Fall Allergies: What can HVAC do to help?

If fall hits and your nose turns into a faucet, your HVAC can actually help. With the right filter, steady humidity, smart ventilation, and a few targeted IAQ add-ons, you can cut down pollen, dust, pet dander, and mold spores. Here’s a quick, local guide for Birmingham-area homes.

Why fall is rough in Central Alabama

Blame ragweed, leaf mold, and dust buildup. Once we shut the windows and kick on the heat, all the stuff that settled in ducts, on coils, and around returns starts recirculating. There isn’t one magic gadget. You need a layered approach your current HVAC can handle with a few upgrades and consistent maintenance.

1) Use the right filter, not just a new one

Target range: MERV 8–13 for most central HVAC systems.

When to go higher: try a cabinet-style media filter or a dedicated air cleaner if allergies are moderate to severe.

Change interval: every 1–3 months for standard pleated filters; 6–12 months for many media filters, depending on dust load.

Quick visual: what common MERV ratings capture

MERV Captures well Typical examples
8 Pollen, dust mites, mold spores General relief during fall
11 Plus pet dander, fine dust Homes with pets and mild allergies
13 Plus smoke, some bacteria-sized particles Moderate allergies/asthma households

Pro tip: higher MERV means more resistance to airflow. Ethridge techs can test static pressure and recommend the safest upgrade.

3) Clean the air between filter changes

  • In-duct air cleaners: media cabinets, high-efficiency filters, and some electronic air cleaners boost capture without babysitting portable units.
  • UV germicidal lights: help limit microbial growth on coils and inside air handlers. They won’t “zap” ragweed mid-air, but they keep the system cleaner so fewer irritants hitch a ride.
  • Room-by-room backup: portable HEPA units in bedrooms are a solid assist during peak pollen days.

4) Maintenance: the boring hero of allergy season

A clean system moves air better and sheds fewer particles.

At a fall tune-up, Ethridge HVAC will typically:

  • Replace or upgrade filters and check fit/seal
  • Inspect blower wheel, evaporator coil, and drain pan for dust and biofilm
  • Verify static pressure and airflow after any filter upgrade
  • Calibrate thermostats and humidity controls
  • Inspect and seal obvious duct leaks

Bonus: duct cleaning isn’t yearly homework, but if you’ve had renovations, pests, or visible dust puffs from registers, it can reset the baseline before peak allergy weeks.

5) Improve ventilation without inviting the outdoors in

Tight homes still need fresh air. Energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) bring in filtered outdoor air and exhaust stale air while exchanging heat and moisture, so comfort and energy bills don’t take a hit.

  • Schedule: run low and steady during mild fall days to dilute indoor allergens and odors.

Homeowner checklist for fewer sneezes

  • Swap in a MERV 11–13 pleated or media filter that fits correctly and seals tight
  • Keep indoor RH around 40–50%
  • Run the fan on Auto most of the time; use circulation cycles if your thermostat supports them
  • Vacuum registers/returns and keep a 2–3 ft clear zone around returns
  • Schedule a fall tune-up to clean coils, verify airflow, and set humidity controls
  • Add UV on the coil or an in-duct air cleaner if allergies are moderate to severe

Helpful internal resources

Local note for Birmingham-area homes

If you’re in Birmingham, Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Pelham, Trussville, or nearby, Ethridge HVAC can test static pressure, recommend the right indoor air quality upgrades, and manage humidity through our preventative maintenance plans. We’re licensed, insured, and local since 1978, with 24/7 service when your system decides to be dramatic after normal business hours.
📞 (205) 428-6935

Schedule a fall HVAC tune-up and IAQ assessment

Call (205) 428-6935 or request service online. We serve Bessemer, Birmingham, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, McCalla, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Trussville, Vestavia Hills, and surrounding communities.

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FAQs

What MERV filter should I use for fall allergies?

Most homes do well moving from MERV 8 to MERV 11–13 in fall. If your system can’t handle the pressure drop, a cabinet-style media filter or a dedicated air cleaner is a safer path.

Can I add HEPA to my existing HVAC?

Central “true HEPA” usually needs a bypass or standalone unit to avoid choking airflow. Many households get comparable relief with a high-efficiency media filter plus a bedroom HEPA portable.

Do UV lights stop allergies?

UV mainly inhibits microbial growth on wet surfaces like coils. It helps system cleanliness and odors, but filtration is what captures pollen and dander.

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