Air Conditioning - Bob Jenson

Should You Zone Your Existing Comfort System?

Written by Kevin on November 17, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Zoning. No Comments on Should You Zone Your Existing Comfort System?

Should You Retrofit Your Current Air System with Zoning Capabilities?

Although some air systems are already pre-set for zoning (the ability to adjust the climate of individual rooms), others are not. If your current air system does not have zoning capabilities, it can be retrofitted. But are zoned systems all they’re cracked up to be?

Zoning can be fraught with problems if not handled correctly. With installation issues, inefficiency, and price, there are quite a few factors to consider before you make the choice to retrofit your current air system. Here we’ll discuss zoning, the issues that zoning can cause, and how to ensure your retrofitting is a solution, and not a problem.

What is Zoning?

Without zoning, when the heat or the air conditioning goes on in the house, an equal amount is distributed everywhere. This means that if you work in one room of the house, you must keep every other room in the house at the same temperature as that room in order for you to be comfortable. With zoning, you can control different areas of the home at different temperatures. This means that you can keep your unused rooms at a neutral temperature during the day and save money by doing so. You can also heat and cool different rooms in the house to suit different family members at different times.

Just like we zone our lights and our faucets (when you turn one on, you don’t turn them all on at the same time all over the house) we can zone our heating and air conditioning and therefore vastly improve our energy efficiency. Theoretically, that is.

What Problems Can Zoning Cause?

Improper Installation Can Be Costly. If you have more than one thermostat in your home, it is already somewhat zoned. For example, a two-story home may have a thermostat for each floor. But it is not truly zoned if each thermostat is connected to its own heating and cooling system.   Zoning, in the true sense of the word, is a single duct system controlled by multiple thermostats. Dampers in the HVAC system control which zones the air flow is shunted off to heat or cool. But improper installation or unregulated dampers can put strain on the system and cause pressure differences throughout the system. Proper installation requires thorough design and airflow that is carefully matched to the home.

Bypass Ducts Can Cause Inefficiencies. Studies have shown that although increased comfort can be achieved through a bypass system, they can also increase energy consumption, lead to high duct pressures, and increase energy costs. Because adding zoning to a single thermostat means that some zoned rooms are being heated or cooled at a greater distance from the system, this can require a greater use of energy and varying air pressures in order to condition different zones at comfortable temperatures.

How Can You Ensure Zoning Is Done Correctly?

Installing additional HVAC systems for different areas of the home can be expensive, but bypass zoning can also cost a homeowner if it’s improperly installed. A well-trained professional with an eye for proper HVAC design can help you install a system that—when used properly—can keep pressure consistent, keep your system from running down prematurely, keep your costs low, and keep your home comfortable.

For example, an educated professional can install either a barometric bypass or a static-pressure-sensing bypass. Both of these options relieve the amount of back-pressure needed to balance the system and reduce strain. This keeps all of the ductwork at a constant pressure, protecting your equipment and reducing unnecessary energy expenditure. Also, by installing high and low pressure limits, you can protect your equipment and keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

If you live in the San Diego area and are considering having a zoned system installed or your current system retrofitted, give us a call for a consultation. We can help ensure your investment is well-spent and that your home’s energy-efficiency doesn’t suffer.

Understanding Ductless Mini Splits & How They Work

Written by Kevin on October 20, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Ductless. No Comments on Understanding Ductless Mini Splits & How They Work

Technology has seen some amazing achievements in the past few decades. Ductless mini splits are one of the greatest triumphs in commercial and residential heating technology, combining quality performance with improved costs.

This advanced technology has been around for over 60 years, finding great global popularity, but ductless mini splits have only recently made a splash in North America. With the addition of inverter technology, mini splits are more popular than ever. Let’s take a minute to learn what these systems are, how they work, and why they’re so efficient.

What Are Ductless Systems?

Ductless mini split systems offer heating and cooling in one quiet, compact, and energy-efficient package. Like standard systems, mini splits are comprised of two primary components: an indoor unit and outdoor unit(s). The outdoor unit houses the condenser and compressor. The indoor unit conditions the air and returns it right back to the room without the need for a ducting system.

The two components are connected via a conduit containing:

Electrical wires/power cables
Condensate drain lines
Refrigerant tubing

This conduit line is fed through a small hole in the wall to the outdoor unit and is concealed in a plastic cover. You can connect several indoor air handling units to a single outdoor unit, assigning each air handling unit to a different room. You can then control each air handling unit with its own thermostat.

How It Works

When you grab your remote and turn on your ductless system, the indoor unit tells the outdoor condenser that you want it cool. The outdoor unit tells the compressor and outdoor fan to start working at just the right level to achieve the temp you want.

The compressor in the outdoor unit compresses refrigerant to a high pressure and pumps it thru sealed refrigerant lines to your indoor cassette. A small device called an expansion valve acts like a restriction and only allows a small amount of refrigerant thru the other side. This creates a large pressure and temperature drop, which converts the liquid refrigerant into a gas.

Now the refrigerant is primed and ready to soak up a lot of heat from the air that passes over the coil in the indoor unit. The refrigerant, in a gas state, carries it’s payload of heat back to the outdoor unit where it is compressed again and releases it’s heat thru the fan pulling air across the outdoor coils. Next time your air conditioning is running go outside and feel the air coming off the condenser, it will be nice and hot! Finally as the compressed refrigerant gives off heat, it reverts back to a liquid state again and travels back inside to continue the cycle all over again!

No Ducts, No Problem

Part of what makes ductless cooling and heating systems efficient is the lack of ducts. With improper maintenance or old equipment, ducts can account for significant energy loss. Up to 30% of the air that moves through your ducts is lost thanks to holes, leaks, and poor connections. This becomes especially true in unconditioned spaces, like your attic.

With a ductless system, you don’t have to worry about these energy losses, nor do you have to think about the general upkeep and associated costs that go into maintaining your ducts.

The Compressor

The compressor is the heart of any cooling system, acting as a pump that puts the refrigerant gas under high pressure—part of the process of turning the refrigerant back into a liquid. A standard fixed-speed scroll compressor starts when the thermostat is turned on, runs at full speed, and turns off once the room reaches the desired temperature. This uses a lot of energy and isn’t very efficient. There are also 2-stage compressors, which are a little more efficient.

A ductless inverter compressor is unique in that it can vary its power and performance to match exactly what’s needed in the home. Inverter compressors generally stay on standby idle, making incremental changes to maintain a consistent temperature. This offers much more efficient cooling and heating. It also allows the system to control multiple indoor units in different rooms of the house! Research shows that inverter compressors reduce power consumption up to 60% over a standard fixed-speed compressor.

Ductless mini split systems are an amazing, money-saving investment. In part two, we’ll take a look at the environmental and financial benefits of having a ductless system in your home.

Air Conditioning Buyer’s Guide: Part 1

Written by Kevin on October 2, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, San Diego. No Comments on Air Conditioning Buyer’s Guide: Part 1

Where to Start with Air Conditioning?

The chances are good that at one point or another, many of us will need to purchase an air conditioning unit. The chances are also good that most of us are not air conditioning experts. But that doesn’t mean we have to walk into a purchase completely blind to the fundamentals. When purchasing an air conditioner, you need a unit that can filter air, remove moisture, and lower temperature.

Here we’ll cover the basics of air conditioning, including the different types of air conditioners, how to determine which one is right for your home, and how to size your air conditioner properly.

Types of Air Conditioners

Central: A common type of air conditioning in many homes built in and after the ‘70s, central air conditioning usually consists of an outdoor condenser unit that is connected with refrigerant lines to an indoor coil. The furnace, which the indoor coil is attached to, contains the blower motor that moves the air across the coil to cool it and distribute it throughout the home via a network of ducts.

Ductless: Ductless air conditioners are gaining more popularity for their superior efficiency and effectiveness without needing ductwork. There are separate indoor and outdoor components, similar to central air, which allows you more flexibility on where you choose to place your unit within the home. But this does require running some wires or hoses through your home’s walls. Although a bit labor-intensive, it is worth the work (and not as intensive as installing new ducts). These systems are powerful and as close to central air as you can get without having central air.

Window: Window units are a common type of air conditioner. They are portable, easy to install (just be sure to follow all safety precautions), and cost-effective for the general user. Most of these units can be installed in a standard window. If you have an even smaller space, air conditioners come in miniature sizes not much more than a foot wide. One advantage of window units is that all of the parts are housed in a singular box. This makes them the most cost-effective and simple solution while still providing adequate cooling power. They are also great for renters who do not have the opportunity to further modify the home. Some negatives are that these units can be noisy and are limited in there efficiency.

Portable: Portable units are another simple solution. These devices are usually placed on the floor and have singular or dual hoses that pump air in and out of the building. Portable units are not always the most desirable, as they can be more expensive than a window unit but are overall less efficient. These systems are usually used to cool a specific location for a short time.

How to Determine What Air Conditioner Is Right For Your Home

The size of your home and the relative environment in which you live are both factors that must be considered when choosing an air conditioner. If you merely need to cool one room, then a window or portable unit may be adequate. If you are installing your air conditioner by yourself, then a window unit may be for you. With adequate assistance and the need to cool a larger home, a ductless option is more preferable. Take into account budget, installation requirements, and just how powerful your unit needs to be to adequately satisfy the needs of your particular space.

How to Size Your Prospective Air Conditioner

Not only does type matter, but size matters when choosing your air conditioner. One without enough cooling capacity will wear out quicker and increase your electricity costs. A unit that is too large will continually cycle on and off, wasting energy, lowering its efficiency and will result in an uncomfortable environment.

A standard unit of measure for air conditioners is British thermal units, or BTUs. This number tells you how efficient a unit is at cooling a room. Selecting the right size begins with measuring the square footage of your space. Once you have determined the square footage, you can consult a BTU graph to calculate the correct number of BTUs for that space (see below). Always err on the larger size, and add or subtract BTUs by 10% respectively for rooms in a sunny vs. shady location.

Good Housekeeping sizing calculator

Of course, this is to help give you just a general idea of the size of you’re a/c system. Every home is different and has different challenges. Consult a professional you trust and they will be able to come out and inspect your home and share with you exactly the size and type of system based on your home needs and your requirements as well. In the San Diego area, count on Bob Jenson to help you. They give free consultations to homeowners looking to install the right air conditioner for their home.

How Did People Keep Cool Before Air Conditioning?

Written by Kevin on September 22, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, HVAC. No Comments on How Did People Keep Cool Before Air Conditioning?

No A/C, what will we do?

It’s easy to take modern conveniences, like a climate-controlled home, for granted. For most of us, keeping the home cool on the hottest days of the year is as easy as tapping a button or turning a dial on the thermostat. That wasn’t always the case, though. Before air conditioning was invented by Willis Carrier in 1902, and before it became a mainstream appliance about 60 years ago, people had to deal with the heat a little more creatively.

Shade.

It’s simple, but true. During stifling heat waves, people often left the hot, still air of their homes to find refuge in the shade of the biggest and most sprawling nearby trees. A home with trees in the yard was about more than having nice curb appeal. It was a hot commodity, especially for the hottest days of the year.

Damp sheets/linens.

This technique is believed to date back to the time of ancient Egyptians, who would dampen thin materials and then hang them in doorways. The dampness combined with a breeze provided at least some relief when the temperature spiked above what was tolerable. It’s been reported that on his deathbed in 1881, President James Garfield received some relief from the heat with a more advanced version of this trick: cotton sheets drenched in ice water with air blown through them. It took a lot of energy and manpower to keep this system going, though. Garfield’s caretakers burned through 500,000 pounds of ice in a two-month period trying to keep him comfortable.

Aqueduct technology.

Ancient Rome is known for its amazing aqueduct advances that made it possible for citizens to easily obtain water. The wealthier citizens were able to take this technology one step further by installing mini-aqueduct systems in their own homes that circulated cool water through the walls. By keeping the materials of the walls cool, the entire home was less hot despite the temperatures outside.

Snow/ice.

In the summer? Yes, actually. During the Renaissance period, it was common for men to haul blocks of snow and ice from mountainous regions and then sell it to the locals. There were no freezers, but special cooling pits were created to transport the cool materials from one spot to the next. In homes, people would use the snow and ice for drinks or to keep food from spoiling. Some even used the evaporation from the coolness to create an ancient version of the modern air conditioner.

Fans.

Electric fans have been around for over 100 years, but before that people were smart about using the materials around them to stay cool manually. It still works today, of course. Fanning oneself with hand-made fans, palm fronds, or feathers creates a nice breeze on the skin, which helps your body’s natural cooling function—sweating—by helping to cool and evaporate the moisture more quickly.

Shaded porches.

If you’ve ever driven through a post-World War II neighborhood, you’ve probably noticed some similar exterior design techniques among the homes. One of the most prominent features is the shaded front porch. This was a luxury before the days of air conditioning. People would escape the trapped heat of their homes for at least a little relief outside. Porch swings, chairs and even front steps provided a cooler spot to sit and deal with the warmest weather of the year. Once in-home air conditioning went mainstream, shaded front porches became more of curb-appeal feature and less of a functional space for keeping cool.

The next time you adjust the temperature of your home with the simple push of a button, remember that there was once a time that keeping cool wasn’t so easy. Air conditioning is one of the greatest modern conveniences—and one that deserves plenty of credit for keeping people safe and comfortable when the temperature spikes. Enjoy it!

Infographic: How to Stay Cool on a Budget!

Written by Kevin on July 31, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, San Diego. No Comments on Infographic: How to Stay Cool on a Budget!

The heat and humidity are here in San Diego and you’ve probably flipped on your air conditioning keep comfortable. Though we love our cool, comfortable homes we have a nagging sense we are going to pay for it later. Here is our latest infographic on ways to keep cool on a budget!

Stay Cool on a Budget, an infographic on how to cut cooling costs

What To Do When Your Air Conditioning Keeps Freezing Up!

Written by Kevin on July 21, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Maintenance. No Comments on What To Do When Your Air Conditioning Keeps Freezing Up!

Where did your cool air go?

Depending on where you live, air conditioning can be a crucial addition to daily life during the warm summer months. Frost or ice forming on the coils of your air conditioner, regardless of the temperature of the surrounding air, can be a symptom of a significant issue and limit the system’s capability to cool your indoor environment.

If you find yourself with a frozen air conditioning unit in the sweltering heat of summer, it’s time to do some detective work and try to narrow down the cause. Sometimes you can easily handle the issue yourself, and other times an HVAC professional is necessary to getting your unit back into proper working order. Here we’ll take a look at the causes of freezing air conditioners and the issues you can solve yourself.

Check the Filter

Check the air conditioner’s filter first. If there is not enough air flowing through the system, the filter may be to blame. If the filter is clogged with debris, it may be limiting the airflow and causing your air conditioner to freeze up. Try replacing the filter with a clean one, and see if that fixes the problem.

Check the Airflow

Check other areas of the unit where airflow may be getting blocked. This includes the registers, the duct connectors, and the ductwork. Leaks or dirt obstructing the airflow may also be to blame for faulty airflow.

Check the Fan

Another area to check is the unit’s fan. If the fan isn’t working properly, the air cannot move out of the unit, causing it to freeze. If the fan isn’t moving and there is no visible debris blocking it, you may need to call in an HVAC professional to further assess the issue and handle the repair.

Overuse

If you are running your air conditioning unit night and day, you may simply be freezing your unit from overuse. Be sure to give your unit a break here and there. This simple process not only extends the life of your unit, but it can also save you some money on your energy bill.

Check the Thermostat

If your unit’s thermostat is broken, it cannot self-regulate properly and may freeze up as a result. If your unit is freezing up, take a moment to check the temperature on the thermostat for accuracy. If it seems to be off, it may be time to call in an HVAC professional to set it straight or replace it.

Check the Refrigerant Levels

An air conditioning unit that is low on coolant can also cause your coils to freeze up. Constantly adding coolant may signal that you have a leak in your unit. If a leak is the problem, this sort of issue is best resolved by a professional.

First and foremost, if you see your air conditioning unit coils freezing up, your first plan of action should be to shut off the unit and let it thaw. Neglecting to do so can damage the unit’s compressor and rack up a pricey bill for repairs. Check the unit’s coolant levels, filters, air ducts, thermostat, and fan to see if you can identify the problem yourself. Once you have assessed that everything visible is in proper working order, turn your unit back on and monitor it closely. If your coils continue to freeze up and you have identified each one of these primary areas of concern, it may be time to call in an HVAC professional to take a closer look.

The Fight For Cool: Ductless vs. Central Air Conditioning

Written by Kevin on July 15, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Ductless. No Comments on The Fight For Cool: Ductless vs. Central Air Conditioning

Which Air Conditioning Type is Best?

Having air conditioning in your San Diego home is a modern luxury that makes controlling the climate in your home convenient and comfortable. There are now more options when it comes to type of air conditioning systems that will work for your home. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of ductless air conditioning vs. central air conditioning.

Not every home can accommodate a large central air conditioning system, particularly older homes where it is difficult or cost-prohibitive to fit the equipment in the attic or closet and find space to install the ducts needed for air conditioning. Thankfully, ductless air conditioning systems can fill the void when there are no central air options. Even people who have the option to use central air conditioning units are choosing ductless systems instead based on their efficiency and targeting power.

Here are a few key differences between these two types of air conditioning systems and a look at why you may choose one over the other.

Central Air Conditioning

This type of air conditioning is pretty common and preferred by many residents who want to keep entire homes cool with a single thermostat. Usually with central air conditioning the hot air in the home is pulled into a central return air duct, which is the larger register in your home found in the hallway or other central area. Hot air is filtered and drawn over the indoor coil where the heat is soaked up by the refrigerant and exchanged outside via the condenser. The cold air is now recirculated back into your entire home by way of the ducting system.

Advantages: Mainly, ease of cooling an entire building without having to go from room to room to make it happen. The indoor part of central air conditioning systems tend to be hidden from sight, with only the air registers seen on the walls. Sometimes you only need to replace part of your central system, this would keep costs down and improve your existing system. Since larger higher efficient filters will fit on a central system, filtration tends to work far better than with the smaller filters on a ductless unit.

Disadvantages: Central air conditioning condensers, (the outdoor unit), tend to be very large and can be noisy. Central air relies on ducting to distribute air to each room which can be torn, damaged or just fall apart resulting in major leakage, loss of efficiency and capacity. The average California home has around 30% duct leakage! Central a/c systems can be zoned for different rooms, but this requires extra, sometimes third-party equipment and adds an additional cost to the job.

Ductless Air Conditioning

Ductless air conditioning, also called mini-split systems, uses an air-handling unit that is located inside, mounted on a wall or inset into the ceiling, and connected by refrigerant lines to a compact outdoor compressor. As the name implies, there are no ducts involved in cooling the home. Instead, the wall unit pulls air across it’s coil, removes the heat, filters the air and sends it right back into the room where it is located. These systems are far more efficient, precise and quieter than many central air conditioning units.

Advantages: Ductless systems are more targeted and can cool just one spot or multiple zones in the same house. Generally up to four, sometimes eight, air-handling units can all connect to the same outdoor compressor. Unlike window units, ductless air conditioning units have programmable temperature settings (not just low, medium, and high). Unlike traditional central systems ductless systems can vary their output and energy usage based on the current conditions inside and outside the home. This ability to ramp up and down to just what is needed is what sets these systems apart.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the average household saves up to $1,000 every year on cooling costs by using ductless air conditioning units. Since there are no duct systems to install, labor cost is reduced when compared to central air conditioning installation. Other people praise the environmental benefits of the focused energy use as opposed to wasted air through central systems. Finally, the outdoor unit runs virtually silent. This feature is especially ideal when units are placed near bedroom windows, neighbors or in the backyard.

Disadvantages: With this type of air conditioning there is not one central place to adjust temperature for an entire house. For those who choose ductless systems, this is a small price to pay. Some people also view the aesthetic appearance of ductless units as a disadvantage as they are not hidden in the walls like duct systems. There are smart ways to integrate these systems though that make them less obvious in the rooms where they exist.

The best way to decide which to use is to know what is important to you and your family, what your budget is, and find out what your homes requirements are. Whatever system you choose, remember that a proper installation of any air conditioning system is what will contribute to the most comfort, energy efficiency, and safety your system can provide. Consult an air conditioning specialist for even more advice on what may be best for your space.

Why is my Air Conditioning Leaking?

Written by Kevin on July 7, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Maintenance. No Comments on Why is my Air Conditioning Leaking?

All the leaks

If your air conditioner begins leaking, it can be difficult to find out why, especially if you’re not sure where to look. To preserve the efficiency of your unit, you should find the cause of the leak and address it sooner rather than later. Not only can a leak lower the efficiency of your unit, but this inefficiency can also increase your energy bill. Let’s take a look at a 3 common areas where air conditioners might spring a leak!

Air Conditioning Leaking: Refrigerant

An air conditioner that is improperly installed is vulnerable to refrigerant leaks. Poorly brazed copper refrigerant lines can have pinhole leaks that take months to notice refrigerant levels have dropped. Also if vibrating parts are up against the refrigerant coils, this can cause a hole and refrigerant loss. Check that the vents throughout your home are open and your filter is clean. Restrictions in an air conditioner system can raise refrigerant pressure and cause the valves of the unit to leak as the unit gets older.

Air Conditioning Leaking: Water

One of the most common causes of air conditioning water leaks is a broken or malfunctioning condensate pump. Test your pump by pouring water into the condenser pan or directly into the pump. A float switch inside will turn on the pump when the water rises to a certain level. If the pump doesn’t activate, it may be clogged, broken or without power. Make sure the pump is plugged in and has power, there is usually a green power indicator light. A condensate pump should be wired so as to shut down the air conditioning if it fails for any reason to avoid any water damage to your home. An HVAC professional will know how to do this.

Another common cause of leaks are the condensate lines. These are what drain condensation from the indoor part of your a/c system to the outside of your home. If the primary drain line becomes clogged, the secondary line will start to drip water over one of your outside windows. This is an indicator that you have a problem and should call a HVAC Technician. If the secondary line clogs, water will back up and flood the overflow pan, resulting in possible water damage to your ceiling and other parts of your home. A backed-up line can also cause the unit to automatically shut down if it is set up to detect an issue. You can clear a condensate line by using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog or calling a technician, but routine care and maintenance is the best form of prevention.

Damage to the overflow pan or PVC condensate lines can be the source of water leaks. Check the pan and PVC lines for cracks and other signs of damage. You may need a professional technician to replace the entire pan or one of the lines.

Air Conditioning Leaking: Air

Poor installation or age of your system can result in leakage of of your cold air into the attic or under your home. The average duct leakage in California is up to 30% loss! This lowers your units ability to handle the heat in your home, lowers efficiency, raises your utility bills and wastes your hard earned money! If you notice your system runs a lot longer than it used to or it doesn’t cool your home like it should, this could be a sign of air leakage from your system. Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect your equipment and ducting system to fix these issues.

Most of these leaking issues can be avoided with an ongoing, annual maintenance program for your system. Getting an expert assessment of the issue can save you time and money and allows you to stay cool and comfortable throughout those hot summer months. Stay cool and leak free!

San Diego Regional Air Conditioning Tips Infographic

Written by Kevin on June 2, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, San Diego. No Comments on San Diego Regional Air Conditioning Tips Infographic

Air Conditioning Tips Based on Where You Live In San Diego

We all want our appliances to last a while, especially our air conditioning systems since we’ve invested hundreds, if not thousands of dollars into them. We don’t envy the thought of purchasing a new one so we’ve created an fun infographic to help! Here are some maintenance and safety tips to extend the life of your system based on where your live here in San Diego:

5 Ideas to Eliminate Your Springtime Allergies

Written by Kevin on May 12, 2014. Posted in Air Conditioning, Health. No Comments on 5 Ideas to Eliminate Your Springtime Allergies

Allergies, there is a solution

Spring is beautiful—flowers in bloom, animals coming out of hibernation, and a world that is flourishing with life. Unfortunately, spring also means allergies. Those flowers, newborn animals, and changes in weather mean more pollen and dander, which only makes for more sneezing, nasal congestion, and irritated eyes. If you suffer from allergies, fear not. There are plenty of things you can do around the house to keep allergens from makings your spring a nightmare.

1. Check and maintain your ventilation system.

A good ventilation system pumps clean air into your home while pumping stale indoor air out. However, a malfunctioning ventilation system can just blow around the dust already in your home or fill your home with pollen from the outdoors.

An easy solution is to replace your air filter. Air filters are designed to clean the air of irritants and allergens, making sure that what you breathe in doesn’t make you sneeze. The average air filter should be replaced about once every two to three months.

The best thing you can do for your HVAC system is to get it professionally inspected and maintained. Your ventilation system should be maintained at least once a year, which will not only keep the sniffles away, but also ensure your system’s longevity.

2. Use your air conditioner instead of opening a window.

As tempting as it might be to let in that wonderful spring air, you’re also letting in the pollen, dander, and other allergens that will set off your sneezes. As long as you’ve replaced the air filter, your air conditioner will do an excellent job of keeping your home comfortably cool. Only use fans after you follow the next step.

3. Dust your home.

Dust accumulating on air vents, windowsills, blinds, and other hard, flat surfaces will exacerbate your outdoor allergies when you get back inside. Give your home a good sweeping and vacuuming. Check curtains and drapes as well. If allergies are really bad, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief and eyes with protective glasses.

4. Give your mattress a quick clean.

Make this a seasonal habit. Use your vacuum to suck up any dust on your mattress. Sprinkle on some baking soda, wait about 15 minutes, and vacuum again. This will not only eliminate pollen and allergens, but also eliminate odors that have built up in the fabric.

5. Wash your pillows.

Allergen debris tends to collect on pillows. Considering you press your face onto them for hours every night, that’s a big problem. Vacuum foam pillows. Down and fiberfill pillows can be thrown in the laundry (but make sure you check the labels).

Spring cleaning and keeping an eye on the pollen forecast are the best ways to keep your home allergy free. Stay healthy!