Duct Cleaning

When is the Pollen Count Highest in Southwest Ohio?

Posted on by EnvDoc Writer

Seasonal allergies roughly affect 67 million Americans a year. Most people develop allergies over time and sometimes they worsen with age, although, there are many ways to prevent allergy symptoms during this time of year. For starters, avoiding pollen outdoors. Some of you may say, “it’s impossible to avoid pollen exposure,” as you need to step outside for work, errands, etc. Limiting exposure outdoors between 5am and 10am will lower your pollen allergy flare ups. That’s the highest pollen count almost daily in Southwest, Ohio.

 

Avoiding Allergy Flare Ups

Sure, minimizing your time spent outdoors can help with allergy symptoms. But there are many other ways in which allergens can be carried into your home or onto your clothes.

Here are some tips on allergy prevention:

  • Wear sunglasses to keep your eyes safe or a facemask when the pollen count is high.
  • Make sure to wash your hands after petting a dog or cat who’s been outdoors.
  • Bathe and thoroughly wash your hair at night to minimize pollen in the bedroom, nothing is more annoying than a stuffy nose before bedtime.
  • Avoid hang drying your clothes outdoors during this time of year.
  • Keep your windows closed at home and in your vehicle to avoid pollen particles from entering, especially when the count is high in Southwest Ohio (in the mornings).
  • Sign up for allergy alerts through your smartphone. There are various apps that can alert you on high pollen count days, etc.
  • Remember that dry and windy days also have high pollen counts.

Indoor Home Allergens

Sure, allergy season is expected each year during this time of the season. Although some may suffer from allergies year-round. This could be due to an indoor air problem. Mold, mildew or a blocked air duct could be the cause to your indoor allergies.

Our technicians are experienced and certified in Ohio. Our duct cleaning service areas include Butler and Warren counties (Mason, Lebanon, Middletown, West Chester, Liberty Township, etc.) and Springfield, Piqua and Eaton. Of course, we service for mold, duct cleaning, vapor intrusion and more. Call our Dayton office today to schedule a duct cleaning or indoor air quality test today.

Photo Generously by: Stéphane Mingot 

Spring Cleaning

Posted on by EnvDoc Writer

Welcome to Spring! Well, the calendar states that spring break is near, although there might be some snow outside. Nonetheless, we’re excited to talk about spring cleaning. Our favorite time of the year here at Environmental Doctor in Dayton, as it’s the perfect time to freshen up the house. Plus, it’s also the perfect time to assess how well your indoor air is circulating.

Getting Rid of Stale or Stuffy Air

We have all experienced it at some point in our lives, stuffy air. Most of us usually don’t notice it until we leave the house and then re-enter hours later. You know who can notice stuffy air faster? Guests or visitors in your home. Not only is it a bit embarrassing, but this stuffy air can mean a bigger problem. Stuffy air occurs in rooms which are not well ventilated, which explains as to why an attic or basement has its own sense of smell. Stuffy air in a room or throughout the house can also mean that there’s moisture in the walls, ceilings or floors. In time, this can lead to mold and mildew if left untreated.

Indoor Air Quality

Testing out the indoor air quality of your home is a great start for that spring cleaning to-do list. There are many air pollutants which are invisible to the naked eye. Especially after a huge spring cleaning job. You just never know what has been breeding in moisture for months or years and what’s being exposed indoors. Sometimes, air quality can be improved with a scheduled air duct cleaning. Allergies worsen at this time of year, naturally. But some allergy symptoms which persist all year long can be linked to indoor allergens. If your home is overdue for duct cleaning, give us a call and one of certified technicians can inspect your home as soon as possible. Live outside of Dayton, Ohio? We service a vast area in Ohio from Cincinnati to Springfield and more.

spring cleaning
Image courtesy of William Santos

Hassle Free Duct Cleaning in Dayton Ohio

Posted on by EnvDoc Writer

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.

Is Duct Cleaning Necessary or Effective? The EPA Weighs In

Posted on by Herb Ascherman

The truth is that the jury is still out on duct cleaning. As the EPA points out, “Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts.”

Why? Most of the dust in the air will stick to the duct surface and not necessarily get into the living space. That said, however, breathing problems can be caused by any number of pollutants. “Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts,” the EPA states on its website.

When Duct Cleaning is Needed

However, the EPA does recommend duct cleaning if there is substantial mold growth on your ducts or within your heating system. They also recommend cleaning if your ducts are infested with vermin, such as bugs or rodents.

Duct Cleaning For Efficiency

Posted on by Dan Dreifort

Clean Those Ducts For Better Air


Just living in a home stirs up a great deal of dander and chemicals. Dust particles, of which the typical home produces 40 pounds annually, also get sucked into your HVAC system. This constant circulation of contaminants causes a buildup in your duct work, forcing the system to work harder and shorten its life. About 25-40% of energy used for heating or cooling your home is wasted, based on a U.S. Department of Energy estimate. Having a clean HVAC system results in less energy expenditure to maintain your preferred temperature, and improves cost effectiveness.