Why Design Matters for your HVAC System

REDUCE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

WITH DUCT CLEANING

If you have allergies, the outdoors can be a minefield of allergens that trigger sneezing, sniffles and congestion. Unfortunately, it can be just as bad indoors, but with the right HVAC maintenance, you can minimize the chance of spending your summer in misery.

One often overlooked maintenance item is duct cleaning. Air systems recirculate most of the air in the house and even if you keep on top of your filter replacement, unwanted particles can remain in your ductwork and make you ill.

Some of these allergens include:

Dust mites 

These microscopic arachnids are nearly invisible to the naked eye, but they are responsible for allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion and coughing. Asthma is also connected to the unwanted presence of these tiny creatures. It’s not the mites themselves that cause the symptoms, but their excretions. They consume dead skin cells and flourish in moist conditions. Reducing the amount of dust in your ductwork will lower the population of dust mites and minimize your exposure to them.

Pet dander 

Pets shed dead skin cells just like we do. This is known as pet dander and because of its small, sometimes microscopic size, it remains suspended in the air and accumulates in ductwork. If you have a pet allergy that won’t clear up, even with extra cleaning and high efficiency filtration, cleaning your ducts might be the answer.

Pollen 

If you think you’re safe from pollen while indoors, think again. Pollen enters homes through open windows and doors, pets that play outside and our own clothes, hair and shoes. Particularly during late summer and fall, these allergens are almost everywhere, including your ductwork.

Viruses and bacteria 

While viruses aren’t considered allergens, nothing is worse than having allergy symptoms and another illness at the same time. Viruses and bacteria can accumulate and circulate throughout your home via ductwork that isn’t clean. Dirty ducts are also ideal breeding grounds for microbes, increasing your family’s exposure.

Keeping your ductwork clean 

You can do ongoing maintenance of grilles and portions of your ductwork using a vacuum cleaner but at some point, you need more. A professional has the equipment and expertise to remove long-accumulated dust and allergens from your home’s air system. Depending on your sensitivity, you may need to have your ducts cleaned more often but cleaning between heating and cooling seasons is recommended.

If you are concerned about how your home’s ductwork is affecting your allergies (and your overall health), give us a call and we can help you breathe better.

• Install medium colored drapes and keep them shut tight. Lighter fabrics like cotton work best to block heat and not absorb it.

• Turn your fan on! During the summer, make sure you have your fan spinning counter-clockwise. This pushes the cooler air down.

• Make sure there is proper air flow to the air conditioning unit and throughout the house. Clear away debris and overgrown plants from around the exterior AC box and make sure the air can get into it unobstructed. 

• Change the air filter in the AC unit before you start using it. This not only keeps the system from straining to maintain proper air flow but also improves the quality of the air in your home.

·     Have a professional inspect and repair all internal parts throughout the whole system. Connections should be tightened, all moving parts should be lubricated and the condensation drain should be cleared.