What Is an AFUE... Continue reading
© 2023 Service Experts, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, and the Service Experts logo and design are registered trademarks of Service Experts LLC and used under license by SE Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved. *Not applicable to the Advantage Program. See your signed Advantage Program Agreement for full details and exclusions. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee is subject to certain restrictions and limitations as set forth in the applicable Terms and Conditions.