For many here in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, spring is one of the best times of the year. As the temperatures morph from freezing to the scorching Texas summer heat, nature comes to life, bringing with it the infamous pollen that will invade our lives for weeks to come.
This time of year is relatively harmless for the lucky few who don’t suffer from seasonal allergies. However, for people with allergies, spring in North Texas is a fog of runny noses and sneezing. At Bacon, we want your home to be a haven from the outdoor air pollutants that may haunt you, so we put together these steps to ensure the air in your home is as fresh as possible.
1. Change Air Filters Regularly
Your air filters are a vital part of your HVAC system. To keep your heating and cooling equipment clean and working efficiently, you should change your air filters every 30 days or according to your air filter packaging instructions. Clean air filters help reduce the amount of pollen, dust, and other congestion in your home and improve your overall indoor air quality.
Air filters are essential during the warmer months when efficient cooling of your space is crucial. Keeping the filters in your system clean can help maintain the equipment and save you money on your energy bill. When your air filters are dirty and past their prime, your HVAC system works harder than it needs to cool your home. New air filters can be purchased at your local home improvement store or from an HVAC contractor like Bacon!
2. Duct Cleaning
If it’s not the air filter leaving your home feeling stuffy, the suspect is usually a buildup of dust inside your air ducts. The cause of this buildup is primarily due to the overuse of the HVAC unit without proper maintenance or duct inspection.
3. Portable Air Purifiers
A popular solution to a pollutant-filled home is a portable air cleaner. These isolated air purifiers come in all shapes and sizes to fit your exact needs.
Portable air purifiers are rated through their clean air delivery rate (CADR). This number tells you which purifier will best fit the specific room it will be placed in. According to the EPA, the higher the CADR, the more extensive area it will serve, but it is essential to remember that the rating is most often tested on the unit’s highest speed.
When picking out a portable air purifier, the EPA suggests that you purchase a unit that best fits what it will be filtering most. For example, if you smoke, look for a purifier that indicates a higher CADR. On the other hand, if you’re just worried about allergies and dust, a lower CADR unit will suffice.
4. Routine Cleaning
Cleaning your home is a tried-and-true way to decrease the amount of dust and allergens in your home. When cleaning, try to avoid cleaners that contain harmful chemicals or aerosols, as these can be harmful with constant exposure. Instead, go for green cleaners or make your own with dish soap and vinegar!
If you have any questions on other ways to improve the indoor air quality of your home or are interested in one of our indoor air quality services, contact Bacon today. Our team will be happy to help you find solutions that will best fit your needs. Call (972) 791-8332 or schedule online.
