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/.

7 Signs Your Air Conditioner needs Repair

The weather is warming up… And you’re not 100% sure, you think your air conditioning system may not be performing quite the same as it did last year. Is it time for a maintenance call to an HVAC company? Or are you overlooking something simple that may be leading to its performance decline?

7 Warning Signs Your Air Conditioner Needs Repair:

1. Air is not blowing cold.
   If air being circulated through your vents isn’t as cold as it used to be – your system is working overtime to keep temperatures comfortable. This could result from an array of possible causes, including leaking/low refrigerant, condenser issues, and duct leakage.
2. Air flow is poor.
   Your fan, which is responsible for pushing all that lovely, cool air through the ductwork, can succumb to a number of issues that can dramatically reduce airflow, ranging from dirty air filter, bad blower motor or faulty fan control board.
3. Moisture/water accumulation in strange places.
   Your system is designed to remain dry at all times, otherwise mold and mildew in your system and home could result. If you notice a leak, the system may be suffering a blocked or broken condensate drain, and fast attention is in your best interest.
4. Bizarre sounds.
   All systems are designed to run quietly. Louder than normal operation – especially metallic screeching, grinding or banging noises – indicate something wrong inside the unit (broken components, loose belts, debris). When strange sounds occur, you may need to get it checked by an air conditioning company so call the repairman ASAP to avoid significant system damage.
5. Funky smells.
   Funky smells can arise from an array of issues, ranging from pest infiltration to burned-out wire insulation and mold growth within. Tend to these quickly to protect your family’s health.
6. Thermostat issues.
   Sometimes your system is not the problem – it’s your thermostat. Some signs might be obvious (a setting of 75 and a home temperature that’s off by 10s of degrees), while others won’t be (varied temperature zones throughout the home). Luckily your knowledgeable area HVAC technician can rule this out in a jiff.
7. High cooling bills.
   Your air conditioner is the largest consumer of energy in the home. If it was operating fine last season, but this year’s energy bills have spiked, that’s a good indication you need your system looked over.

This Commonly Neglected Homeowner Maintenance Can Cause Many Problems
Short cycling, poor airflow, odors, freezing up, uneven cooling, and higher than normal utility bills can also be attributable to simple maintenance that takes the average homeowner less than 5 minutes to tend to: Air filter replacement. Unless otherwise indicated by your heating and cooling professional, this should be performed at a minimum of every 3 months – and far more often if you have children and pets. Don’t neglect this before reaching out to the repairman – it can also help you avoid getting a red face when he pulls that nasty old filter out of the system.

Don’t let your summer air conditioner repair needs snowball into costly emergency repair. Contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an air conditioner service and performance check today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/7-signs-your-air-conditioner-needs-repair/.

Best Air Conditioning Services in the Main Line Area. Our Customers Love Us!

Summer’s coming, and the temperature’s rising – putting added stress on your air conditioner. Luckily, H&H Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered, with the best air conditioning services in the Main Line and surrounding areas.

Trusted Air Conditioner Maintenance & Repair

Fostering our reputation since 1985, our trustworthy and affordable services always come backed by a no-obligation quote prior to services, with no surprises at billing and a full understanding of what you’re receiving in advance for your Villanova area home air conditioning services. Our mobile ‘warehouses on wheels’ will arrive directly at your door with the parts needed to get your system back up and running fast. And you can rest assured our services and equipment are both backed by the best guarantees in the business.


Emergency Service at No Extra Cost
At H&H, we realize those inconvenient and unexpected Malvern air conditioner breakdowns won’t always conveniently occur during ‘normal’ business hours. That’s why our trusted services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – free of overtime or after-hours charges.

Experience & Care Beyond Compare
Our professional trained, NATE certified and experienced techs respect your home and family, protecting your Wayne area property with drop cloths and shoe covers, and always cleaning up our mess – including repairing or replacing damaged items – before we leave.

A Range of Home Comfort Services

• New System Installation
  From the latest in ductless air conditioning systems for your Ardmore home, to high efficiency heat pumps, geothermal, furnaces, boilers, and even radiant heat flooring systems, we carry an array of efficient home comfort solutions, providing top-of-the-line equipment from some of the nation’s leading manufacturers that deliver some of the best performance and warranties in the business.
  System Repair
  No matter the age and style of your system, we have the knowledge, skills, and parts to get it back up and running, fast.
• Duct Cleaning
  Ensure air quality and protect your family from allergy and illness with routine duct inspection and necessary cleaning.
• High Efficiency Water Heater Installation
  Reduce your energy costs with the latest in greener, more efficient gas, oil, and electric water heating technology, including tankless, heat pump, and hybrid systems.
• Water Heater Maintenance
  Regular water heater maintenance is often neglected, but it ensures efficient performance and protects the lifespan of your water heater. When was the last time you had your water heater serviced?
• Wine Cellar Installation & Repair
  Protect and preserve your wine collection with the optimum in efficient temperature and humidity control. Multiple options available to fit your budget and design needs.

Now serving the entire Main Line area including Villanova, Malvern, Wayne, Ardmore, Berwyn, Haverford, Radnor, Narberth and surrounding towns, H&H Heating & Air Conditioning has all your summer cooling needs covered. Experience the difference our trusted A+ BBB rated services can make in the performance of your system. Contact us today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/best-air-conditioning-services-main-line-area/.

What does Nate Certified mean for HVAC?

As a homeowner, you’ll likely suffer the nail biting experience of selecting a heating and air conditioning service and repair company to tend to one of the most expensive appliances in your home. And many of the companies you’ll peruse will tout ‘NATE certification’ online (or on their apparel). Sounds like a good thing, right? But do you really know what it means?

What is “NATE”?
NATE is the North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians. Founded in 1997, it is nationally recognized and respected as the largest, most popular, and widely attained certification in the industry. NATE certification is not legally required to become an HVAC technician, but membership has its benefits…

What Are you Getting with a NATE Certified Tech?

NATE certification applies to individual technicians – NOT the HVAC service company. Technicians who earn NATE certification must pass a knowledge-based exam that identifies their real-world, working knowledge of HVAC systems. Developed and supported by industry professionals, the test and subsequent certifications were created to bring professionalism and high quality standards to the industry, as well as make it easier for consumers to identify quality HVAC service professionals. This means in choosing a NATE certified technician, you’re ensuring the best installation or air conditioning maintenance service available, better system performance and efficiency, and enhanced system lifespan.

How is NATE Certification Achieved?
NATE certification is no easy task. Because of their rigorous nature, a minimum of one-year work experience is recommended before attempting NATE certification tests. Tests include not only core knowledge ranging from basic construction, electrical, and scientific knowledge, but also include tool and safety essentials, as well as testing on how to achieve desired interior home comfort conditions. In addition to these core tests, technicians then choose to earn ‘Installation’ and/or ‘Service’ certification in an array of specialty areas ranging from air conditioning installation, distribution, and service to oil and gas heating installation and service. Some technicians (most of whom have at least five years’ experience) may also choose to earn ‘Senior Level Technician’ status, encompassing two specialty areas of certification, alongside a highly-challenging HVAC analyst efficiency exam.

NATE Certification Doesn’t Last Forever
Tests must be periodically retaken, and minimum continuing education requirements met each two years in order to maintain certification. This is to ensure certified technicians remain up-to-date on the latest in HVAC technology and industry knowledge, and ensure reliable HVAC service for consumers. If all technicians who represent a company are NATE certified, you can rest assured that company highly values the proven knowledge and skill of its workforce, and you’ll be receiving the highest quality service available.

Not All Technicians May Be NATE Certified
HVAC companies can advertise NATE with just 50% of technicians bearing certifications – so be certain to stipulate your desire for a NATE certified pro for your equipment.

You have a lot invested in your HVAC system. Protect it with the help of the friendly, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and 100% NATE certified staff of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us for superior service today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/what-does-nate-certified-mean-for-hvac/.

Emergency AC Repair in Villanova. We Come to Your rescue!

Emergency HVAC repair needs have you sweating bullets? Never fear, affordable emergency repair is here! Villanova residents, H&H Heating & Air Conditioning will have you back to cool comfort in no time.

24/7 Availability at NO Extra Cost to You
Because we understand unexpected AC breakdowns don’t always conveniently occur within normal, 9 to 5, Monday through Friday business hours, our air conditioning technicians are available 24 hours a day and 365 days of the year, serving within a 30 mile radius of our business – with NO overtime or after-hours charges applicable. Whether you need service Monday morning or Saturday night, weekday or holiday, you can count on the same, fair price. Our ‘warehouses on wheels' will arrive direct to your door with the tools and parts needed to get your system back up and running, fast.

100% Money-Back Guarantee and Straight Forward Pricing
Our services and equipment are backed by a 100%, no lemon, money-back comfort guarantee. And there will be no unexpected billing ‘surprises’ at the end of your chosen service, whether you’re receiving repairs, routine maintenance service, or a new AC installation – only the same price as the trustworthy, no-obligation quote you were given before you consent to service, with a full understanding of the services you’re receiving in advance.

NATE Certified, Experienced Professionals
The professionally trained, NATE certified team at H&H has been providing affordable and trustworthy heating and air conditioning services to the Delaware Valley area since 1985, installing top-of-the-line equipment from the nation’s leading manufacturers that deliver some of the best performance and warranties in the business.

Techs You Can Trust
Each and every one of our courteous HVAC technicians respects your family, home, and property, taking care to take the precautions necessary to keep your home clean with drop cloths and shoe covers – and taking the time to carefully attend to any messes at the end of service. We even offer property protection, replacing or repairing items damaged in the repair or installation process.

And That’s Not Where Our Skills End
In addition to emergency AC repair, H&H also provides…

• HVAC Installation
  From newly built homes to the replacement of antiquated systems.
• Heating & Cooling Repair & Service
  From furnaces and boilers to radiant floor heating solutions.
• Home Water Heater Maintenance & Installation
  Repair or maintain your existing water heater, or save on water heating costs with a new, high-efficiency system.
• Duct Cleaning & Indoor Air Quality Solutions
  To safeguard indoor air quality in your home, and protect your family against illness and allergy.
• Gas & Electric Home Fireplaces
  Affordable, easy-to-install, for warmth and supplemental heating in any home.
• Wine Cellar Installation & Repair
  Protect and preserve your wine collection with the latest in temperature and humidity control technology in a custom designed wine cellar cooling system.

AC breakdown left you feeling a little hot under the collar? Call H&H Heating & Air Conditioning emergency services to the rescue of your Villanova home now!

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/emergency-ac-repair-villanova/.

6 Common Air Pollutants Lurking in Your Home

Air pollution affects more than outside air, hiding in America’s homes and businesses and risking the health of inhabitants. In fact, the air inside your home can be up to five times more dangerous than the air outdoors. And the harmful air within your home can cause more than breathing issues – it can be a major risk factor for major diseases.

What Air Pollution Dangers are You Overlooking in Your Home?

1. Everyday pollutants.
   Household cleaners, air fresheners, detergents, fabric softeners, and many other products (even those not sprayed) can release harmful chemicals into the air of your home.
   
2. Upholstery & fabric pollutants.
   Pollutants trapped in drapes, couch cushions, bedding and more can dislodge and boost particles into the air with every movement.
   
3. VOCs.
   Found in many common items including carpeting, building materials, and furniture, VOCs are found in the air of nearly every indoor setting. Short-term effects include headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, nausea, eye and lung irritation.
   
4. Home heating pollutants.
   Heating systems are often a prime contributor to poor indoor air quality, whether a wood burning fireplace or gas furnace. Your AC units can also affect air, particularly those in need of an air filter or duct cleaning.
   
5. Moisture-related dangers.
   Moisture can lead to serious indoor air quality issues. Moisture encourages bacteria and mold growth, including the proliferation of dangerous, mycotoxin-producing black mold. Moisture also attracts pests, increasing the proliferation of dust mites, a top allergen.
   
6. Air freshener pollutants.
   While pollutants in the indoor air can create bad smells, masking them with air fresheners or candles only adds more toxins to the air you breathe.

Is Your Health Being Adversely Effected?
The link between air pollution and its effect on those with allergies and asthma is well-established. Children, the elderly, and infirm are at increased risk, experiencing deterioration in health when pollutants are present. Air pollution is also a well-established risk factor in lung and heart disease, brain health (stroke), and diabetes, with toxins disrupting insulin and inflammatory responses. Unfortunately, most homes do not have such effective air filtration – a primary reason why those who work in the home suffer higher cancer rates than those who work elsewhere.

Improving Air Quality
The only way to remove these dangerous pollutants from the indoor air you breathe is with proper ventilation and filtration. Luckily, the air in your home can be easily and effectively cleaned with the right ventilation measures, air cleaners, (de)humidifiers, and UV lights, alone or as part of your home heating and cooling system. Regularly changing and upgrading your HVAC air filter, and altering your cleaning choices, purchasing decisions and lifestyle can further safeguard the air in your home by reducing pollutants as well.

Americans spend 90% of their time indoors, leading the EPA to rank indoor air quality as one of the top five environmental health risks today. Is your family at-risk? Learn more about the latest in air cleaning technology. Contact the trusted professionals at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/6-common-air-pollutants-lurking-your-home/.