As beautiful as Florida is, its climate, especially its heat, humidity, and allergens, can be rough. This is especially the case in spring and summer for allergy sufferers and individuals with respiratory problems. The good news is that you can use your HVAC system and change certain habits to improve your indoor air quality. This could allow you to create a comfortable oasis where you can breathe easier, regardless of the outdoor conditions.
What Are Common Outdoor Allergens in Florida?
Florida is full of many wonderful trees and flowers. Unfortunately, they also trigger allergies in many people. Some of the more common allergens include flower pollen, grass pollen, and tree pollen. Mold spores can also be problematic.
Does Indoor Air Filtration Help Florida’s Allergy Sufferers?
Indoor air filtration can help significantly. However, it’s important to choose options that are best for your home. The quality of the installation also matters significantly.
What Indoor Air Quality Options Help With Allergens?
There are several types of indoor air quality options available to Floridians. Each one is designed to reduce pollutants from your home, making the air cleaner and healthier. Learning more about what’s available can help you choose the best solutions for your space.
Whole-Home Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers
Your indoor humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. However, in Florida, where humidity tends to be high year-round, especially in summer, achieving this balance can be challenging. Dehumidifiers, which remove moisture from the air, and humidifiers, which add moisture, can help. Unlike portable options, they work in conjunction with your HVAC system, requiring no manual operation. They also target your entire home rather than one area at a time.
Air Purifiers and Filtration Systems
Indoor air filtration systems and air purifiers could help remove airborne bacteria, viruses, and pollutants, such as pollen, from the air. They also work to reduce indoor contaminants, such as pet dander, dust mites, and smoke, that can negatively impact your indoor air quality.
UV Germicidal Lights
They use UV-C light to help reduce microbes, such as many types of mold spores, viruses, and bacteria. The bulbs need to be replaced periodically, usually once a year, to ensure they function optimally.
Do Air Filters Help Reduce Indoor Allergens?
Air filters, especially HEPA filters, help reduce indoor allergens. They trap dust, pet dander, mold spores, and other pollutants to prevent them from recirculating throughout your indoor air. The filters also protect your unit’s components by trapping the contaminants before they build up within the unit.
How Often Should I Replace Air Filters?
Generally, you should replace HVAC filters every few months. However, you may want to do it more often if there are pregnant women, kids, pets, seniors, and allergy sufferers in your home.
The task is usually easy for homeowners to do. Turn the system off and remove the dirty filter from the unit. Put a clean one in, position it correctly, and turn the system back on.
Can You Help Me Choose the Right Air Filter for My Home?
Our technicians are experts on all types of filters, so they can certainly help you choose the best option for your home. We’ll discuss your budget, preferences, and needs and recommend what options would be ideal.
What Additional Steps Can I Take to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Florida?
In addition to changing your air filter regularly, you can take several other steps to improve your indoor air quality. For example, open windows throughout your home twice a day for at least 10 minutes at a time. However, before you do, check the weather app on your phone. If the allergen levels are extremely high or the air quality isn’t safe, avoid opening the windows for the day.
It’s also a good idea to avoid anything that can contribute to poor indoor air quality. For example, lighting candles, using harsh cleaning chemicals, and spraying chemical air fresheners are common culprits. Smoking indoors is also problematic. If you smoke outside, make sure to step away from your doors and windows. This prevents the wind from carrying the smoke inside your home.
Take steps today to improve your indoor air quality. Peachy Keen Co in Deerfield Beach, FL, provides HVAC and indoor air quality services to local homeowners. Contact our team today to book an appointment and discuss your options.
