For many Texas homeowners, springtime isn’t exactly a welcome sign. This is because the season coincides with the pollen levels skyrocketing, making it difficult to go outside or even open a window without inhaling allergens from trees and flowers. However, there are steps you can take in order to decrease your exposure to these allergens, such as insulating your home against air infiltration and having an HVAC unit installed in your home.
This article will discuss the benefits of having an air conditioning unit installed in your home, what causes allergies, and different types of HVAC units. Read on to discover why you should consider installing an air conditioner for allergy sufferers!
What Causes Allergies?
In short, allergens are substances that your body’s immune system reacts to negatively. In fact, there are over 200 known substances that can be considered allergens. Some examples include pollen from flowers or trees, dust mites, certain medications, and insect bites. In general, though, allergies happen when a person breathes in these allergens, and they enter through the nose. This portion of the article discusses how allergies affect the nasal passages, with information on how to help prevent them.
Types of Allergies
Nasal allergies occur when pollen or other allergens are inhaled, causing the body’s immune system to create antibodies. This causes cells in the eye and nose to release chemicals that cause inflammation in the nasal passages, which is what leads to symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose. Remedies for this type of allergy include saline sprays and medications such as antihistamines.
Another type of allergy is known as allergic sinusitis, where infections caused by viruses or bacteria trigger an immune response similar to having a cold. Symptoms of this type of allergy can be treated with antibiotics and decongestants.
How an HVAC Unit Can Help You with Your Allergies
The best way to help overcome nasal allergies is by installing an air conditioning unit. When the air conditioner’s filter is changed regularly, it can trap pollen and other allergens before they are released back into the room. The name of this type of filter is “high-efficiency particulate air filtration,” or HEPA for short. If you are able to install an air conditioner, then you should always opt for the highest possible grade of HEPA filter.
HVAC Units and Allergies
There are several different types of heating and cooling units that can be installed in your home. The first is a furnace unit, which typically consists of a large metal box with vents near the bottom or sides for warm air to exit. A second type is known as an outdoor condensing unit, which houses both the area inside the home where cold air is circulated and outside components such as the compressor. Finally, there are smaller units known as window units that fit into specifically designated openings within walls or windows called “wall sleeves.”
If you believe you would benefit from having an air conditioning unit installed in your home, contact a professional contractor who can help install it for you.
The Benefits of Installing an HVAC for Allergies
By having an HVAC unit installed, you will be able to control the temperature of your home. This can be helpful for those living with certain allergies who are sensitive to the specific types of allergens present at any given time throughout the year. For example, pollen from flowers or trees is highest in springtime. By having an air conditioner installed during this time, you’ll benefit by reducing your exposure to these allergens that trigger symptoms like a runny nose.
- Some of the major benefits include:
- No more stuffiness or runny nose
- Improved sleep quality/less sneezing at night
- Fewer allergy attacks that can lead to severe sinus infections
- Decreased chance of allergies flaring up due to high indoor humidity during periods of extreme heat
- Improves overall comfort within your home
Improve Your Life With Pets
If you’ve always dreamed of getting a pet but suffer from allergies, an HVAC unit may be able to help. This is because air conditioners make it possible to remove allergens from the air, which can help reduce your allergic reactions. There are several different types of pets you can get if allergies are a concern, including:
- Birds and fish (assuming you do not have severe reactions to the dander or saliva these animals produce)
- Small rodents like hamsters and gerbils
- Larger furry creatures such as dogs and cats (provided you don’t have an extreme reaction to them)
When Pets Bring Allergies Home
If you already have a pet that causes you allergy symptoms, there are several things that may be able to help. These include regularly scheduled baths for your pet, antihistamines for allergic reactions, and vacuuming often to keep allergens from getting out of hand.
Why You Should Always Hire a Professional Contractor for Your Allergies
As with any type of major installation work, it is always best to hire a professional installation contractor. There are several reasons why this is the case with an air conditioning unit. For example, installing the wrong size unit may affect how effectively it performs its job. There are also safety concerns that need to be addressed, such as requiring an additional electrical connection.
Because HVAC units are often installed in rooms where occupants spend a great deal of time, it is vital that they are checked to ensure they perform well. It is recommended to have the unit serviced at least twice each year before allergy season begins and during peak pollen levels. If you would like more information, contact your local contractor, who can provide you with details on how your system should be properly maintained for optimal performance.
Austin AC is the Top Choice for Texas Homeowners
At Austin AC, we pride ourselves on knowing everything there is to know about HVAC units and how they can improve your home. We also understand how allergies work and what measures need to be taken in order to reduce the symptoms of common types like pet dander or dust mite allergies. For more information, contact us today and receive a free quote for an HVAC installation.