If you find that you develop allergies when your central air system is running, it might not be a coincidence. Your air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace won’t create allergens on its own, but it can circulate irritating particulates if the equipment is dirty, poorly maintained, or experiencing airflow issues. Identifying the source of the problem can improve air quality for an overall more comfortable home.
On Long Island, HVAC-related allergies can develop in both cooling and heating seasons, because most households use some form of air conditioning or heating year-round. Learn what you can check to improve your comfort and health, and when you should call an expert for HVAC cleaning or a seasonal tune-up.
Check the Air Filter First
For such an inexpensive component in a central air system, the air filter is surprisingly important. It filters allergens like dust, dander, and other particulate matter to stop it from circulating in your home. However, if the filter is clogged, damaged, or simply ineffective, it can do the opposite.
The common signs of a filter problem include:
- Dust around your vents.
- Visible dirt and debris on the filter.
- Increased sneezing, congestion, or sore eyes indoors.
- Reduced airflow around supply vents.
Replacing the filter with a high-quality pleated filter is one of the easiest and most immediate ways to improve indoor air quality. Your filter should be replaced every three months, or any time that it appears dirty.
What if There’s Dust Around My Air Supply Vents?
Dust around supply vents might come from a filter that’s past its replacement age, but if you do replace your filter and notice that there’s still dust coming from the system, the problem might be deeper.
Contaminants can collect in the ductwork over time. If the filter wasn’t doing its job, it could take a few hours after a replacement for the system to purge any dust and debris before it stabilizes.
If you continue to see dust for days after replacing the filter, there could be an excessive accumulation in the ductwork, or there could be a leak in the system that lets dust in from a ceiling cavity, crawlspace, or inside your walls.
An HVAC contractor in Suffolk County can test your ducts for leaks to identify any immediate repair needs. HVAC duct repair is available to fix any leaks. If the ductwork is in good condition but the air is still contaminated, a deep cleaning service will agitate inside the ducts and eliminate any debris.
Duct cleaning isn’t part of a standard tune-up/HVAC cleaning service, but it can easily be added if your home needs it. Most families need duct cleaning every three to five years to keep the system healthy.
Dirty HVAC Equipment
If you use an air conditioner or heat pump, moisture is a constant part of the process. Long Island’s summers are humid, creating the perfect conditions for mold growth. This can develop on evaporator coils, in drain pans, inside condensate lines, and in any damp ductwork sections.
Spores in the HVAC system can trigger symptoms like itchy eyes, congestion, a light cough, and throat irritation.
Your HVAC equipment will be cleaned during a seasonal tune-up.
- Heat pumps require a detailed cleaning and tune-up service every spring and fall.
- Air conditioners require a cleaning and tune-up service every spring.
This service will help improve indoor air quality while also prolonging the life of your HVAC equipment.
Book Professional HVAC Maintenance Today
If your home is causing you allergies and you’ve ruled out plants, pets, and furniture, it’s worth talking to an HVAC contractor to check your system. The highly rated team at Soundview HVAC services all types of heating and cooling equipment, including central systems that combine multiple technologies.
Request your appointment online, or call us at 631-209-1744 today.
