How To Beat Allergies With Your HVAC System

Improve the air quality of your home.

Most of us welcome springtime with melting snow and the promise of summer. But for people with allergies, rising outdoor temperatures mean stuffiness, headaches, watery eyes and all-over misery.

You can’t change the weather or the outdoor allergens. Fortunately, you can minimize the effects of allergens inside your home with these HVAC tips.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Despite the outdoor triggers for your symptoms, the answer is not to keep stale air in your home. Indoor allergens can build up and make you just as sick, or worse. Fresh air is critical for allergy sufferers and the right ventilation system will keep the allergens to a minimum.

Upgrade Your Filter To HEPA

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air and it works by forcing air through a mesh that traps allergens like dust, pollen and pet dander. Keep in mind that HEPA filters have larger pressure drops and can adversely affect airflow through furnace, reducing its heating and cooling performance. Talk to a professional before replace your regular filter.

Use A Room Or Whole-House Air Purifier

Air purifiers can be portable units placed in various rooms in your home, or they can be integrated into your HVAC distribution system. Besides filters, you can choose from ionizers, UV Light purifiers or adsorbents like activated charcoal. Ionizers charge dust and other particles so that they either stick to charged plates in the ionizer or bond with other particles and become too heavy to remain airborne. UV light neutralizes and kills microorganisms. Adsorbent materials, like charcoal, trap particles on its surface and in its pores.

Clean Your Ductwork

Dust and other allergens can build up in your ductwork and get distributed throughout your home. Have your ductwork cleaned regularly to keep your air clean and free from these particles.

Add Humidifiers or Dehumidifiers

You need the right humidity levels in your home to fight allergy symptoms. Too much moisture causes mold that worsens symptoms and too little can dry out mucus membranes, giving easy entry to allergens and germs. Installing a humidifier or dehumidifier (depending on the climate where you live) will work to keep moisture levels at the ideal 30-50% levels to help you fight allergies and symptoms. If you have issues with the air quality in your home and want to find ways to reduce your allergy symptoms this spring, give us a call and we can help you make the right changes to your home’s HVAC systems.

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Pre-Summer AC Checklist for Central Valley Homeowners

May 21, 2025

Pre-Summer AC Checklist for Homeowners in the San Joaquin Central Valley By Greener Solutions Heat & AC As the temperatures rise in the Central Valley, your home’s air conditioning system is about to become your best friend. But before the triple-digit heat waves hit Stockton, Tracy, Manteca, Modesto, and Lodi, it’s important to make sure your AC unit is running at peak efficiency. A well-maintained system not only cools better but saves you money on your energy bills and helps prevent mid-summer breakdowns. Here’s a comprehensive Pre-Summer AC Checklist from your trusted local AC repair and installation experts at Greener Solutions Heat & AC : ✅ 1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter A dirty or clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder. Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones at least once a month during heavy-use seasons. ✅ 2. Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit Leaves, dirt, and overgrown vegetation can block airflow to your condenser unit. Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clear space around the unit for proper ventilation. ✅ 3. Inspect and Clean the Condenser Coils Dust and grime can build up on the outdoor condenser coils, reducing efficiency. If you're comfortable, you can gently rinse the coils with a garden hose (never a pressure washer). For deeper cleaning, call a professional. ✅ 4. Check Thermostat Settings Make sure your thermostat is set to cooling mode and your desired temperature is programmed correctly. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, set a schedule to save energy while you're away. ✅ 5. Listen for Unusual Noises Turn your system on and take a few minutes to listen. Banging, rattling, or squealing sounds can indicate a mechanical issue that should be addressed by a technician. ✅ 6. Inspect Vents and Registers Walk through your home and ensure all vents are open and unblocked by furniture or rugs. Closed or obstructed vents reduce efficiency and comfort. ✅ 7. Test Airflow in Every Room Run the system and feel for strong airflow from each vent. Weak airflow could be a sign of duct issues, a clogged filter, or failing components. ✅ 8. Check for Signs of Refrigerant Leaks If you notice ice buildup on the refrigerant lines or warm air blowing from your vents , you might have a refrigerant leak. This requires professional attention right away. ✅ 9. Empty or Inspect the Condensate Drain Line Your AC removes humidity and drains the condensation outside. If the drain line is clogged, it could back up and cause water damage. Ensure the line is clear and draining properly. ✅ 10. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up Even if everything looks good, a certified HVAC technician can catch issues early, optimize system performance, and extend the life of your AC unit. We’ll check refrigerant levels, electrical connections, capacitors, contactors, and more. 🔧 Ready for a Worry-Free Summer? If you're not 100% confident in your AC system or just want peace of mind before the heat sets in, Greener Solutions Heat & AC is here to help. Our experienced team proudly serves Stockton , Tracy , Manteca , Modesto , and Lodi with reliable, honest, and energy-efficient AC repair and maintenance services. 📞 Call us today at (209) 232-8595 to schedule your Pre-Summer AC Tune-Up or request a residential AC repair appointment. Don’t wait until it’s too hot—get ahead of the heat with Greener Solutions!