Environmental Doctor

Dry Ice Blasting During Mold Remediation

Posted on by Dan Dreifort

We see many customers suffering from mold in the Dayton area, especially during the changing of seasons when the temperatures begin to rise and winter damage begins to make itself known. As part of our mold remediation process, we use the EPA recommended method of dry ice blasting to remove mold spores on surfaces within homes. A much safer process than sand blasting and other similar methods, dry ice blasting leaves no particles behind for clean up and is non-toxic.  Check out the following video from one of our mold remediation jobs in Dayton to see dry ice blasting at work.

 

4 Signs You’re Suffering from Allergies

Posted on by Dan Dreifort

Allergies can be caused by a variety of factors in your environment, especially true for those in Dayton. But did you know that even if you’ve never had them before, you can develop new allergies as your environment changes? Here are four signs that you probably have allergies. If you do develop allergies, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends limiting your exposure as much as possible to the source, such as avoiding pollen, pets, or other outside allergens that may set you off. You might also consider home air testing.

Senior woman sneezing

Chronic cold-like symptoms

Many people who have allergies don’t know that they do because they assume that they are just sick all the time.  If you notice that you or a loved one always are starting to feel stuffy, sneeze, or have sinus pain, then it may not be just another cold! You may be allergic to something in your home or office’s air ducts, hidden mold, gasses, or seasonal changes.

Itchy or swollen eyes

If you suddenly start to notice extreme eye or nose irritation, then think about things that may have caused it, including changes in the weather. Factors like dust, pollen, or pet dander can cause your eyes to become red and swollen. You may also notice coughing or sneezing.

Ear pain or ear infection

Continuous problems with ear pain or recurring ear infections may also indicate an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, mold, radon, or other seasonal allergens. While there are remedies for temporary relief, eliminating or reducing the factors in your environment are the best solution, such as air duct cleaning, HVAC air maintenance, mold testing and remediation, and water treatments.

Fever

In some cases, allergic reactions can actually cause some a low-grade fever. This is especially true for people who are allergic to pets. Avoiding pets is a good solution. However, without proper cleaning of your air ducts and HVAC system, you may still experience symptoms.

If you find that there are allergens in your home causing these symptoms or would simply like to have your home cleaned of health-threatening elements such as radon gas or mold, then contact the Environmental Doctor in Dayton. We specialize in air duct cleaning, mold testing and remediation, radon testing and mitigation, waterproofing and water treatments, as well as HVAC needs. For information visit our website today.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Longer with Proper Maintenance

Posted on by Dan Dreifort

HVAC services

Air Condition Service

Not sure what exactly requires the services of an HVAC professional? Here are a few common air conditioning maintenance tasks that should be done by your HVAC technician:

  • Ensuring the area around the air intake is free of mold
  • Checking for and fixing any air leaks
  • Air duct cleaning
  • Cleaning the blower housing and blower wheel
  • Cleaning dampers
  • Cleaning the blower wheel and blower housing

The best time to keep up with air conditioner maintenance is every year before the start of the hot summer months. Waiting until you’re in the midst of summer to think about your air conditioner could leave you in the lurch during the hottest time of year. Be sure to have your air conditioner serviced well before the unit is to be used extensively again.

Taking your own preventative measures will also help extend the life of your air conditioner. This video provides some handy tips on things you should have inspected on your air conditioner every year. Check your air filters monthly and be sure to change or clean them as needed. For HVAC services in the Dayton area, contact the Environmental Doctor. If you’re in need of a new air conditioning system, be sure to check out our current special on Carrier heating and cooling systems. We also offer a wide range of home services including duct cleaning, HVAC tune ups, mold testing, sump pumps and more. Visit our website to learn more or contact us today to discuss your individual needs.

Preventing Allergens from Entering Your Home

Posted on by Dan Dreifort

Allergens are all around you all the time. You’ll notice some of them because you can see them, but many are even too small for you to notice. In this post, we’ll discuss how to keep allergens of all kinds out of your home! You can also check out this handy video on eliminating allergens from your home.

Little girl blows her nose

The first and most effective tip is to use a HEPA filter system. These were originally developed in World War II to remove radioactive particles from the air. However, they also block allergen particles from circulating through your air as well—even ones as small as one-300th of the diameter of human hair!

But HEPA filters will only work in open spaces through your home—and many harmful allergens hide in your air ducts. The best way to improve air quality in your home is through cleaning your air ducts. Research shows that air duct cleaning improves over all air quality in your home, but also removes debris and other mold-inducing factors from your home.

Speaking of mold, many allergic reactions are caused by mold growth in your home. And it doesn’t just affect people within the immediate vicinity of mold—molds release spores into the air, releasing allergens, toxins, and irritants. These elements will affect people differently, especially if someone has a serious mold allergy. The only way to effectively eliminate this threat is through expert mold testing and remediation.

In addition to these larger steps, there are many basic steps you can take to make sure your home is allergen-free. Vacuuming regularly is an important way to collect allergens in your floor and carpet. Restricting where pets go in your home is also a good way to make sure pet dander doesn’t get into sleeping areas or other rooms where you spend a lot of time. Keeping your windows closed during days where pollen is abundant will limit your allergic reactions to plant spores.

For more information about allergens, heating and air conditioning maintenance, duct cleaning, water treatment or mold prevention, contact the Environmental Doctor today. We specialize in keeping your home and office allergen free for your safety and comfort. Visit our website for more information

Brenden Gitzinger, Environmental Doctor President, Interviews with Local Realtor Shelly Miller for “Community on Location”

Posted on by Dan Dreifort

Ohio realtor, Shelly Miller, takes time to interview Brenden Gitzinger with Environmental Doctor. As an active business owner in the Dayton community, Brenden shares some of the personal motivations behind Environmental Doctor, along with a few words of wisdom for anyone looking to start their own business. Check out the video and don’t forget to like Environmental Doctor and Shelly Miller on Facebook!