Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for asthma, managing the symptoms can improve the quality of life for those who suffer from it. One way to manage asthma is by optimizing your HVAC system. In this blog, we will discuss how you can optimize your HVAC system to ease asthma symptoms.
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
The air filter in your HVAC system is designed to capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles that can trigger asthma symptoms. However, if the filter becomes clogged, it can reduce the airflow and cause the system to work harder, leading to poor air quality. To prevent this, it is important to change your air filter regularly, at least once every three months.
2. Maintain the Right Humidity Level
High humidity levels can make it difficult for moisture to evaporate from surfaces, creating a damp environment that promotes the growth of mold and dust mites. These allergens can trigger asthma symptoms in people who are sensitive to them. High humidity levels can also make it more difficult for people with asthma to breathe, as the moist air can cause the airways to constrict.
Low humidity levels can dry out the airways, making breathing more difficult for people with asthma. In addition, dry air can irritate the airways and cause them to become inflamed and more susceptible to asthma triggers.
Sudden changes in humidity levels can also trigger asthma symptoms. For example, going from a humid environment to a dry one can cause the airways to become irritated and trigger an asthma attack.
Proper humidity levels can help to reduce asthma symptoms. Ideally, the humidity level in your home should be between 30% and 50%. This can help reduce mold and dust mites’ growth while providing enough moisture to keep the airways from becoming too dry. You can use a humidifier or dehumidifier to achieve the right humidity level.
3. Install a Whole Home Air Purifier
A whole home air purifier can be valuable in managing asthma symptoms, and some are certified as being asthma and allergy friendly. Asthma is often triggered by airborne particles such as dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander. A whole home air purifier works by filtering these particles out of the air, thereby reducing the number of potential asthma triggers in your home.
Here are some ways a whole home air purifier can help with asthma:
Removes Airborne Allergens
A whole home air purifier can effectively remove airborne allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. This can reduce the number of allergens in the air, which can help to alleviate asthma symptoms.
Reduces Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can grow in damp areas of the home, such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. These fungi can release spores into the air, triggering asthma symptoms. A whole home air purifier can help to reduce the amount of mold and mildew spores in the air, thereby reducing asthma triggers.
Eliminates Odors
Strong odors from cooking, cleaning chemicals, and cigarette smoke can trigger asthma symptoms. A whole home air purifier can help to eliminate these odors, making the air in your home more pleasant and reducing asthma triggers.
Increases Air Circulation
A whole home air purifier can help to increase air circulation throughout your home. This can help distribute fresh, clean air more evenly, improving the air quality and reducing asthma triggers.
4. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance can help ensure your system is functioning properly and efficiently. This can include cleaning the ducts and coils, checking the refrigerant levels, inspecting the electrical components, and more. When your HVAC system is working properly, it can filter the air more effectively and circulate it more efficiently, which can help to reduce the number of allergens and pollutants in your home.
Leaks in your HVAC system can allow pollutants such as carbon monoxide and other harmful gases to circulate in your home. Regular HVAC maintenance includes checking for leaks and repairing them promptly to prevent these pollutants from entering your home. By keeping your HVAC system in good condition, you can improve the air quality in your home and reduce the risk of triggering asthma symptoms.
5. Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Over time, dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles can accumulate in your ducts and circulate through your home, triggering asthma symptoms.
Here are some of the ways that duct cleaning can reduce asthma symptoms:
Removes Allergens and Irritants
Duct cleaning removes the buildup of allergens and other irritants in your ductwork. This can include dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores, all of which can trigger asthma symptoms. By removing these allergens and irritants, duct cleaning can improve the air quality in your home and reduce asthma triggers.
Improves Air Flow
Accumulated dust and debris in your ductwork can reduce airflow through your HVAC system. This can cause your system to work harder, leading to poor air quality and increased asthma triggers. Duct cleaning can improve airflow, making your HVAC system more efficient and reducing asthma triggers.
Eliminates Mold Growth
Mold can grow in your ductwork if there is moisture present. This can release spores into the air, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Duct cleaning can remove mold and mildew from your ductwork, reducing asthma triggers.
Reduces Pet Dander
Pet dander can accumulate in your ductwork if you have pets. This can trigger asthma symptoms in people who are allergic to pet dander. Duct cleaning can remove pet dander from your ductwork, improving the air quality in your home and reducing asthma triggers.
6. Seal Your Home
Sealing your home can effectively reduce asthma symptoms by preventing outdoor allergens from entering your home. It can also improve temperature and humidity control. By preventing drafts and air leaks, you can maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your home, which can help to reduce asthma triggers. Stopping air leaks and drafts by sealing your home can also result in lower energy consumption, reduced utility bills, and increased comfort in your home.
7. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help reduce energy consumption and improve air quality by controlling your home’s temperature and humidity levels. In addition, by setting the thermostat to maintain proper humidity levels, you can reduce the growth of mold and dust mites, which can trigger allergies.
Optimizing your HVAC system can be an effective way to ease asthma symptoms and improve the air quality in your home. At American Air & Heat, we can help you improve the indoor air quality of your home. In addition to various indoor air quality products that work in tandem with your HVAC system, we also offer duct cleaning and HVAC maintenance.
Call American Air & Heat today to schedule a consultation or schedule service in Oviedo, FL and surrounding areas.
