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As Temps Increase, So Does The Pollen.
It’s that time of year when Florida gets an overnight dusting of the yellow-green stuff. Yeah, it’s snowing pollen these days. If you have allergies, you’re likely dealing with it. Just look at any body of water and you can see what has managed to land. However, pollen is lightweight and blows around waiting for you to breathe it in when you go outdoors.
But How Does Pollen Affect Indoor Air Quality?
The simple fact is that pollen enters your home the same way you do – thru open doors. It also easily comes thru open windows as many of us try to enjoy the great weather and cool breezes this time of year. But it also comes in on your clothes and even your pets. The pollen that remains airborne makes it way around your home eventually landing. That’s why it’s extra important to check and change your air filters on a regular basis.
Filter maintenance can affect:
Efficiency: a dirty or clogged air filter can restrict airflow through the system, causing the system to work harder and using more energy.
Comfort: a dirty air filter can cause your air conditioning system to not be able to maintain the temps you typically prefer.
Reliability: when airflow is restricted, your fan motors and other parts have to work harder, shortening the life of your HVAC system.
How often you need to replace your filters isn’t the same for everyone. Some filters require changing every 30 to 60 days. Others can be in place for 6 months to a year. It depends on factors like – how often you use your system, what type of filter you use, how often you clean, whether you have pets, or personal habits like smoking. Because it can vary so much from home to home, a regular inspection schedule is the best approach.
What Else Can Cause Poor Indoor Air Quality?
While dirty or low quality air filters can cause air flow issues and stress on your AC system, there are other factors that can be contribute to poor air quality in your home. Too little/much humidity, dirty ductwork and a poorly maintained HVAC system are three more common sources of poor indoor air quality.
Too Little or Too Much Humidity: When the air is too dry, dust and pollen can more easily become airborne and circulate throughout your home. Dry air also dries out the nasal passage contributing to health issues like sinus infections. Too much moisture can lead to mold growth and an environment suitable for bacteria and viruses. This can also lead to an increase in dust mites which are a common cause of allergies.
Dirty Ductwork: Over time unwanted particles can collect in your ductwork. Gaps and cracks in ductwork can lead to dust, insects and even mold collecting inside.
Poorly Maintained AC: Dust and dirt can collect on your system’s coils. This accumulation can lead to air flow issues and higher energy bills. If not cleaned annually, a dirty coil can freeze up and turn into a serious problem.
What Can You Do To Help With Indoor Air Quality?
In addition to things you can do yourself, like regular filter maintenance, scheduling a “Spring Tune-up” with an AC company like Energy Air is a great thing to do to prepare for the hotter Florida months. Enrolling in an Annual or Bi-Annual Preventative Maintenance plan will help keep your system running at optimal efficiency, saving money on energy costs and extending the life of your unit. It’s the ideal way to find minor problems that can ultimately turn into major component failures.
Interested In An Energy Air Maintenance Plan Or Spring Tune-up?
Would you like to schedule a check-up for your air conditioning? Or would you like to learn more about the Energy Air Maintenance Plans? Give our service team a call today at (407) 477-4547 to find out more about our annual and bi-annual options.
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