If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you know that Texas can be brutal. Cedar fever in winter, oak pollen in spring, ragweed in fall—it sometimes feels like there is no escape. But your home should be a refuge, and your HVAC system plays a critical role in keeping indoor air clean.
The air inside your home can actually be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Dust, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen circulate through your HVAC system every time it runs. The good news is that the right equipment and maintenance practices can dramatically improve your indoor air quality.
Upgrade Your Filter
Standard fiberglass filters catch large particles but let allergens pass through. Upgrade to a MERV 11-13 filter to capture pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander without restricting airflow.
Change Filters Monthly
During allergy season, filters clog faster. A dirty filter cannot trap new particles and may actually release trapped allergens back into your air. Check monthly and replace when visibly dirty.
Clean Your Ducts
Years of dust, debris, and allergens accumulate in ductwork. Professional duct cleaning removes these contaminants so they stop circulating through your home every time the system runs.
Control Humidity
Dust mites and mold thrive in humid environments. Keeping indoor humidity between 30-50% makes your home less hospitable to these common allergen sources while improving overall comfort.
Understanding Common Indoor Allergens
Knowing what triggers your symptoms helps you target solutions effectively. Most indoor allergens fall into a few categories, and your HVAC system interacts with all of them.
- Pollen
Pollen enters your home on clothing, shoes, pets, and through open doors and windows. Once inside, it circulates through your HVAC system and settles on surfaces throughout your home. High-efficiency filters and keeping windows closed during peak pollen times help significantly. - Dust Mites
These microscopic creatures live in bedding, upholstery, and carpets. Their waste particles become airborne and circulate through your home. Humidity control is the most effective strategy since dust mites cannot survive in dry environments. - Pet Dander
Even if you do not have pets, pet dander from previous occupants or visitors can linger in carpets, ducts, and HVAC components. High-MERV filters capture most pet dander, and regular duct cleaning removes accumulated particles. - Mold Spores
Mold grows in damp areas including HVAC systems with drainage problems or excessive humidity. Spores circulate through ductwork and trigger allergic reactions. Proper humidity control and system maintenance prevent mold growth. - Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs from cleaning products, paint, furniture, and building materials can irritate airways. While not allergens in the traditional sense, they affect many allergy sufferers. Ventilation systems that bring in filtered fresh air help reduce VOC concentrations.
HVAC Upgrades That Make a Difference
If you or family members suffer from significant allergies or asthma, basic filter upgrades may not be enough. These air quality solutions provide more comprehensive protection.
- HEPA Filtration Systems
HEPA filters capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns—including most allergens. Whole-house HEPA systems integrate with your existing HVAC to filter all the air in your home continuously. - UV Air Purifiers
Ultraviolet light systems installed in your ductwork kill mold, bacteria, and viruses as air passes through. UV purifiers are particularly effective against biological contaminants that filters alone cannot eliminate. - Electronic Air Cleaners
These devices use electrical charges to capture particles too small for standard filters. They are highly effective against smoke, fine dust, and other tiny particles that trigger respiratory issues. - Whole-House Dehumidifiers
Portable dehumidifiers only treat one room. Whole-house units integrate with your HVAC system to maintain consistent humidity throughout your home, creating an environment where dust mites and mold cannot thrive. - Energy Recovery Ventilators
ERVs bring fresh outdoor air into your home while exhausting stale indoor air—without losing heating or cooling energy. Fresh air dilutes indoor pollutant concentrations while maintaining comfort and efficiency.
Maintenance Habits That Improve Air Quality
Equipment alone is not enough. Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system working as an air quality tool rather than an allergen distribution system.
- Schedule Professional Tune-Ups
During seasonal maintenance, technicians clean components, check drainage, and identify mold or contamination issues. Clean equipment runs more efficiently and does not spread allergens. - Keep Vents Open and Clean
Closed or blocked vents create pressure imbalances that can pull unfiltered air through gaps in ductwork. Keep supply and return vents open, and vacuum them regularly to remove dust accumulation. - Address Duct Leaks
Leaky ducts pull in unfiltered air from attics, crawl spaces, and wall cavities—areas full of dust, insulation fibers, and allergens. Duct sealing keeps contaminated air out of your system. - Clean Around Outdoor Units
Your outdoor condenser pulls in air from its surroundings. Keep the area clear of leaves, grass clippings, and debris. During high pollen days, consider hosing off the unit to remove pollen accumulation.
Create Your Healthy Home
You cannot control outdoor air quality, but you can control what you breathe inside your home. The right combination of filtration, humidity control, and maintenance transforms your HVAC system from a potential allergen source into your best defense against indoor air pollution.
Contact Martindale Heating and Air to discuss indoor air quality solutions for your home. We serve allergy sufferers throughout Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, Alvarado, Grandview, and all of Johnson County and Hill County. Let us help you breathe easier at home.