Pollen counts are at record levels. If you are among the more than 50 million Americans affected by allergies, you already know this! Even people without allergies can experience symptoms when there is a significant amount of pollen in the air. Symptoms can include not only the typical runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes, but also headaches, fatigue, coughing and asthma.
It stands to reason that avoiding the allergens can reduce symptoms. However, pollen spores are among the most difficult allergens to avoid. Most of us need to go outside sometime, and even indoors it can be challenging to remove pollen particles because many of them are so tiny in size. They also may be lurking in places you haven’t considered, like your building’s ventilation system.
If your building’s occupants are suffering from allergy symptoms, your first call should be to your HVAC service provider. Some simple maintenance procedures such as cleaning air conditioning and heating ducts and installing the right filters can significantly reduce pollen and other allergens from invading your building and making people sick.
HEPA filters
Some people mistakenly believe that the typical filters in their air conditioners and ventilation systems protect them from allergens. The truth is, these filters are designed only to keep large dirt and debris particles from damaging the equipment, not to protect your lungs. To remove allergens from your building’s air handling equipment, you need high-energy particulate air filters, more commonly known as HEPA filters.
Made from layers of glass fibers formed into pleated paper-like material, HEPA filters trap more than 99 percent of pollen, dust and smoke. HVAC filters are rated according to the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) system, which is based on how well the filter blocks particles of different sizes. Ratings range from MERV 1 to MERV 12, with a higher rating being better for removing tiny particles like many species of pollen. Ask your HVAC service provider to install HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 10 or above.
For HEPA filters to be effective, they need to be changed at least every other month, or sometimes more often if your building is located in an area with very high pollen counts. Another option is to install filters that are washable and reusable and clean them frequently. If you neglect this task, a clogged filter can cause your air conditioner’s blower motor to overheat. If you have an HVAC preventative maintenance agreement, make sure bi-monthly filter cleaning or replacement is included.
Duct cleaning
Over time, dust, pollen, moisture and other debris accumulate in your cooling, heating, and ventilation ducts. As your air handling systems circulate air throughout your building, they are also circulating contaminants including pollen and even mold spores. Regular cleaning of your air ducts by experienced professionals can greatly improve the air quality in your building and the health of its occupants.
Call your HVAC service company to schedule a cleaning, especially if:
- Building occupants are complaining of worsening allergies and asthma
- You have recently undergone a renovation
- To have had an infestation of insects or rodents
- There is visible mold in and around your HVAC equipment or vents
- Your ducts have never been cleaned!
Here’s what to expect when your HVAC service company comes to do a commercial duct cleaning:
- Inspection of the ducts to determine the extent of the contamination and to check for tears and holes
- Preparation of the area to protect your carpeting and furniture
- Removal of debris, dirt, pollen and other contaminants with specialized tools including high-powered vacuums
- Repair of any holes and replacement of insulation if needed
- Replacement of air filters if needed
In addition, if you haven’t done regular preventative maintenance on your cooling and heating equipment, you should schedule a visit for that as well. Dirty cooling coils, fan motors and blades, drain pans and other parts can cause contaminants and moisture to enter the ducts. Dirty equipment also puts a strain on your system causing it to use more electricity and parts to wear out faster.
Other measures
Here are some additional steps you can take to keep your building healthy:
- Keep doors and windows closed, especially during the peak pollen hours of 5:00am to 10:00am.
- Have cleaning staff use vacuums with HEPA filters and dust with a damp cloth to avoid sending pollen spores into the air.
- Avoid the use of ion-based air purifiers, which remove the pollen but create ozone that can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.
By using these measures along with HEPA filters and regular duct maintenance, you can prevent pollen and other allergens from invading your building, significantly reducing allergies and asthma symptoms.
If you’ve been neglecting cleaning your ducts and maintaining your HVAC system, you may be surprised to learn how much poor maintenance is affecting your bottom line. Learn more by downloading a copy of our guide to Calculating the Hidden Costs of Poor HVAC Maintenance.
