Each year, as pollen counts soar, millions of Australians are plagued by sneezing, watery eyes, and itchy throats, the familiar and frustrating symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Dust mites, pet dander, and mould also contribute to allergy discomfort, especially for children and those with asthma.
Your air conditioning system does more than just control temperature. It also helps filter, circulate, and clean the air inside your home. A well-maintained air conditioner can trap dust, pollen, and other irritants before they spread through your house.
Simple maintenance tasks, such as changing filters or cleaning coils, can significantly reduce the number of allergens indoors. Let’s explore how your air conditioning system can help with seasonal allergies.
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Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Australia
Most Australians spend around 90% of their time indoors, whether at home, work, or school. The quality of indoor air has a direct impact on your health, energy levels, and comfort.
Poor air quality can worsen asthma, trigger allergy flare-ups, and even cause headaches or fatigue.
Indoor air pollution might be invisible, but your air conditioning system can help manage it. Modern air conditioners are designed to remove dust, control moisture, and maintain balanced airflow.
With regular care, they can make a noticeable difference in reducing allergy symptoms and keeping your home environment healthier year-round.
Four Ways Your HVAC System Can Fight Allergens
1. Keeping the Windows Closed (and Running Your AC)
One of the simplest ways to reduce allergy symptoms at home is to keep your windows closed, especially during high pollen seasons. When you rely on your air conditioner for ventilation, you create a barrier between your indoor air and outdoor irritants such as dust, pollen, and bushfire smoke.
Your air conditioning system continually filters and circulates air within your home. This process helps trap airborne particles, keeping your indoor environment cleaner and more comfortable. It’s particularly useful in spring and summer when pollen counts are high across Brisbane.
2. Investing in Air Filters and Changing Them Regularly
Air filters are the first line of defence in improving indoor air quality. They trap pollen, dust mites, pet hair, and other small particles before they enter your living spaces.
To measure filter performance, check the MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). Higher MERV ratings capture smaller particles — for example, MERV 11 or MERV 13 filters are ideal for households with allergy sufferers.
Australian homes benefit most from changing or cleaning air filters every one to three months, depending on the type of filter and the season. During spring, when pollen levels peak, monthly maintenance is especially important. Regular filter changes keep your air conditioner efficient and help prevent allergens from building up inside the system.
3. Upgrading to a Whole-Home Air Cleaner
For those with severe allergies or asthma, a standard air filter might not be enough. A whole-home air cleaner offers advanced filtration that can remove up to 99.98% of airborne particles when using HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) technology.
These systems are installed alongside your air conditioner and continuously clean the air as it circulates through your home. Some use electronic filtration, which charges and traps fine particles that traditional filters miss.
The result is a noticeable improvement in indoor air quality. This is ideal for families who want cleaner air throughout the entire house, not just in individual rooms.
4. Considering a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Humidity control plays a major role in reducing allergens. High humidity levels (above 60%) can promote the growth of mould, dust mites, and bacteria. This is a common issue in our hot and humid climate in Brisbane.
Installing a whole-home dehumidifier or using the dehumidification setting on your reverse-cycle air conditioner helps maintain balanced moisture levels. This keeps your air fresh and prevents allergens from multiplying.
Simple Tips to Support Your Air Con System
Consult Your Doctor
If you or your family members experience seasonal allergies, the first step is to speak with a medical professional. A doctor can help identify specific triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or mould spores.
They may recommend antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other treatments to reduce symptoms, especially during peak allergy seasons. Combining medical advice with air conditioning maintenance creates a more effective plan for managing allergies at home.
Monitor Pollen Counts and Avoid High Pollen Activities
Keeping track of local pollen levels can help you manage symptoms. On days when pollen levels are high, try to:
- Avoid gardening, mowing, or spending long hours outside.
- Keep windows and doors closed.
- Use your air conditioner instead of opening windows for ventilation.
- After spending time outdoors, change clothes, shower, and wash your hair to remove pollen.
These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen and other allergens entering your home.
Keep Pets Clean
Pets bring joy to any home, but they can also carry allergens such as pollen and dander on their fur. Regular grooming is an easy way to reduce these triggers.
During allergy season, give pets more frequent baths and brush them outside where possible. Vacuum regularly (especially on carpets, rugs, and furniture) to prevent hair and dust buildup. Using your air conditioner’s filter effectively alongside a clean environment helps maintain healthier indoor air quality.
When to Call a Professional
Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, there are times when it’s best to bring in a licensed air conditioning technician. Professional servicing ensures your system continues to run efficiently and safely.
1. Persistent Allergy Symptoms Indoors
If you or your family members are still sneezing, coughing, or experiencing itchy eyes despite regular cleaning and filter changes, your air conditioning system may need a closer inspection.
Professionals can assess whether dust, mould, or hidden allergens have built up inside ducts, coils, or vents. A thorough clean can make a noticeable difference in air quality and comfort.
Our hydro cell major service is a complete clean of your air conditioner to get rid of nasty bacteria. We fit our hydro cell catchment bag to your air conditioner and complete a full wash out of your unit, without having to pull the whole unit apart, saving a lot of time and money on labour.
2. Reduced Airflow or Strange Odours
If you notice weak airflow, unusual smells, or inconsistent cooling, these could be signs of blocked filters, refrigerant leaks, or mould growth. In Brisbane’s humid climate, these problems can develop quickly.
A technician can safely locate and fix the issue before it affects your health or damages your system.
3. Regular Preventive Maintenance
We recommend servicing your air conditioner at least once a year. A professional service includes checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ductwork, cleaning coils, and testing airflow.
This proactive approach not only reduces allergens but also improves efficiency, extends the system’s lifespan, and helps prevent expensive breakdowns.
4. Upgrading or Adding Filtration Systems
If you’re considering installing HEPA filters, air purifiers, or humidity control systems, always consult a qualified technician. They can ensure your existing air conditioner supports these upgrades without reducing performance or voiding your warranty.
Booking Installation or Maintenance With Hewitt Trade Services
Hewitt Trade Services is the best in the air conditioning business in the Brisbane area. We have installed, repaired and serviced thousands of units during 21+ years of business.
Our years of experience give us a laser focus on the most common air conditioning challenges in the Brisbane community. We are highly trained, reliable, professional, efficient and fast.
Our 4.8-star rating from over 330 reviews on Google proves it.
We can help you assess your needs, get a quote, and make informed decisions about servicing your air conditioner. Using a reputable company like Hewitt Trade Services ensures a smooth and satisfactory experience. You can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and efficient air conditioner for years to come.
Are you ready to make an informed decision about your air conditioner maintenance?
We service the following areas in Brisbane:
Air Conditioning Albion – Air Conditioning Amberly – Air Conditioning Annerley – Air Conditioning Anstead – Air Conditioning Ascot – Air Conditioning Ashgrove – Air Conditioning Aspley – Air Conditioning Augustine Heights – Air Conditioning Bellbowrie – Air Conditioning Boondall – Air Conditioning Booval – Air Conditioning Bowen Hills – Air Conditioning Bracken Ridge – Air Conditioning Bridgeman Downs –Air Conditioning Brisbane – Air Conditioning Brookfield – Air Conditioning Brookside Centre – Air Conditioning Brookwater – Air Conditioning Carole Park – Air Conditioning Carseldine – Air Conditioning Chapel Hill – Air Conditioning Chermside – Air Conditioning Clayfield – Air Conditioning Collingwood Park – Air Conditioning Enoggera – Air Conditioning Everton Park, Air Conditioning Fig Tree Pocket – Air Conditioning Forest Lake – Air Conditioning Gaythorne – Air Conditioning Geebung – Air Conditioning Gordon Park – Air Conditioning Hamilton – Air Conditioning Hendra – Air Conditioning Indooroopilly
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