The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America defines an allergic reaction as your immune system's release of antibodies to fight anything it sees as a threat. An allergy attack may include a rash, itchy eyes, a runny nose, or sneezing. Allergen exposure can be especially dangerous for people with asthma, auto-immune disorders, or respiratory conditions. When winter ends, allergen production skyrockets and mold, pollen, and other allergens find their way into your home. Asthma and allergy symptoms worsen, and antihistamines and eye drops aren't always enough to keep them at bay. You can figh ..read more

According to a 2017 research done by U.S. Census Bureau,  358,000 single-family homes  were built with a fireplace, and 280,000 sold with at least one. This shows that a fireplace is a necessity for many people - whether for its warmth or its ambiance. However, you need to properly maintain your fireplace to protect its structural integrity and retain efficiency. Most users usually pay less attention to fireplace maintenance, and in turn, they always experience numerous problems. Your fireplace is the focal point of your house, and so if it is not in good condition, it shall negat ..read more

Were the previous owners of your home smokers? If your new house still smells like their old smoke, take a look at what you need to know about HVAC systems, air ducts, and professional cleaning. Don't Use Air Fresheners or Scented Candles Even though air fresheners and other similar scented products can temporarily mask a smoky odor, they won't solve the problem. Over time, your home's HVAC system pulls indoor air pollutants (such as cigarette smoke) through the filter, ducts, and vents. This spreads the smoky smell into almost every area of your home. A one-room air freshener plug-in, po ..read more

There's a lot to consider during a renovation project. In addition to sourcing supplies, hiring contractors, and making plans, you have to worry about cleaning up the mess once the whole thing is complete. While much of the disruption left behind by remodeling is visible, there's one part of your home where more subtle problems can occur: your HVAC ductwork. Although you might not initially notice a problem, ductwork issues tend to grow worse and become more evident over time. If you're planning to remodel your home or have recently completed a remodeling project, then these three tips will ..read more

While some mold infestations will take place where mold growth is directly visible, many are harder to detect. Mold likes to hide in dark, damp areas of your home that are seldom looked at, so homeowners need to be aware of other symptoms of mold growth so they aren't caught off guard. Here is an overview of four ways you can spot a mold problem in your home. 1. Musty Odor If you can't see any mold growth in your home, the next most obvious sign is the characteristic odor that mold causes. The smell of different species of mold can vary somewhat, but all mold has an odor with a damp, musty ..read more

Chimney cleaning is essential maintenance to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Burning wood in your fireplace produces creosote, a flammable byproduct that coats the interior of your chimney. Fortunately, there are a few signs you can watch out for that can indicate creosote buildup before it reaches dangerous levels. Here are four signs it's time for a chimney cleaning. 1. Difficulty Starting or Maintaining Fire A fireplace requires a delicate balance of airflow through the chimney. If your chimney is coated with creosote, it could prevent enough oxygen from reaching your fireplace to crea ..read more

Mice and even rats can look adorable in a pet store. Don't let their cleaned-up appearance fool you, though. In the wild, they are pests. And just like any pests, they can get into your home to plague you. Granted, that's not their intention - they're just trying to survive. However, a rodent infestation can be a problem. One entrance for them is your system of air ducts. A single rodent in your air duct system might not be immediately apparent. However, as they build their home and reproduce in the air ducts, they can cause health issues. Follow the steps below if you think you have rodent ..read more

Ductwork maintenance is easy to forget since your ducts are hidden behind your home's walls. Dust and mold that build up in and around your ducts can cause more frequent allergies and significantly reduce indoor air quality. Here are five signs you should know that could mean it's time for a professional duct cleaning. 1. Dirty Furnace Interior or Filter The easiest way to get an idea of the amount of dust and dirt in your ducts is to look inside your furnace. All the air in your system is recycled inside the furnace, so the cleanliness of your furnace is indicative of the state of your du ..read more

Air ducts are a key component of any HVAC system. Unfortunately, they don't receive the recognition they deserve. In fact, air ducts are often overlooked entirely. Many people either wait too long to have them cleaned, or avoid the procedure altogether. Both of those practices wreak havoc on your HVAC system and your health. Not only that, but many people fail to replace their filters on a regular basis, which adds to the dirt and debris that builds up inside the ducts. Before you go another year without cleaning your ducts, take a look at the list provided below. These are the risks you fa ..read more

Your AC system needs more than a yearly coolant top-off to stay healthy and function optimally. It requires great airflow, a functioning duct system, protection from pests, and more. Here are three types of duct-related maintenance you need in order to keep your unit at the top of its game. 1. Duct Cleaning and Testing In addition to losing cooled or heated air, duct leaks can also allow polluted air into the system. So if you discover that your ducts have been leaking, that could mean it's time to have them cleaned out. If your HVAC system has recently been operating with clogged air filt ..read more