Most allergy sufferers prefer to stay indoors during the height of allergy season rather than suffer the consequences of allergen exposure. And who can blame them? No one enjoys dealing with a runny nose, constant sneezing or coughing, painful sinuses, or any of the other unpleasant symptoms that allergy sufferers must endure. Make sure your HVAC system is well-maintained and running at optimal performance level to ensure your comfort and safety inside your home.

Most allergy-sufferers depend heavily on heating, ventilation and air (HVAC) system to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature throughout the year. Running the air conditioning also helps to filter out harmful air pollutants that can trigger allergic or asthmatic attacks. However, some studies have even hypothesized that air quality indoors can be far worse than outdoor air quality and in fact, the EPA has claimed it can be up to five times worse when not properly maintained.

How you can make your HVAC System work for you? Take the following steps to turn your HVAC system into your ally.

• Keep air filters clean. Change or clean the filters at least once a month. If you have a furry pet or two running free all over the house, or if it is the height of allergy season, you may need to clean or change them more often. This is especially true if you use a forced air heating system.
• Don’t forget the inside vents. Clean the inside vents with a damp cloth at least once a week to help prevent dust from accumulating and being blown all over your house when the unit or system is on. If you can see particles stirring in the air where your vent blows into your home, it is time to take a serious look at cleaning them.
• Hire a Pro. Have a dependable professional who specializes in heating and cooling repairs inspect and clean your system regularly. This will not only ensure your comfort, but will keep your unit or system operating efficiently, which can mean lower energy bills for you.
• Lower the Humidity. Air conditioners are very effective at decreasing humidity. Consider using a humidifier along with your HVAC system. Low humidity is very effective in preventing the formation of molds and the survival of dust mites and cockroaches, all of which are considered common allergens.
• Consider an electrostatic filter. You can add an electrostatic filter, which uses static electricity to help capture allergens, to many wall-mounted and central air units.

Other tips to bust indoor allergens include: washing your bed sheets regularly (many experts recommend once a week at minimum, with pillow cases washed at least twice per week) in hot water, keeping pets out of the bedroom, regularly vacuuming and steam cleaning carpets and upholstered furniture, and switching from fabric curtains to interior plantation shutters.

Be especially vigilant about reducing allergies in the bedroom, as this is where most people spend the majority of their time when at home, even if it is time spent sleeping. Fighting back against indoor home allergens can have the added benefit of, besides being a healthy environment for you and your loved ones, being far more energy efficient. This means an allergy-free home is both comfortable and cheaper to live in!

Staying indoors during allergy season is not always possible or even preferable. However, it’s good to know that it you do have to stay inside, a properly maintained HVAC system can help protect you very effectively against common allergens.

Bio: Beth writes on behalf of American Air and Heat, an Orlando HVAC servicecompany that has been family owned and operated since 1986.