For millions, allergies are an annual fact of life as winter turns to spring. It’s the season when trees and grasses release microscopic pollen particles that trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Pollen exposure isn’t limited to the great outdoors, however. Airborne pollen infiltrating the home may rise to levels that exceed outside exposure. Fortunately you have an built-in ally for defense against these microscopic irritants: your HVAC system.
Continuously circulating and conditioning indoor air, the heating and cooling system can help reduce the pollen count as well as create an indoor environment that’s more allergy-resistant. Here are some ways it works to ease the effects of allergy season.
You can keep doors and windows closed.
Allergy experts recommend limiting infiltration of airborne particulates like pollen into the house as much as possible during the height of allergy season. Running your HVAC system allows you to maintain temperature control and air circulation without opening doors and windows that allow pollen to invade.
Effective filtration.
The typical home HVAC system continuously circulates about 1,000 cubic feet per minute of air through the ductwork. All of it passes through the system air filter to remove airborne particulates. Filter efficiency is rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) numeral. To ensure your filter can capture pollen particles, it should have a MERV rating between 8 and 12. Also, during allergy season it’s a good idea to change the filter monthly, whether it appears dirty or not.
Humidity control.
Pollen isn’t the only troublesome airborne allergen. Mold spores are toxic to certain individuals when inhaled. These microscopic pathogens thrive in household environments when indoor humidity rises above 50%. Dehumidifying indoor air is part of the cooling process of your central air conditioner and is helpful in preventing mold growth that releases airborne spores. If maintaining indoor levels below 50% is still a problem, a whole house dehumidifier can be added to your HVAC system.
Reduce the indoor impact of seasonal allergies with an efficient, effective HVAC system. Ask Paitson Bros., the Wabash Valley source of indoor health and comfort since 1922.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922