Is Your Home’s Air Quality Affecting Your Allergies?

You may be shocked to learn that the air inside your home contains more pollutants than the air outside your door, but for many homeowners, it’s a reality. Considering that most people spend close to two-thirds of their lives at home, it’s a substantial amount of time to be breathing contaminated air, and in the case of those with allergies or compromised immune systems, it can lead to a multitude of symptoms and health issues. If you suspect your home’s air quality is affecting your allergies, or those of a family member, there are a number of steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality, starting with your ventilation system.

If you’re tired of breathing contaminated air, give the experts at Atlantic Duct Cleaning a call at (703) 435-4485 or schedule an appointment online.

Cause And Effect

Your HVAC system works much like your own lungs, circulating the air throughout your home as it breathes in stale air, and exhales filtered, conditioned air. However, if any of the components of your heating and cooling system should become dirty, clogged, or contaminated, tiny particles can make their way in to the air you breathe, triggering allergies and irritating your respiratory system. Experts estimate the average six room home generates as much as 40 pounds of dust each year, containing materials such as:

• Pet dander
• Mold
• Pollen
• Dead skin cells
• Dirt
• Textile fibers

Additional sources of indoor air pollution include:

• Building materials
• Cleaning products
• Gases
• Cigarette smoke
• Pesticides

As the air in your home is re-circulated approximately 6 times each day, contaminants can easily begin to build up in your ventilation system, where they are stirred up, and delivered to your living space along with your conditioned air.

Clear The Air

One of the best ways to instantly improve your indoor air quality, is with a professional duct cleaning. In addition to cleaner air, you’ll also:

• Increase the efficiency of your HVAC system
• Reduce the likelihood of repairs
• Extend the lifespan of your equipment.
• Reduce the amount of dust throughout your home.
• Provide relief to those with allergies.

Warning signs that your ducts are due to be cleaned include:

• Any evidence of rodent or insect activity, such as droppings or carcasses.
• Visible mold growth on any component of your HVAC system.
• Debris, dust or other particulates blowing from supply vents.
• It’s been several years since your last duct cleaning.

The most effective method of duct cleaning involves a two-pronged approach, beginning with intense agitation to loosen debris, and the use of a high powered HEPA filtered vacuum to remove it.

Tips To Improve Indoor Air Quality

Relieve allergies and breathe easier by implementing the following tips:

• Change your air filter every four to six weeks during peak heating or cooling season.
• Schedule annual maintenance each spring and fall, to have your equipment cleaned, maintained, and tuned.
• Replace carpeting with tile or hardwood, especially in bedroom areas.
• Avoid mold growth by maintaining humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent, cleaning spills as they happen, and providing adequate ventilation when cooking, showering, or doing laundry.
• Open doors and windows as weather and pollen levels allow.

Residential Duct Cleaning in Virginia, Maryland & Washington D.C.

As a homeowner you need to do whatever you can to keep your home’s air comfortable to breathe—and duct cleaning is the solution! Duct cleaning is often overlooked and is a necessary process to ensure the air in your home is clean to breathe. Atlantic Duct Cleaning recommends having a professional technician come to your home annually—at minimum—to clean out the build-up in your home’s ducts.

For additional questions about duct cleaning in the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. area, check out our FAQ or contact one of the professionals at Atlantic Duct Cleaning at (703) 435-4485 to schedule an appointment!