May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
It’s May. That means Spring has arrived! But that also means it’s peak allergy season. Yup. With Spring
comes itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and even hives, wheezing, and difficulty breathing
for some. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 60 million
Americans suffer from asthma and/or allergies. These stunning numbers led the AAFA to deem May
‘National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.’
Most of us tend to think of the great outdoors as the source of most allergens, and while many seasonal
allergies are generated by pollen and other outdoor nuisances, our homes harbor all sorts of indoor
allergens. Many of these can cause chronic suffering and asthma, especially for those who are more
susceptible, like young children, the elderly, and anyone who suffers from respiratory problems or auto-
immune disorders.
Wondering what’s lurking in your indoor air? With simple everyday activities, we generate all sorts of
unseen contaminants and air pollutants like dirt, dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, and chemicals. And
just like those easy-to-see surfaces in your home that get dirty over time, your home’s HVAC system
pulls all those contaminants and pollutants right into your air ducts — and then recirculates that air
throughout your home an average of five to seven times per day!
Then there’s mold. It’s perhaps the most bothersome allergen for many Americans. Mold and mildew
can lurk all around your home, including in your HVAC system’s ductwork. If left undetected or ignored,
mold growth can turn into a serious issue, not only for the structure of your home but for the health of
everyone living under its roof.
Believe it or not, despite routinely replacing filters, your home’s HVAC system gets really dirty with
regular, everyday use; and since your air ducts are a favorite hiding place for dust, dirt, and allergens to
linger, those dirty ducts can contribute to larger health issues, especially for those with respiratory
conditions, auto-immune disorders, or asthma and allergies. All those indoor air pollutants can also lead
to irritated eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
That’s why May and June are particularly great times to get your air ducts cleaned — with so much
added pollen and allergens entering your home in early spring, it’s always a good idea to get them
cleaned out before they get a chance to really linger!
Air Duct Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality
So many things could be lurking in your indoor air, and ultimately trigger asthma and allergy symptoms.
Unfortunately, just about every allergen and contaminant in your home gets pulled right into the
heating and air conditioning system, and then travel through your air ducts. Allergens contained within
an HVAC system are a serious issue. Think about it — every time your unit is turned on for air
conditioning or heating, contaminants and air pollutants can be spread throughout your home, and then
recirculated multiple times a day!
Having your air ducts properly cleaned can improve your indoor air quality and reduce health problems
by reducing the number of airborne pollutants circulating in your home.
We all want our families to breathe clean, healthy air. When you’re ready to hire a company for your air
duct cleaning, make sure to avoid the scams and choose, Air Doctor Duct Cleaning & Lining, a qualified
contractor who ensures the job is done right. As a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association
(NADCA) we have technicians on staff with advanced training and certification in HVAC system cleaning.
They’re the best-of-the-best when it comes to getting those air ducts cleaned!
