How Can I Prepare My Home HVAC System for Spring Allergens?

Your HVAC system is your first line of defense against spring allergens. By keeping up with routine maintenance and choosing the right air filter MERV level, you can prepare yourself for spring allergens.

Aah, spring! A time for soothing rain showers, blooming flowers ... and intense allergens for some. Luckily, there are ways to help minimize some of the particles that cause allergens in your indoor air. Even if outside allergens are high, your home can be a haven of cleaner indoor air — and it all starts with your HVAC system.

What impact does my HVAC system have on spring allergens?

Your home HVAC system is the first line of defense when it comes to combating spring allergens inside your home. If your system is well maintained and working properly (ahem, you’ve kept up with regular HVAC system maintenance and air filter changes), it will trap many of the dust, mold and other microparticles passing through it that may cause your allergens this time of year. But don’t worry — even if you haven’t always been a straight-A HVAC student, we have some guidance on how to prep your home for the allergen season ahead.

What should I look for in an HVAC filter to help with spring allergens?

When considering a filter for your HVAC, look for one with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) rating of 11 / microparticle performance rating (MPR) of at least 1000. Filtrete™ designs air filters to capture a wide variety of airborne particles. Filtrete™ Air Filters meet not only (+ go above and beyond) the MERV industry standard, but also the requirements set by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards (ASL). The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification mark isn’t just a label; it’s a seal of approval that means you’re investing in a product designed to capture allergens. For best-in-class air flow, you’ll want the Filtrete™ MPR 1900 Premium Allergen, Bacteria & Virus Air Filter, recently named a top pick by The New York Times’ Wirecutter.

Tips for preparing your HVAC system for spring allergens

• Replace the air filter. Your HVAC system has been working hard all winter to heat your home (especially if you’re in a colder climate). Pair that with the fact that your windows have likely been closed the past couple of months, and you’ve got an HVAC filter built up with dust and other allergens. The general rule of thumb is to install a new air filter every three months. If the last time you swapped it out coincides with holiday decorating, now is the time for an air filter change.
• Clean other HVAC components. Your HVAC air filter isn’t the only thing that needs regular attention. Over time, dust and debris can pile up on other parts of your HVAC system, like vents, coils, and blowers. You can typically clean these components yourself, but if your system requires deeper cleaning, or you’re considering having your ducts cleaned — which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency only recommends on an as-needed basis¹ — you’ll want to call a professional.
• Check and seal duct leaks. Ductwork plays an important role in your HVAC system. Through a network of tubes in your walls, floors, and ceilings, air is delivered from your furnace and air conditioner to each room in your house.² Unfortunately, many people have duct leaks they don’t know about, paving the way for allergens like dust and pollen to sneak into the air you breathe. Start by doing a visual inspection of your visible ductwork, and seal any leaks with a mastic sealant or metal tape.³
• Schedule a professional tune-up. Even if you’re regularly cleaning your HVAC system and taking care of minor repairs yourself, it’s recommended to have a professional do a tune-up twice a year, in the spring and fall.⁴ This will ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently, help catch small problems before they become bigger problems, and extend the life of your HVAC components.

Spring allergens don’t have to take over your home life. By giving your HVAC system the attention it deserves — like replacing filters, cleaning components, sealing duct leaks, and scheduling professional tune-ups — you can create a sanctuary of cleaner air indoors. With the right preparation and tools, you can help keep allergens at bay and enjoy the beauty of spring and sunshine.

Sources

1. EPA. “Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?” EPA, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

2. U.S. Department of Energy. “Minimizing Energy Losses in Air Ducts,” U.S. Department of Energy, www.energy.gov/energysaver/minimizing-energy-losses-ducts

3. Energy Star. “How to Keep Your HVAC System Working Efficiently. Energy Star, www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/how-keep-your-hvac-system-working-efficiently

4. Energy Star. “Maintenance Check.” Energy Star, www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling/maintenance-checklist