I'm someone who's super allergic to cats. About two years ago, I bought a house from a family that had cats, and while my allergies flared up at first, they eventually calmed down after a major renovation and deep cleaning. But now that we've just replaced our old HVAC system with a much stronger one, my allergies have gone haywire again! I'm wondering if this new system could be stirring up pet dander that was stuck in the ducts. Would it be worth it to get the ducts cleaned out? Just so you know, the replacement was for the upstairs unit, and all the vents and returns are located in the ceiling.
3 Answers
Definitely keep an eye on your air filter! When I upgraded my HVAC, I found a bunch of dust clumps in mine because the new unit has a more powerful fan. It should settle down soon, but changing the filter can help in the meantime.
Cleaning the ducts sounds like a good move! Plus, check if your HVAC can handle higher MERV rated filters or even HEPA filters. I use a thick MERV 11 filter that keeps the air quality great and lasts me over a year. Just be careful not to use a filter that’s rated higher than your system can handle; it could damage the blower motor!
I’ll look into that. We've got a strong pollen season coming up, so that might help too!
Getting your ducts cleaned could be a solid option. Most contractors can show you before and after shots using a camera, so you can see the difference it makes!
Good advice! I'll check my filter soon. Thanks!