As Spring Approaches, Allergies Arise.

Allergies: As springtime approaches, what’s the air quality in your home?

Air filtration, odor reducers and air cleaning systems… the list can go on and on! But rest assured that the Environmental Doctor in Dayton, Ohio is here to help in regards to personal home air quality. We have qualified technicians who offer the best service for home air testing in Dayton, Ohio. As winter finally comes to a close, many will begin to spring clean and many will experience spring allergies. Although most allergies and sinus problems go away after sometime; for others, they tend to stick around.

Dayton Ohio Allergies Springtime
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Could this be due to your indoor air quality? It could be. There are various factors as to why your sinuses keep flaring up weeks after the initial springtime allergy season. These factors can also be found in your own home.

Dust is the top reason why so many suffer from poor air quality indoors.

Perhaps you’ve used an air purifier or an indoor air filter for months during the winter… well guess what, that dust and those air particles related to animal dander, dust mites and pollen don’t necessarily leave the house. Instead, these particles settle in your furniture, in your carpets and inside other areas of your home. Maybe it’s time to get a home air tester? Other causes for sinus problems and indoor air allergies can be related to your furry friends (dander), cleaning products, houseplants and undetected mold.

If you suffer from nasal dryness, this could lead to thickened mucus, congestion and worsen sinus problems all together. We have to remember that indoor air pollution is usually invisible and rarely thought to be the culprit to our allergies, fatigue, headaches, and sinus problems. After successfully getting an air quality test from our experienced and reliable technicians at Environmental Doctor, we can pinpoint the problem and you can take better care of your health with a peace of mind.

Hassle Free Duct Cleaning in Dayton Ohio

What’s up with air duct cleaning? That’s one of the number one questions our clients have when we suggest that their duct liners may need a good scrub. Most homeowners don’t realize that unsuspectingly dirty or contaminated air ducts may be the culprit of mold, housing vermin or insects, and may be filled with so much debris and dust that your home air quality is actually suffering from it. The EPA does not recommend a routine cleaning but only as needed. This information may also seem a little confusing. So when exactly do you need duct cleaning Dayton Ohio?

For starters, let’s step back and take a look at the big picture: your home. Some important questions to ask is: how old is your home? Was your home recently renovated? Anytime there are renovations being done to a home, the air ducts should be sealed to prevent dust, debris and harmful contaminants from getting stuck in the vents.

duct cleaningYou may also need an air cleaner if someone in your household has been showing signs of allergies that won’t go away with seasonal changes, etc. Do you have pets? Has your home developed a weird odor? Sometimes animal hair and other debris can create a weird smell within the air ducts. We can help answer any questions you may have in regards to air duct cleaning. Beware of scams… There are plenty of “cheap air duct cleaning” options available that may not help solve your home air quality and even worse, it may not even be needed. We have your best interest in mind and here to help. Whether or not you decide to have your air ducts cleaned professionally, we suggest you prevent contamination by doing a check up on water and dirt debris within your air duct system.

It’s officially winter in Dayton, Ohio. That means that we’ll be spending more time socializing and playing games indoors during winter and for the next few months to come. That also includes our family and our pets. Protect yourself and your loved ones from developing allergic reactions or sinus problems that may be linked to dirty or clogged air ducts. The Environmental Doctor offers duct cleaning for homes and businesses across Dayton, Ohio.

Hear any weird sounds in the vents this winter? Rodents or insects might be hiding out from the cold midwest climate in your air ducts.

Call us today to make a proper air duct inspection; which includes a proper mold and debris inspection as well.

Say “No” to Flood Pants, Dayton Sump Pump Systems

So you walked into your basement this morning and saw standing water throughout? You’re not alone. First of all, say “no” to the flood pants. We advise you not to attempt to wade through the water, no matter how tall or short. Why? Well, we know it’s your home but it can get very dangerous very fast when walking through a flooded basement. Think: electrical currents or unsanitary conditions. Second of all, the Environmental Doctor is here to help. Even its an emergency, we can help you solve the problem as soon as possible and also help schedule routine maintenances, systems and installations. The problem (most likely) will be due to failed Dayton sump pump systems.

Dayton Sump Pump Systems“Homes were built to shed water, not thread water,” said Curt Fleck in a recent news story about why it’s important to have a properly working a sump pump. From Cincinnati to Columbus to Dayton Sump Pump Systems, lots of older homes may have had this type of system installed decades ago and perhaps was never mentioned when you purchased your new home. In most cases, sump pumps are found in the basement and are usually underground which means you probably hardly ever noticed it before… until a problem occurred. Even if there isn’t any visible flooding in your basement, here are a few tips that may help you decided whether or not your sump pump needs maintenance: smelly-wet or moist basement air that never goes away, rot, rust or mold in the surrounding areas, and past evidence of a significant water problem such as high-water marks on the walls. A wet basement can also be a cause for unhealthy indoor air in your home.

Another pro tip is inspecting your sump pump once a year. A few DIY tips: remove the pump to clean and inspect for damage, check the power cord and make sure it is connected to a working power source, replace the pump in the sump if needed, dump a bucket of water into the sump to raise the float and make sure it activates and drains properly.

Some homeowners may think that their home sump pump is only at risk of breaking down at certain times of the year. Perhaps only during spring time, when the snow melts, or during the annual rainfall season. Unfortunately, your sump pump needs to be inspected regularly as it can falter at any given time, in any season. Although it may be the dead of winter or the middle of summer, your home sump pump still needs to pump all of the water usage in your household. That can be a lot of water for several humans living in a house. Do you know where your sump pump is located? Most likely, in your basement and hidden. Dayton sump pump is only great when it functions properly. Suspect a leak in your basement? Call the Environmental Doctor today!

Staying Healthy begins with Home Air Testing

Do you know the quality of your indoor air using home air testing? Whether it’s your home or office, air quality can make all the difference for you and your family. According to the EPA, indoor air quality can pose as a higher health risk than outside air pollution. Prior tests have shown that pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors in comparison to outdoor levels. You may be asking yourself, why or how is this possible?

Staying Healthy begins with Home Air Testing

home air testingThere are lots of variables as to why your indoor air may be lacking in quality. Mold, formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon and lead found in dust are some of the key factors that lead to poor air quality. Other factors include pollutants found in furniture, bed mattresses included, new or old paint, pet dander and carpet cleaning products. Can your house make you sick? It definitely can. Side effects of poor air quality in your home include: coughing and sneezing, dry or irritated eyes, nose, throat and skin, headaches, fatigue, sensitivity to allergies, sinus congestion, etc. It crucial to keep track of these symptoms but also be mindful of seasonal changes which can help guide you through minimal steps such as reducing humidity or increasing ventilation to sustain good air quality in your home.

Home air testing is the quickest way to answer any questions in regards to your home or office air quality. After having an air test done and having resolved any issues, there are plenty of other ways to sustain great home air quality. Some of these include: door mats since people bring in all sorts of dirt and pollutants under their shoes, mopping with just water can help pick up dust left behind from sweeping, using a HEPA filter with your vacuum ensures the dust gets trapped, dusting with microfiber cloths captures more dust than traditional ones, dehumidifiers and air conditioners helps reduce moisture and reduce allergens.

What can we do to lessen air pollutants in our home? We suggest you find the cause of the irritant in your home first. Whether it’s mold, radon, carbon monoxide, lead paint, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or a blocked air filtration system, you may be able to eliminate the irritant or dilute the pollutant to less hazardous levels. Common VOC’s found in homes includes: acetone, benzene, butanol, carbon disulfide, dichlorobenzene, ethanol, formaldehyde, terpenes, toluene, and xylene. Home air testing kits are super popular in this day and age and are available for purchase online. But buyers beware as they may not accurately produce results and cost about $100 each.