Allergy sufferers can often mark the calendar by their symptoms:
Spring = Tree Pollen
Summer = Grass (Hay Fever)
Fall = Ragweed
Winter = Furnace
Okay, that last one is more than a little tongue-in-cheek, but your friends at Climate Control Company are trying to make a point. Many Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and Vail, CO homeowners will notice problems with their allergies during the heating season, especially the first few times the heat comes on.
Why it Happens
Of course, you are not allergic to your furnace and furnaces don’t cause allergies, but they can play a role in making existing allergies worse. When furnaces are idle for months, dust, dander, and other debris can build up on heating system components in the ductwork, and on the registers in each room. When we turn the heat on those allergens are spread through the ventilation system reducing indoor air quality throughout the house.
Fighting Back
On the plus side, there are things you can do to limit or prevent your furnace from making your allergies worse.
- Replace your HVAC Filters regularly. This is one of the best things you can do to minimize allergy symptoms. Clean filters are able to trap more of the allergens instead of allowing them to circulate throughout the house.
- Keep registers and ductwork clean. Climate Control recommends professional duct cleaning on a regular basis. This will include the supply and return ductwork where all sorts of allergens can settle. In between the professional cleanings you can help by dusting and/or vacuuming the vents and registers in each room.
- Keep Your Furnace in Good Working Condition. Maintenance and tune-ups will also keep your system clean to improve indoor air quality. It’s a great idea to schedule this visit before you turn the furnace on for the first time in the fall.
A Word About Forced Air
You will note that in general terms we have been talking about forced air heating systems. They typically get more blame for causing allergies to be worse because they are blowing air around the home. If you or someone in the house is prone to severe allergy symptoms, you may wish to consider radiant heat rather than a furnace or heat pump.
Let’s Work Together For Healthier Homes
Climate Control Company is ready, willing, and able to help with any indoor air quality problems in your Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Vail, CO home. Call now to schedule an appointment. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great HVAC information.
