Maintaining Your AC and Floors During Allergy Season

Allergy season can wreak havoc on your home—not just on your sinuses. Your air conditioning (AC) system and floors play a crucial role in keeping your indoor environment clean and allergen-free. With the proper maintenance of your AC and flooring, you can reduce allergens, improve air quality, and create a more comfortable home. If you’re located in Norwalk, CT, Tarrytown, NY, or surrounding areas, this guide is for you!

Why Allergy Season Impacts Your Home

When pollen counts rise, allergens can quickly infiltrate your home. Outdoor allergens like pollen and mold spores are tracked in on shoes and pets, settling into carpets and hardwood floors. Meanwhile, indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) can become trapped in your home’s air, circulating through your HVAC system.

Step 1: Maintain Your AC System

Your air conditioning system is your first line of defense against allergens. Proper upkeep ensures that it effectively filters out harmful particles and maintains good indoor air quality. Here’s how to keep your AC in top shape:

1. Replace or Clean Air Filters Regularly

Frequency: During allergy season, replace or clean filters every 30 days.
Why: Dirty filters allow allergens to circulate freely.
Tip: Consider HEPA filters, which can trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles.

2. Clean Air Ducts

What to do: Have your air ducts inspected and cleaned annually.
Why: Dust, mold, and allergens accumulate over time, circulating through your home whenever the AC is on.

3. Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

Service Needed: Routine HVAC tune-ups.
Why: Ensures your system is running efficiently and free of issues that might compromise air quality.
Where to get help: Contact Freedom Air Conditioning for professional AC maintenance services in Norwalk, CT, and Tarrytown, NY.

4. Use a Dehumidifier

Why: Allergens like mold thrive in high humidity. Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%.
How: Some AC systems include dehumidifying functions, or you can use standalone units.

Step 2: Allergy-Proof Your Floors

Your floors are another major contributor to allergen buildup. Here’s how to manage your floors during allergy season:

1. Vacuum Carpets and Rugs Frequently

Why: Carpets trap allergens like pollen and pet dander.
How: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to capture fine particles.
Frequency: At least twice a week during peak allergy season.

2. Sweep and Mop Hardwood Floors

Why: Dust and allergens can settle on hardwood floors as well.
How: Use a microfiber mop and allergen-friendly cleaning solutions.
Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals that might release additional VOCs into the air.

3. Use Area Rugs Strategically

Why: Area rugs can act as allergen traps but are easier to clean than wall-to-wall carpeting.
How: Wash rugs regularly and ensure they are fully dried before placing them back.

4. Remove Shoes at the Door

Why: Shoes can track in pollen and other allergens from outside.
How: Create a designated shoe storage area near the entrance.

Step 3: Holistic Home Maintenance Tips

To further reduce allergens, combine AC and flooring maintenance with these additional tips:

Seal Windows and Doors

Why: Prevents outdoor allergens from entering.
How: Use weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps.

Use Air Purifiers

Why: Helps remove airborne allergens not captured by your AC system.
How: Place purifiers in high-traffic areas or bedrooms.

Wash Bedding and Curtains Regularly

Why: These fabrics can harbor allergens.
How: Use hot water to kill dust mites and remove pollen.

Opt for Low-VOC Materials

Why: Some cleaning products and flooring materials emit volatile organic compounds that aggravate allergies.
How: Choose hypoallergenic or eco-friendly options for your home.

Benefits of Professional Help

Professional services can save time and ensure thorough cleaning and maintenance. At Freedom Air Conditioning, we specialize in maintaining HVAC systems to improve air quality and protect your flooring. Whether you’re in Norwalk, CT, Tarrytown, NY, or nearby, our expert team is here to help.

Our Locations:

Norwalk, CT Office: 194 Main St, Suite 2-NW, Norwalk, CT 06851
Tarrytown, NY Office: 660 White Plains Rd, Suite 125, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Contact Us Today:

Website: Freedom Air Conditioning
Phone: (203) 913-4209

By maintaining your AC system and keeping your floors allergen-free, you can significantly improve your home’s comfort during allergy season. Small, consistent actions can go a long way in creating a healthier indoor environment for your family. If you need professional help, Freedom Air Conditioning has the expertise and tools to assist. Reach out today to get started on making your home a cleaner, allergen-free space.