A lot of Maryland homeowners buy an air purifier thinking it will finally clear up their allergies. Most of the time, it helps. But every so often, someone calls and says their allergies actually got worse after running it. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.
Here in Maryland, we deal with just about every type of allergy trigger. In the spring it’s pollen, in the fall it’s ragweed, and in winter we spend months breathing dry, recycled air inside. It is no surprise that so many people in Montgomery County, Frederick, and Anne Arundel turn to air purifiers to help. But when a purifier is not working right, it can stir up more problems than it solves.
How Air Purifiers Are Supposed to Help
An air purifier’s job is simple. It pulls in the air, traps dust and allergens, and sends cleaner air back out. When everything works as it should, you will notice less dust, less sneezing, and easier breathing.
Most good systems use what’s called a HEPA filter. That stands for high efficiency particulate air. It is designed to trap almost everything, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, even tiny particles you cannot see. Some purifiers also use a carbon filter to catch odors or smoke.
There are two main kinds of purifiers. Portable ones clean the air in a single room. Whole-home systems are built into your HVAC equipment and clean all the air that moves through your ducts. For families with asthma or severe allergies, whole-home setups usually make the biggest difference.
When an Air Purifier Can Make Allergies Worse
If your allergies are worse after you start using a purifier, something in the setup or maintenance is probably off. We see this a lot.
Dirty or clogged filters
When the filter fills up, it cannot hold any more dust. Instead, it starts sending that dust right back into the air.
Wrong type of filter
Cheaper filters do not trap small particles like pet dander or pollen. If you have allergies, you need a true HEPA filter that meets the proper testing standards.
Ozone-producing purifiers
Some older or cheaper models create ozone while they run. Ozone can irritate your lungs and make allergies feel worse. The EPA warns against using any purifier that produces ozone inside.
Bad placement
If your purifier is sitting in a corner, near a wall, or behind furniture, the air cannot circulate through it properly. It needs a few feet of open space around it to do its job.
Ignoring the HVAC system
Even the best purifier cannot help if your ducts are dirty or your HVAC filter is old. All the clean air it produces will just pick up dust again once it runs through your vents.
How to Fix It
Most of these problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Change or clean the filter on time
Check your purifier’s filter at least once a month. In Maryland’s pollen season, you might need to change it more often.
Use the right model for your home
Look for purifiers that are certified for true HEPA filtration. If allergies are a year-round issue, a whole-home air purifier that ties into your HVAC system might be a better choice.
Keep an eye on humidity
Too much moisture can lead to mold, and air that’s too dry can irritate your sinuses. Try to keep indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
Don’t forget regular HVAC care
Have your heating and cooling system checked once a year and keep your vents clear. If your ducts are full of dust, that’s what you’re breathing in no matter how good your purifier is.
Why Professional Indoor Air Quality Service Helps
Portable purifiers can help, but they only handle one part of the problem. At GAC Services, we look at the whole picture. That means your purifier, your filters, your ducts, and how air moves through your home.
When we come out for an indoor air quality visit, we check airflow, test humidity, and inspect your HVAC system to see what’s really causing your symptoms. Sometimes it’s a simple filter change. Other times, we recommend installing a whole-home purification system that connects directly to your furnace or air handler. We also offer duct cleaning and filter replacement to keep everything working together.
The goal is always the same; cleaner, healthier air in every room.
Keeping Your Air Purifier Working for You
Air purifiers are great tools when they are maintained properly. The problem comes when filters get ignored or the rest of the system falls behind on maintenance. If your purifier seems to make your allergies worse instead of better, it is time for a closer look.
The technicians at GAC Services can inspect your setup, clean your ducts, and recommend the right solution for your home. We have been helping families across Montgomery, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s Counties breathe easier for years.
Reach out today to schedule an indoor air quality check. We will help you find what’s really affecting your air and get it cleaned up so your home feels comfortable again.
