Many local weather forecasts warn of the oncoming Santa Ana winds which are part of the Oxnard Weather. This is characterized by hot, fast, and dry winds blowing out of the desert.
It sounds counterintuitive, but Santa Ana winds occur when the desert is colder, commonly from October through March. The cool season builds high pressure over the Great Basin, and as the air travels downslope, its temperature drops and its speed increases while moving through passes and canyons.
Santa Ana winds aggravate allergies because they kick up mold spores, pollens, and dust which irritate airway passages. The hot and dry winds increase the risk of wildfires that can add a large amount of ash to the other allergens in the air. Many patients suffer sneezing, coughing, and other breathing difficulties that may even force a trip to the ER.
Your HVAC unit will be very helpful towards mitigating these allergy symptoms.
#1 Check Your Air Ducts
Your air ducts help keep allergens out of the air. Allergens can build up if the air ducts are not cleaned regularly. Mold spores and pollens can become a problem in your home when the ventilation system is blocked and warm, humid air builds up. When you start noticing allergy symptoms in your home, you should have your ducts inspected. If they are old or faulty, you may need to have them replaced.
#2 Clean Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor unit is unprotected from the elements and may be covered with dirt and blocked by allergens. When uncleansed, these particles can easily enter your home and worsen your allergies.
To start, you can remove the protective grille and sweep away any dirt or leaves that got inside. You can then vacuum or hose down any stubborn fragments. Make sure to wipe and dry down the unit before turning it on again.
#3 Change Your Air Filters
Air filters are especially important to allergy sufferers because they are intended to prevent pollutants from combining with the air in your HVAC unit. Your air filters should be swapped out frequently to lower the chances of allergens getting indoors. If they are unchanged for months, they can become clogged and the overall performance of your HVAC unit will be affected because of airflow restriction.
To ensure that your air filters are doing their job, replace them every three months. If you have pets, they should be changed out even more frequently. Invest in high-quality filters to catch more airborne particles.
#4 Invest In Air Purifiers
Air purifiers can greatly improve the quality of the air inside your home. When used together with good-quality air filters, they can eliminate and neutralize most allergens and contaminants, including bacteria and germs. You can get the help of an HVAC professional to get one installed easily.
#5 Look At The Humidity
When cool air from your HVAC unit meets the warm air inside, it can cause humidity issues. This humidity increases the potential of mold growth, which contributes to the risk of allergies. The air conditioning unit helps reduce humidity, but a dehumidifier will surely do the job.
Many HVAC units come with their own dehumidifying process. If yours does not, you can get the help of HVAC experts to install one.
#6 Ensure Maintenance of Your HVAC Unit
Most HVAC units work all-year-round, keeping you warm or cold, depending on the season. They are even more important because they help you minimize the risks of suffering from allergies. To guarantee that your unit and all its parts are functioning properly and efficiently, regular check-ups are essential.
Set up maintenance appointments for your HVAC unit at least once or twice a year. These will pay off in the long run because they will prevent more expensive repairs or replacements.
If you need help with your HVAC unit, we at Pacific Aire have the best professionals and experts for all of your servicing needs. Contact us now for more information or schedule an appointment today at 805-737-2564 or visit appointment/!htps://www.pacaire.com/make-an-appointment/
We’re happy to take your call and be of service.
