Year-Round Allergy Symptoms? Fight Back with Our Complete Indoor Allergy Guide

A Complete Guide to fighting Indoor Allergies

Your indoor environment could be the source of an abundance of allergy and asthma triggers, according to the EPA. Do you know what dangers are lurking in your home – and how to reduce your exposure? Knowledge is key to successful asthma and allergy management.

What are Indoor Allergies?

Extremely common, allergies effect an estimated 50 million Americans. And indoor allergies can be hard to pinpoint, because symptoms are often confused with the common cold. Drippy nose, itchy eyes, congestion and wheezing with symptoms that linger for weeks on end are prime indicators. What differentiates this from a cold? Fever, chills, body aches, and yellow/green nasal discharge that clears after a week or two.

What are the Most Common Indoor Allergens?

• Dust Mites
  A common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms, dust mites are everywhere, consuming human skin flakes and thriving in warm, humid environments like bedding, upholstery and carpeting. Their body remnants and droppings cause a great deal of allergy woes.
• Cockroaches
  Roaches can be found anywhere, and are a big problem in inner-city environments – even in homes that aren’t dirty. The protein in their droppings is a common allergen.
• Pollen
  A variety of pollen can easily be carried into your home on shoes, clothing, and animals. Plants in the home can also produce pollen allergens.
• Mold
  Mold thrives in damp areas (bath, basement, kitchen, laundry). Mold releases tiny, allergen-inducing spores, and in some varieties, potent mycotoxins capable of causing severe reactions/sickness in sensitive individuals.
• Pets
  Because people are allergic to saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) and urine, there are no truly “hypoallergenic” breeds.

How Can I Reduce Indoor Allergies?

Avoiding allergens – or reducing exposure – is the most effective remedy.

• General Cleaning
  • Where a dust mask when you clean.
  • Opt for hard flooring and non-porous, easily washable surfaces, like leather.
  • Dust, and vacuum often with a HEPA filter.
  • Address water/moisture issues promptly (mold, mites, roaches).
  • Use your air conditioner to keep humidity low to guard against mold and dust mites. Dehumidifiers and exhaust fans are also helpful.
  • Change allergy-laden filters often.
  • Talk to your HVAC pro about upgrading to a high efficiency disposable pleated filter with a MERV 8-12, and system compatibility.
  • Clean and disinfect bathrooms, kitchens and basements regularly.
  • Don’t neglect carpet and upholstery. If it can’t be laundered, clean it with products that deactivate/denature dust mites/dander.
• Allergen Specific
  • Dust Mites
    Use allergen-proof fabric covers on mattresses, pillows and box springs. Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130° F) and dry on high heat. Place stuffed animals and a freezer bag, and freeze for 2-4 hours weekly.
  • Cockroaches
    Clean countertop crumbs and dishes regularly, empty the trash, and store food in tightly sealed, hard-sided containers. Contact pest management ASAP for infestations.
  • Pollen
    Leave shoes outside. Shed outerwear, before entry, for the wash. Shower if symptoms persist. Enjoy plants outdoors – leaving them out of the house if allergic.
  • Mold
    Properly ventilate moisture-prone areas via window or exhaust fan, employing a dehumidifier when necessary. Mold loves carpeting – avoid it in these areas.
  • Pets
    Wash hands after petting. Keep pets out of the bedroom, other areas where you spend a lot of time, and keep them outdoors when possible. Ask a non-allergic family member to clean pets weekly, as well as their habitats/belongings.

Do Air Purifiers Really Work for Allergies?

Air purifiers with HEPA filtration with MERV ratings of 17-19 are capable of trapping and removing 99.97-99.999% of particles 0.3 micron and larger from the air, including dust, mold, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and odors. UV light versions further reduce the likelihood of air pollutants, killing bacteria, germs and mold. To ensure a reduction of asthma and allergy symptoms, look for true HEPA filters and systems, not those labeled “HEPA-type” which don’t meet stringent standards. As with all air filters, changing them as recommended is key to preventing the redistribution of allergens throughout the home. Be aware, HEPA filters are not designed to work with residential HVAC systems without modification, and could result in system damage. Before installing a filter with a rating higher than MERV 8, consult your friendly neighborhood air conditioning technician.

Itching to improve the indoor air quality in your home? H&H Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Learn more about indoor air quality systems available from H&H today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/complete-indoor-allergy-guide/.

How to Spot a Bad Contractor!!!

Rushing through the selection of a contractor for your upcoming air conditioning installation or other home renovation project? Skipping-out on the ‘research’ portion could cost you. While there are many trustworthy contractors out there, sadly there are also quite a few trying to take your money and run.

Watch Out for these Red Flags to Avoid Construction Nightmares:

1. High Initial Down Payment
   With materials to source and workers to hire, a down payment towards your new air conditioning installation can be expected. Pennsylvania HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) licensing regulations require contractors collect 50% down payment for custom orders before a job starts – but not 100% down. Any request for more than 50% payment up-front should set-off alarm bells.
2. Cash-Only Requirements
   The need to be paid in cash only is a sure sign of shady inclinations. The ability to use check or credit card payment gives you infinitely more options should disputes arise. Without such supporting documentation, it’s your word versus the contractor on what was paid.
3. Lack of References
   If you can’t reach contractor references (or worse, the contractor won’t give you any), something is off. Even if a contractors claims to be just starting out, pass for someone with more experience. After all, your home is your biggest investment. If you’re just beginning your contractor search, try working backwards: Try asking close friends or family who they recommend. Word-of-mouth referrals are generally best. Online reviews are also a good resource – albeit not always 100% reliable.
4. No License & Insurance
   Even in an emergency, ask to see license and insurance documents before work begins, which are required-by-law in most areas. Preferably license and insurance information should be posted on proposals, business cards, and vehicles. All contractors must be licensed and insured to work on your home – otherwise you could end up liable in the event of accident or damages to neighboring property.
5. Permits
   If the contractor is telling you that it is not necessary to apply for permits, beware! In fact most city’s, townships and boroughs require permits and part of the process is to check the contractor’s insurance.
6. Lack of ‘Back-Up’
   Any professional contractor you hire to work on your home or HVAC system should have a physical address (not work out of a truck), giving you the ability to track them down if things go wrong. They should likewise back-up their skills with professional affiliations and certifications, such as NATE or EPA, alongside warranties on work and equipment – which should be years – not months – so that you get what you pay for.
7. Handshake-Only Agreements
   Detailed, written contracts ensure you get what you pay for – and everyone is on the same page. Make sure contracts include cost estimates, specific materials used (to thwart bargain substitutions), and completion timetables.
8. Subcontractor Parade
   Good contractors do outsource specialty work – like tricky electrical. However a multitude of subcontractors parading through your home should set-off warning bells. Who are you letting into your home? Are they likewise licensed, drug and background checked?

Looking for an HVAC contractor who has your best interests at heart? Count on the friendly service of your local H&H Heating & Air technician. When it comes to trusted service, we check all the boxes. Contact us for a trustworthy quote and complimentary referral list today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/how-to-spot-a-bad-contractor/.