SPRING ALLERGIES: PRO TIPS TO KEEP INDOOR AIR CLEAN

Spring is gorgeous until your sinuses revolt

With pollen counts rising and dust back in circulation, many Australians are looking to their homes for relief.

Heating and cooling specialist Goran Surbevski from Alliance Climate Control shares straightforward ways to cut allergens and keep the air moving cleanly indoors.

Surbevski says running your air conditioner on high-pollen days can help filter out irritants even when you are not cooling the room.

“For those with allergies, using the A/C to filter out pollen and other allergens from the air can be beneficial and keeps the air circulating even when it’s not actively cooling," he said.

"This constant airflow enables your filter to capture more airborne allergens, preventing them from settling throughout your home.

"Ensure your system has clean, high-quality filters designed to capture allergens.”

A seasonal service can handle significant behind-the-scenes work. “Having your HVAC system professionally serviced in early spring is one of the most effective ways to minimise allergy symptoms indoors.

" A certified technician will thoroughly clean essential components, which can accumulate dust, mould, and other allergens over time.

"They’ll also replace or upgrade air filters to ensure your system is effectively trapping airborne particles. Regular seasonal maintenance not only improves indoor air quality but also ensures your system operates efficiently.”

Stopping outdoor air leaks makes a noticeable difference, particularly in older homes. Prevent outdoor allergens like pollen and dust from entering your home by sealing gaps around doors, windows, vents and ductwork.

Use weatherstripping and caulking to tighten seals, and have your ductwork inspected and sealed to prevent unfiltered air from entering through attics or crawlspaces.

Improving insulation and sealing not only boosts energy efficiency but also helps maintain cleaner, allergen-free indoor air during spring allergy season.

Surbevski said humidity control was another lever. Most households feel comfortable when moisture levels sit between 30 and 50 per cent, as this range also helps keep mould and mites in check.

“Using a programmable or smart thermostat with humidity control is a powerful way to reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality during spring.

"By maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50%, you can limit mould growth and reduce dust mite populations, both of which thrive in overly humid conditions.

"For optimal results, pair your smart thermostat with a whole-home dehumidifier to maintain consistent humidity control throughout allergy season.”

Finally, filters matter. If you want to capture tiny particles rather than just visible dust, increase the resolution or sensitivity.

“Using a MERV 13 air conditioner filter is one of the most effective ways to improve indoor air quality during allergy season. Unlike standard filters that only capture larger dust and debris, MERV 13 filters are designed to trap much smaller particles like pollen, pet dander, mould spores, and even some bacteria.

"When you run your A/C during high-pollen days, the constant airflow allows the filter to continuously clean the air and reduce allergens settling on surfaces throughout your home.”

Bottom line: keep air moving through a clean, well-sealed, well-maintained system, monitor humidity levels, and upgrade the filter. Your nose will notice.