How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Allergy Season

April 15, 2025

Achoo!

Tired of suffering through the Midwest allergy season, even from inside your own home?

While flowers bloom and trees bud outside, allergens like pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander can settle indoors, turning your safe haven into an allergy battleground. According to the American Lung Association, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air—sometimes higher.

But don’t worry! 

Your HVAC system can be your secret weapon. With the right maintenance and upgrades, you can reduce allergens, improve indoor air quality, and finally breathe easily. 

Ready to kick allergens to the curb? Here’s what Midwest Air Pros recommends to get your HVAC system allergy-season ready!

How to Prepare Your HVAC System for Allergy Season

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for allergy sufferers, it can be a nightmare. Pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander can trigger sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, making it hard to enjoy the season. 

A well-maintained HVAC system can help minimize allergens in your home and provide healthier indoor air quality. Here’s how you can prepare your HVAC system for allergy season.

1. Change Your Air Filters More Often

Your HVAC system’s air filters are the first line of defense against airborne allergens. Over weeks, filters become clogged with dust, pollen, and pet dander, reducing their effectiveness and allowing contaminants to circulate through your home.

What to Do:
The typical recommendation is to replace your filters every 1–3 months. For allergy sufferers, replacing them monthly is ideal.

If compatible with your HVAC system (check your manual):

  • Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters or filters with a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating of at least 8–12. These can trap smaller allergens more effectively.
  • Consider upgrading to an electrostatic or activated carbon filter for enhanced air purification.

2. Schedule a Professional HVAC Maintenance Checkup

Routine HVAC maintenance ensures your system is operating efficiently and free from dust and mold buildup. Let Midwest Air Pros help you find an HVAC dealer near you to schedule a professional maintenance checkup on your heating and cooling system to prevent the spread of allergens throughout your home. 

What to Expect During a Maintenance Checkup:

  • Inspection and cleaning of the evaporator and condenser coils.
  • Checking and clearing drainage lines to prevent mold and mildew growth.
  • Ductwork inspection for leaks or contamination.
  • Ensuring your system is running at peak efficiency to improve air circulation and filtration.

3. Invest in an Air Purifier

Air purifiers or air cleaners work alongside your HVAC system to remove allergens and improve indoor air quality. Some air purifiers can be installed directly into your HVAC system, while others are standalone units.

Key Benefits:

  • Removes microscopic allergens such as pollen, mold spores, and pet dander.
  • Helps reduce airborne bacteria and viruses.
  • Provides cleaner, fresher indoor air, especially during peak allergy seasons.

Midwest Air Pros recommends York® Hybrid Electronic Air Cleaner for maximum effectiveness. You can also opt for portable models for targeted areas like bedrooms.

4. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels Indoors

Humidity plays a significant role in allergen control. Too much moisture can encourage mold and dust mites, while too little can cause dry nasal passages and irritation.

How to Control Humidity:

  • Use a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels between 30–50%.
  • Fix any leaks and ensure proper ventilation in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and basements.
  • Check your HVAC system’s built-in humidity controls and adjust as needed.

5. Clean Your Air Ducts and Vents

Dust, pet hair, and mold can accumulate in your ductwork and vents, distributing allergens throughout your home every time the HVAC system runs.

How to Keep Ducts and Vents Clean:

  • Remove and clean vent covers regularly.
  • Schedule professional duct cleaning every few years, especially if you notice excessive dust buildup.
  • Seal any leaks in your ductwork to prevent unfiltered air from entering the system.

6. Keep Your Outdoor HVAC Unit Clean

Your HVAC system’s outdoor unit can also contribute to indoor air quality. A unit clogged with dirt, leaves, and pollen may struggle to function efficiently, impacting overall air circulation.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Keep the area around the outdoor unit free from debris.
  • Trim back bushes or plants at least two feet to allow proper airflow.
  • Rinse off the unit periodically with a hose to remove dust and pollen.

7. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat can help regulate indoor air quality by automatically maintaining optimal temperatures and humidity levels. Some models even include air quality monitoring features.

Benefits of a Smart Thermostat:

  • Automated scheduling to optimize HVAC performance.
  • Alerts for filter replacements and maintenance needs.
  • Integration with other indoor air quality devices for enhanced allergen control.

Contact the Midwest Air Pros for Optimal Air Quality

Preparing your HVAC system for allergy season is an essential step in reducing indoor allergens and improving air quality. By replacing air filters, maintaining humidity control, investing in air purifiers, and scheduling professional maintenance, you can create a healthier and more comfortable home. 

Don’t let allergy season get the best of you—take proactive steps now to breathe easier all spring long! Find a Pro near you within the vast network of Midwest Air Pros to discuss ways to maintain your HVAC system to enhance your home’s breathability and recommended products for improving indoor air quality.