As spring arrives in Ottawa, so does pollen season, and for many homeowners, that means allergy flare-ups and poor indoor air quality. While allergy medication can help with symptoms, protecting your HVAC system is just as important. Pollen can impact both your comfort and your system’s performance if left unchecked.
Here’s how pollen affects your HVAC system and what you can do to reduce its impact and keep your air clean this season.
How Pollen Affects Your HVAC System
Clogs Air Filters
Pollen can quickly build up on air filters, restricting airflow and reducing your system’s efficiency. This means your HVAC system has to work harder, using more energy and potentially increasing your utility bills. It also compromises indoor air quality, which can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions.
Coats Internal Components
Pollen can settle on sensitive internal components like coils and blower motors. Over time, this buildup can reduce performance, increase wear and tear, and eventually cause mechanical issues that require costly repairs.
Circulates Allergens Indoors
Once pollen enters your system, it can be circulated throughout your home, worsening allergy symptoms and reducing overall air quality. This is especially concerning for households with children, seniors, or anyone with asthma or other respiratory issues.
How to Protect Your HVAC System from Pollen
While you can’t eliminate pollen outdoors, there are several ways to reduce its impact on your HVAC system and indoor environment.
Change Your Filters Regularly
Replace or clean your air filters more frequently during pollen season, at least every 30 to 90 days. For better protection, consider using high-efficiency filters like HEPA filters, which are designed to trap finer particles including pollen and dust.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
An annual maintenance appointment is essential. A licensed HVAC technician from Team Harding can inspect, clean, and tune your system to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and free from pollen buildup. This includes checking coils, cleaning components, and inspecting ductwork.
Install an Air Purification System
Adding an HVAC UV light air purifier to your system can help capture and neutralize airborne allergens. These systems work in tandem with your HVAC to enhance filtration and improve the overall air quality in your home.
Seal Your Ductwork
Leaky or poorly sealed ducts can draw in pollen from outside or from unconditioned areas like attics. Having your ductwork professionally inspected and sealed ensures cleaner airflow and more efficient operation.
Protect Your HVAC System With Team Harding
Taking proactive steps to protect your HVAC system during Ottawa’s pollen season not only helps reduce allergy symptoms, it also extends the life of your equipment and improves energy efficiency.
For expert HVAC maintenance and indoor air quality solutions, trust the professionals at Team Harding.
To schedule a spring tune-up or to learn more about air purification options:
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
