Advanced Filtration Systems | Air Conditioning Installation
Advanced Filtration Systems | Air Conditioning Installation
Summer is ending and fall is fast approaching. You may be looking forward to cooler days, but dread the sneezing, and sniffling that pollen causes in sensitive persons. The majority of hay fever sufferers are allergic to the plant commonly called ragweed. A routinely maintained air conditioner can provide some relief for allergy sufferers, but taking advantage of the relief requires some action on your part. With the use of advanced filtration systems such as HEPA, your AC can provide you with relief from allergies. In some cases, this may require a new air conditioning installation for your home.
In addition to sneezing, and sniffling, hay fever can cause nasal congestion, red, puffy eyes, itchy throat, and even hives. Severe cases of hay fever can lead to chronic sinusitis and asthmatic episodes.
Ragweed is most common in rural areas of the east and Midwest. However, it’s found throughout the United States. Ragweed pollen can be found as far as 400 miles out to sea, and two miles up in the atmosphere. In other words, you can’t avoid it. Ragweed season runs from August through mid-October due to rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels, and that’s unwelcome news for those allergic to ragweed.
Air Filters
Air filters trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles, preventing them from entering the HVAC system, or your duct system. If you’re not changing the filter routinely, the filter becomes a source of these contaminates in both the system and your home.
To avoid damage to the HVAC system, and reduce allergy stimuli, change your air filters once per month or according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Filter quality varies widely, with blue or green fiberglass filters being the minimal filter. However, these low cost filters only capture the largest of the particles that can damage the HVAC system, and do nothing at all for filtering out pollen or other small particulates.
Advanced filtration, such as a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, eliminates pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander and other contaminates. Unfortunately, they can only be used in heating and air conditioning systems engineered for a HEPA filter. Use of a HEPA in a system not designed for it, forces the system to struggle for air, and can reduce its lifespan, resulting in the need for a new air conditioning installation.
Electrostatic filters may be an option for your HVAC system, and are washable and are effective in attracting airborne pollutants. If the you plan on a new air conditioning installation, talk to your Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning professional about your options in reducing airborne pollutants in the home.
For those who suffer from severe allergies, you may want to consider an ultraviolet filter for your HVAC system to reduce mold and other allergens. Call Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s experts to learn how we can help you improve the air quality in your home, with a new air conditioning installation.
Tips to Reduce Allergy Symptoms
- Pollen counts are typically highest between 10 am and 4 pm. Stay indoors as much as possible during these hours, and ensure all windows are closed and the air conditioning is on.
- When traveling in a car, also keep the windows closed and the AC on.
- Shower before bed to remove pollen, and don’t forget to shampoo your hair.
- Nasal irrigation can remove pollen and reduce symptoms.
- If you aren’t ready for a new air conditioning installation utilizing a HEPA filter, use HEPA air filtration systems in each room to help reduce pollen count within the home. Sleep with one in your room. Furthermore, vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner will help to prevent the dispersal of pollen when you vacuum carpets.
There are a number of features and options available for HVAC systems. These optional features can improve the home’s air quality with advanced filtration systems, humidity level, temperature, and energy-consumption. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s expert HVAC technicians will be glad to explain all of the available features, and options, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision before your air conditioning installation. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.
