How to Prep Your HVAC System for Allergy Season

Spring brings blooming flowers, longer days, and—unfortunately for many—seasonal allergies. As pollen, mold spores, and other airborne irritants fill the air, your home can quickly become a trigger zone for itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion. But there’s good news: your HVAC system can help protect your indoor environment—if it’s properly prepared.

Your HVAC system does more than just regulate temperature. It also plays a huge role in maintaining indoor air quality. With a few strategic updates and maintenance steps, you can reduce allergens in your home and breathe easier all season long. Here’s how to prep your HVAC system for allergy season—and why now is the best time to do it.

1. Upgrade or Replace Your Air Filters

Air filters are your HVAC system’s first line of defense against allergens. Their job is to capture dust, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander before those particles circulate through your home and cause allergy symptoms. But if your filter is clogged or too basic, it won’t be very effective.

What to do:

• Replace your filter at the start of allergy season (and check it monthly).

• Upgrade to a high-efficiency filter, like a MERV 11 or higher, to trap smaller particles that standard filters miss.

• If someone in your household has severe allergies, consider a HEPA filter (where compatible) for even better filtration.

Clean filters also improve HVAC performance and energy efficiency, so it’s a win-win.

2. Clean Your Air Ducts and Vents

Out of sight, out of mind—until your ducts become a dust trap. Over time, allergens can accumulate inside your air ducts and vents. Every time your system runs, it pushes those particles back into your living space.

What to do:

• Get professional duct cleaning every 3–5 years, or sooner if you notice visible dust buildup or musty odors.

• Vacuum or wipe down supply and return vents with a damp cloth regularly.

• Make sure vents aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains so air flows freely.

Cleaner ducts mean cleaner air—and less strain on your system.

3. Schedule Spring HVAC Maintenance

Routine HVAC maintenance is one of the most important things you can do for your system. A professional technician will check every part of your HVAC setup, clean internal components, and make adjustments that improve performance and air quality.

Spring maintenance typically includes:

• Cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils

• Checking refrigerant levels

• Flushing and inspecting the condensate drain

• Calibrating the thermostat

• Inspecting the blower and motor

• Replacing or cleaning filters

Regular maintenance ensures your HVAC system is operating efficiently—and not blowing allergens through dirty coils or clogged filters.

4. Upgrade to a Whole House Air Purifier

Featured Product: Solaris Whole House Air Purifier

Even the best HVAC filters can only do so much. A whole-house air purifier is a smart investment if you want to significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens in your home.

The Solaris Whole House Air Purifier is an advanced air-cleaning solution that goes beyond filtration. It uses a combination of UV-C light, photocatalytic oxidation (PCO), and ionization to eliminate airborne allergens, neutralize odors, and kill bacteria and viruses.

Key Benefits of the Solaris Air Purifier:

• Destroys mold spores, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites

• Kills germs and viruses using medical-grade UV-C light

• Reduces VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and household odors

• Freshens air naturally with ionization

• Works with your existing HVAC unit to clean air throughout your entire home

• Offers low-maintenance operation with a long-lasting 18,000-hour UV lamp

For allergy-prone households, Solaris provides peace of mind—and fresher air to breathe every day. Learn more about the Solaris system here»

5. Control Indoor Humidity

Humidity plays a bigger role in allergies than you might think. High indoor humidity creates the perfect environment for mold growth and dust mites—two major allergy triggers. On the other hand, dry air can irritate the sinuses and lungs.

What to do:

• Keep indoor humidity between 30–50% for optimal comfort and air quality.

• Use a whole-home dehumidifier or portable unit in damp areas.

• Make sure your HVAC system is properly sized and maintained to regulate humidity effectively.

• If your system struggles with moisture, ask about humidity control upgrades.

By balancing humidity, you’ll create a healthier, more allergy-friendly environment in your home.

6. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

While most indoor allergens come from inside your home, your outdoor AC unit can also draw in pollen and debris. If your condenser is surrounded by leaves, grass clippings, or dirt, it can clog the system and reduce efficiency.

What to do:

• Gently rinse the outdoor unit with a garden hose (not a pressure washer).

• Trim vegetation and clear debris from around the unit—leave at least 2 feet of space for airflow.

• Make cleaning around your unit a part of your regular lawn maintenance.

A clean outdoor unit helps your system “breathe” better, which means cleaner air inside.

7. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat (Optional but Smart!)

This won’t directly stop allergens, but it can help you manage your system more efficiently during allergy season. Smart thermostats allow you to program temperature settings, automate fan usage, and monitor indoor conditions like humidity levels.

With some models, you can even connect to air quality monitors or air purifiers like Solaris for a fully integrated indoor environment system.

Prep Your HVC System for Allergy Season with Wright’s AC

Allergy season doesn’t have to take over your home. With just a few steps—like replacing filters, scheduling maintenance, and investing in air quality upgrades—you can transform your HVAC system into a powerful ally against spring allergens.

Whether you’re dealing with seasonal pollen, indoor dust, or lingering pet dander, prepping your HVAC system can make a noticeable difference in how you feel every day.

Ready to allergy-proof your home?

At Wright’s AC & Heat, we offer comprehensive spring maintenance, high-efficiency filter upgrades, and advanced indoor air quality solutions like the Solaris Whole House Air Purifier. We’re proud to serve Wimberley and the surrounding communities with honest, expert HVAC care.

Call us today at +1 512-847-3191 to schedule your spring HVAC service and breathe easier this season.