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Hidden Allergens in the Attic: Why Old Ductwork is Ruining Your Indoor Air Quality This Spring

Spring should bring fresher air into your home, not more sneezing, coughing, and allergy flare-ups. Yet many homeowners notice that their indoor allergies seem worse this time of year, even when they regularly dust, vacuum, and replace their HVAC filters. What many people do not realize is that the real problem could be hidden above their ceiling.

Your attic ductwork plays a major role in indoor air quality. When ducts become damaged, disconnected, contaminated, or worn out with age, they can spread allergens throughout your entire home every time the HVAC system runs. In many cases, duct cleaning alone is not enough to solve the issue.

Your Ductwork Could Be Circulating More Than Air

Duct systems are designed to safely move conditioned air from your HVAC unit into every room of the house. But over time, ducts can deteriorate, especially in older homes where systems may already be decades old.

Small problems inside the attic often go unnoticed because homeowners rarely see the ductwork itself. Meanwhile, your HVAC system continues pulling air through damaged sections and distributing contaminants throughout the home.

Common attic ductwork issues include:

  • Crushed or collapsed ducts restricting airflow
  • Loose or disconnected duct sections
  • Rodent damage and nesting materials
  • Dust and insulation entering torn duct lines
  • Mold growth caused by attic moisture
  • Air leaks pulling contaminants into the system

Once these pollutants enter the duct system, they can continuously circulate through your living spaces and negatively impact your indoor air quality.

Why Duct Cleaning Sometimes Fails

Many homeowners schedule duct cleaning hoping it will completely eliminate indoor allergy symptoms. While cleaning can remove some dust buildup, it cannot repair structural duct problems.

If your ductwork is damaged, disconnected, or contaminated by rodents, cleaning only addresses part of the issue. In some homes, the ducts are so deteriorated that they continue collecting pollutants immediately after cleaning is completed.

For example, if a disconnected duct is pulling dusty attic air directly into your HVAC system, no amount of surface cleaning inside the vents will stop contaminants from re-entering the airflow. Similarly, collapsed duct sections can trap debris and restrict circulation no matter how thoroughly the system is cleaned.

The condition of the ductwork itself matters just as much as cleanliness.

Hidden Rodent Damage Is More Common Than Homeowners Think

Attics provide warmth, shelter, and easy access for rodents. Unfortunately, flexible ductwork is highly vulnerable to chewing and nesting activity.

Rodents can:

  • Tear holes into duct lines
  • Leave droppings and urine inside the system
  • Spread bacteria and allergens
  • Pull insulation into vents for nesting
  • Cause major airflow loss

Even small punctures in the duct system can allow contaminated attic air to mix with the air your family breathes every day.

If you notice musty odors, uneven temperatures, rising energy bills, or worsening allergy symptoms, damaged attic ducts could be the source.

Older Glendora Homes Face Unique Ductwork Problems

Many homes throughout the foothill communities around Glendora still rely on aging duct systems that were installed decades ago. These older ducts were never designed to support today’s high-efficiency 2026 HVAC systems.

Modern heating and cooling equipment moves air differently and often requires improved airflow performance to operate efficiently. Older duct systems may be undersized, poorly sealed, or partially collapsed, creating major airflow restrictions.

When airflow becomes restricted, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain indoor comfort. That extra strain can lead to:

  • Higher Edison utility bills
  • Reduced heating and cooling performance
  • Uneven room temperatures
  • Increased system wear and tear
  • Poor indoor air quality

In many foothill homes, replacing damaged ductwork can dramatically improve comfort, efficiency, and air cleanliness at the same time.

Warning Signs Your Ductwork May Need More Than Cleaning

It is not always obvious when attic ductwork has failed. However, several warning signs often point to larger hidden problems.

Watch for symptoms such as:

  • Excessive Dust Around Vents: If dust quickly returns after cleaning your home, damaged ducts may be pulling attic debris into the system.
  • Uneven Airflow: Weak airflow in certain rooms often indicates collapsed or disconnected ducts.
  • Persistent Allergy Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy eyes, headaches, and respiratory irritation that worsen indoors may be linked to contaminated ductwork.
  • Rising Energy Costs: Leaky or restricted ducts force your HVAC system to run longer and consume more electricity.
  • Strange Noises or Odors: Rattling, scratching, musty smells, or stale odors may indicate rodent activity or duct damage inside the attic.

Professional Inspections Reveal Problems You Cannot See

Because most duct systems are hidden above ceilings or inside attic spaces, professional inspections are the best way to uncover hidden damage.

An experienced HVAC technician can inspect for:

  • Air leaks
  • Disconnected duct sections
  • Rodent contamination
  • Mold growth
  • Improper duct sizing
  • Airflow restrictions
  • Insulation damage
  • Aging materials nearing failure

In many cases, homeowners are surprised to learn how much conditioned air is being lost before it ever reaches the living space.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality This Spring

If your home still feels dusty or your allergies continue despite changing filters and cleaning vents, your attic ductwork could be the real problem. Damaged ducts can quietly circulate allergens, insulation particles, and contaminants throughout your home for years.

A professional ductwork inspection can identify whether your system simply needs sealing and repairs or if replacement is the better long-term solution.

Schedule a Professional Ductwork Inspection Today

At Accurate Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air, we help homeowners identify hidden ductwork problems that affect comfort, efficiency, and indoor air quality. Our team can inspect your attic duct system, locate leaks or damage, and recommend the right solution for cleaner, healthier air. To get started, contact us today!

Beat the Heat: The Importance of Pre-Summer HVAC Servicing with Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air

As the sunny skies and warmer temperatures of summer begin to make their appearance in Glendora, CA, preparing your home for the upcoming heat becomes a top priority. At Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air, we understand that your home’s comfort and safety are paramount, especially during the intense summer months. Servicing your HVAC unit before the mercury rises isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for several compelling reasons. Here’s why getting your HVAC system in top shape with Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air is crucial before the summer heat waves hit.

 

  1. Ensure Uninterrupted Comfort

The primary role of your HVAC system is to keep you comfortable throughout the year. As summer temperatures continue to increase each year, a well-maintained HVAC system is your first line of defense against the heat. Servicing your unit prior to summer ensures it operates efficiently, providing consistent cooling without unexpected breakdowns. Remember, discomfort from the heat isn’t just an inconvenience; it can significantly affect your health and well-being, especially for young children and the elderly.

 

  1. Prevent Costly Emergency Repairs

Summer is the peak season for HVAC systems, and it’s also when they’re most likely to fail due to increased demand. Pre-summer servicing by the professionals at Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air can identify and address potential issues before they lead to major problems. This proactive approach can save you from the inconvenience and expense of emergency repairs when you least want them—during the hottest days of the year.

 

  1. Enhance Energy Efficiency and Reduce Costs

An HVAC system that’s been finely tuned will operate more efficiently, using less energy to cool your home. This efficiency translates into lower energy bills, providing significant savings over the course of the hot summer months. Servicing includes cleaning and replacing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and ensuring all components are in optimal condition, which all contribute to improved energy efficiency.

 

  1. Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC Unit

Regular maintenance, especially before heavy use periods like summer, can significantly extend the life of your HVAC system. Just like a car, your HVAC unit needs regular check-ups to ensure its longevity. By addressing wear and tear early, you prevent the cumulative effect of minor issues that can lead to a system failure or the need for a premature replacement.

 

  1. Improve Indoor Air Quality

The quality of your indoor air is crucial for your comfort and health. An HVAC system that’s been well-maintained not only cools your home but also filters out pollutants, allergens, and dust. Servicing your unit ensures that air filters are clean and the system is free of debris, providing you with cleaner, healthier air to breathe during the summer months.

 

  1. Peace of Mind

Finally, knowing that your HVAC system has been professionally serviced and is ready to handle the summer heat gives you peace of mind. You can relax and enjoy the summer, confident that your home will remain a cool, comfortable refuge from the outdoor heat.

 

Conclusion

As the summer season approaches in Glendora, CA, ensuring your HVAC system is in prime condition is essential. Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air offers professional, reliable HVAC servicing to prepare your system for the summer heat, ensuring it runs efficiently, reliably, and safely. Don’t wait for the first wave of heat to find out your HVAC system isn’t up to the task. Contact us today to schedule your pre-summer HVAC servicing and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable home all summer long.

Breathe Easy: The Importance of Changing Air Filters in Your Glendora Home

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment, there’s an often overlooked hero quietly working behind the scenes: your HVAC system’s air filter. In Glendora, California, where the weather can vary from hot and dry to cooler temperatures, ensuring the efficiency of your HVAC system is essential. Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air is here to shed light on the crucial role that changing air filters plays in the well-being of your home and family.

 

Clean Air for a Healthy Home

Your home is your sanctuary, and the air you breathe indoors has a direct impact on your health and well-being. Air filters are your first line of defense against airborne pollutants, allergens, dust, and other particles that can be harmful, especially to those with respiratory issues or allergies. In a region like Glendora, where the Santa Ana winds can stir up dust and debris, having a clean air filter is paramount.

 

Efficiency Equals Savings

A clogged air filter can be a major hindrance to your HVAC system’s efficiency. When air filters become dirty and congested, your system has to work harder to circulate air, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Regularly changing your air filters not only improves your indoor air quality but also helps keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

 

Prolonging the Life of Your HVAC System

Investing in an HVAC system is a significant financial commitment, and you want to ensure it lasts as long as possible. A clean air filter prevents dirt and debris from accumulating within your system’s components, reducing wear and tear. By changing your air filter regularly, you’re not only maintaining indoor air quality but also extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. This is especially important in Glendora’s climate, where your system may be working harder during both hot summers and cooler winters.

 

Maintaining Consistent Airflow

Imagine trying to breathe through a straw that’s partially blocked – it’s not easy, right? The same principle applies to your HVAC system. A clogged air filter restricts the flow of air, which can result in uneven heating or cooling throughout your home. Some areas might be too warm while others are too cold, leading to discomfort and frustration. By changing your air filter on a regular basis, you ensure consistent and even airflow, creating a comfortable environment in every room.

 

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

The frequency of air filter changes depends on various factors, including the type of filter you’re using, the number of occupants in your home, the presence of pets, and local environmental conditions. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to check your air filter every 1 to 3 months and replace it as needed. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers might benefit from more frequent filter changes.

 

Conclusion

In Glendora, California, where residents cherish the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains and the tranquil lifestyle, maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment is paramount. Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air understands the unique HVAC needs of the Glendora community and is dedicated to helping you create a home where you can breathe easy.

 

Don’t underestimate the power of a clean air filter. It’s not just a piece of hardware; it’s your home’s first line of defense against pollutants and a key factor in the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. Regularly changing your air filter is a small but impactful step toward ensuring your family’s well-being and enjoying optimal comfort year-round. So, let’s work together to keep your Glendora home’s air clean, crisp, and refreshing!

Breathe Easy: The Importance of Changing Air Filters in Your Glendora Home

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment, there’s an often overlooked hero quietly working behind the scenes: your HVAC system’s air filter. In Glendora, California, where the weather can vary from hot and dry to cooler temperatures, ensuring the efficiency of your HVAC system is essential. Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air is here to shed light on the crucial role that changing air filters plays in the well-being of your home and family.

 

Clean Air for a Healthy Home

Your home is your sanctuary, and the air you breathe indoors has a direct impact on your health and well-being. Air filters are your first line of defense against airborne pollutants, allergens, dust, and other particles that can be harmful, especially to those with respiratory issues or allergies. In a region like Glendora, where the Santa Ana winds can stir up dust and debris, having a clean air filter is paramount.

 

Efficiency Equals Savings

A clogged air filter can be a major hindrance to your HVAC system’s efficiency. When air filters become dirty and congested, your system has to work harder to circulate air, leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. Regularly changing your air filters not only improves your indoor air quality but also helps keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

 

Prolonging the Life of Your HVAC System

Investing in an HVAC system is a significant financial commitment, and you want to ensure it lasts as long as possible. A clean air filter prevents dirt and debris from accumulating within your system’s components, reducing wear and tear. By changing your air filter regularly, you’re not only maintaining indoor air quality but also extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. This is especially important in Glendora’s climate, where your system may be working harder during both hot summers and cooler winters.

 

Maintaining Consistent Airflow

Imagine trying to breathe through a straw that’s partially blocked – it’s not easy, right? The same principle applies to your HVAC system. A clogged air filter restricts the flow of air, which can result in uneven heating or cooling throughout your home. Some areas might be too warm while others are too cold, leading to discomfort and frustration. By changing your air filter on a regular basis, you ensure consistent and even airflow, creating a comfortable environment in every room.

 

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?

The frequency of air filter changes depends on various factors, including the type of filter you’re using, the number of occupants in your home, the presence of pets, and local environmental conditions. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to check your air filter every 1 to 3 months and replace it as needed. Homes with pets or allergy sufferers might benefit from more frequent filter changes.

 

Conclusion

In Glendora, California, where residents cherish the beauty of the San Gabriel Mountains and the tranquil lifestyle, maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment is paramount. Accurate Electric Plumbing Heating & Air understands the unique HVAC needs of the Glendora community and is dedicated to helping you create a home where you can breathe easy.

 

Don’t underestimate the power of a clean air filter. It’s not just a piece of hardware; it’s your home’s first line of defense against pollutants and a key factor in the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. Regularly changing your air filter is a small but impactful step toward ensuring your family’s well-being and enjoying optimal comfort year-round. So, let’s work together to keep your Glendora home’s air clean, crisp, and refreshing!

Air Conditioning Vs. QuietCool

 This is the ultimate matchup for cooling comfort in your home.  Do you run the air conditioner constantly eating an oversized power bill, or do you flip on the QuietCool fan and take advantage of a low-costing energy-efficient system? Does running the air conditioning win the day, or will the QuietCool surprise everyone jumping from the top ropes, double-suplexing the competition and win the crowd?  Two titans of home technology built to make your life more comfortable and you have choices. 

Saying that an Air Conditioner and QuietCool Fans are similar when comparing an Android and iPhone would be incorrect.  In fact each system actually works completely different and while the results are excellent in both cases, the variables from the outdoors have a crucial impact.  

How they work:

Your air conditioning system keeps your house from sweltering by using a compressor, specialized fan and a ventilation system.  When functioning properly, cool air is distributed throughout your home regularly to maintain the preferred temperature. An air conditioner is a work of art to any technician.  Air conditioners keep people alive, keep families cool, and offer what much of history lacked before the twentieth century – healthy and comfortable accommodations.  

QuietCool Fans operate by replacing your inside air with the outdoor air.  Whenever the outside temperature is cooler, you open your windows and turn on the QuietCool fan which pulls air into your attic, while simultaneously pushing the hot stale air outside. Usually, the whole house fan is installed within the attic of your home or ceiling area above your living space. QuietCool fans don’t use compression or freon or any other type of chemical.  QuietCool is a natural process that essentially shifts air to fit your comfort. 

So put air conditioning and QuietCool in a wrestling ring and let these two processes bash it out.  Which do you think would walk away with a championship belt? Here’s the first part of that answer:

Temperature

 Air conditioning can definitely cool your home, but in actuality, it doesn’t always cool every part of your house.  If you have multiple levels to your home, or your property stretches out narrowly, your air conditioner may have to work harder to create all the cool air in order to keep everyone comfortable. 

QuietCool exchanges air every 3-4 minutes by taking in the cooler air outside.  A QuietCool fan can literally cool your home 20 degrees less by circulating cooler air and pushing out all that stale hot air that’s been sitting around all day.  If outside temperatures are not too extreme QuietCool can cool a house even better than an air conditioner.

Air Quality

 Air conditioning can make a house cooler and is very dependable.  However, if your ductwork hasn’t been clean or your vents have built-up dust, this can cause the circulation of pollutants.  Air quality is in a sealed environment and can expose you to indoor air pollution.

QuietCool Fans pull air from the outside, so typically the air quality is healthier from a QuietCool fan.  However, this also depends on the outside environment where you live. If you reside in a highly polluted area, you actually may be causing yourself more harm by bringing in the outside air.  Obviously, if you live in the mountains or away from the big city, you probably have cleaner air outside so QuietCool can do wonders for your health. Again it depends on your allergies or the time of year with pollens and vegetation blooming. 

Energy

QuietCool fans run for a fraction of the cost from the amount of energy an air conditioning system uses.  You know how Rancho Cucamonga feels in August. And we all account for our power bill to go up in the summer because we run the air conditioner constantly.  QuietCool fans run use about 90% less energy than air conditioners.  

Still, for humid areas or warmer evening temperatures, the air conditioner can be counted on as a comfort provider.  So while the energy savings is there with a QuietCool fan, it’s not always the best scenario.  

Cost

During summer months, depending on the size of your property, air conditioning can cause your power bill to increase almost $300 more.  QuietCool fans can run in your house 24/7 for pennies.  

Noise

Some air conditioning systems can create noise either by their fans or internal mechanical parts. QuietCool fans are virtually silent.  Some homeowners do find the noise from an air conditioner comforting, plus you know that it’s on and running! QuietCool fans are like new cars with electric starts that barely even hum.

Collaboration:

You may be thinking QuietCool fans are the stronger choice over air conditioning systems.  While this is partially true in some cases, the real truth of the matter is that together as a team, QuietCool Fans and a solid air conditioning system can do wonders for both your interior comfort and your wallet. 

You can interchange the two and use them according to the weather, the time of year and the environment you live in.  For instance, utilizing the fresh air that QuietCool Fans provide by pulling outside air can help clean what’s circulated during those hot days you want to use the air conditioner.  When the heat lets up outside, you can utilize the QuietCool fans to help bring down that uncomfortable temperature when it is in reach.  

QuietCool Fans can alleviate the hot air within your house and you can top off the temperature if need be with a few blasts from the air conditioner.  Now that Smart Home technology allows you to monitor how much energy you are using, keeping track of your power usage has never been easier. If you find you think you’ve been running the AC too long, you can switch it up by turning on the QuietCool fans.  The combination is a bonafide sure way to keep your energy bills down and keeping your home nothing less than exceptionally pleasing.

Your HVAC System Could Be Making Your Home Dusty

Does your home seem overwhelmingly dusty these days?  When the Pledge is running dry, and it seems like you are going through swiffer packs like a kleenex box during pollen season, there is more at play than just spring.  When dust is between piano keys, behind the television, your lampshades have hints of lint, the bookshelves with new books are already looking old and your kitchen has a glaze of winter, it’s a safe bet your HVAC system is causing this mess.

If your cleaning habits have increased and the amount of dust accumulating is even more, it’s time to take strategic action. The actual term ‘Dirty Thirties’ refers to the 1930s Dust Bowl in the United States, but we’ve come along way since then. It’s completely possible your cat or dog has sabotaged your vacuum cleaner but honestly here’s why your HVAC system is to blame for making your home extra dusty:

Ductwork Leaks

When there are leaks or cracks in your ductwork, outside air unpredictably can flow in at ease.  Depending on the geographical makeup of your neighborhood, you may experience more wind than some other homes.  Regardless, air will seep through and when it does it can get sucked into your ventilation when you use your HVAC system.  Outside air carries pollens, pollutants, debris and dust that can all build up really fast if you don’t find the leaks and patch them. This dirty air will enter your main ventilation and make its way throughout your home.

Air Duct Cleaning

If your air ducts haven’t been cleaned for some time or you do have leakage issues, a debris buildup can happen fast.  Think of a big pile of sand sitting on your kitchen table with a ceiling fan above it. Every time you turn on your ceiling fan what do you think the sand on your kitchen table will do?  Dirty ducts circulate all of the air throughout your home when you use your heater or air conditioning. If it seems dust is accumulating more than usual, think about how often you’ve been using your HVAC system.  The source could be coming from directly outside if there are leaks, but if you haven’t had an air duct cleaning for some time, dirty air is already in your home and circulating at will.

Failing Filtration

If your filters are failing or you use an unreliable brand, dirty air can be a result of this.  You should be changing your filters regularly with the changing of the seasons and at least quarterly through the year.  Depending on the weather and what part of Southern California you live in, winds and dry air can also make a difference.

Dirty air filters can bog down your HVAC system by causing it to work harder than it has to in order to meet the temperature demands from your thermostat. This strains your unit and will also increase your energy bills every month.  Don’t pay extra while you are spending your spare time dusting!

If you haven’t cleaned your air ducts or you do have leaks, the dirty air could be coming from a lack of clean filtration on your HVAC system. Remember that filters, air ducts, and vents are all part of your HVAC system.  

Dusty Neighborhood Location 

Some homeowners are lucky enough to be weather forgiving areas of Southern California.  In Glendora and Rancho Cucamonga, there are also areas that get plenty of wind whether it comes in from the ocean or off the foothills of the mountains.  All of the air outside contains debris, dust, and particles from the natural environment. Not all of these belong in your home.

Think about the general area where your home is located and the sides of your home that get most of the wind and weather action.  Are there outside vents opening to those areas? Do you have trees or small habitats that are inviting for critters and their critter friends to live? Scheduling an air duct cleaning might help you get a piece of mind if you haven’t lately. There has been plenty of rain already in 2019 and if there has been moisture build up you will also want to avoid any mildew or mold getting into your home’s air.

HVAC Maintenance Needed

Does it get dusty every other day when you know quite well that your filters are clean and your leaks are patched?  It’s probably time to have a professional see what’s happening under the hood. If you are running your HVAC system and your cleaning activity has reached Olympic level, the only other answer for all the dust could be a much-needed maintenance appointment on your heating and air system.  A professional can always get into the places that are difficult if you don’t have HVAC experience or know how to service your system. Our Accurate team can help you with finding out what or who is to blame for all the dust. We’ve been working on Southern California HVAC systems for years and we know that it’s highly unlikely your dirty air is only an inside job by your dog or cat.

Los Angeles County and Orange County are unique with all the automobiles we have and the exhaust we are susceptible to in our environment.  If you have asthma, allergies, or think your air quality isn’t what it should be, call us at Accurate. We can help you find a solution and get rid of all of your dust problems.  Even if you are in your thirties, they don’t have to be your dirty thirties.

How You Can Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

The great outdoors may not be totally to blame for your seasonal allergies. The quality of your air inside your home can also carry bacteria and viruses in the dust and dirt that travels through your air ducts. Watch our video to learn more about the different cleaning products that can be installed in your home to improve the quality of your indoor air.

Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Miriam Johnson, co-host from the tv series Hometime. Well, it’s that time of year again, a time of year when sneezing, itchy eyes, headaches, sore throat, ear infections can all come on fast. Certain times of year can be debilitating for some people. You miss school, work, and life can be miserable.

Did you know a big part of it could be the indoor air you breathe? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, unhealthy indoor air can trigger infections, fever, flu, bronchitis, even chronic asthma. You know the air may look okay, but if you could see what’s floating around and what’s on every surface, you’d cringe. So what can you do about it? Well, you clean the air inside your home. Here are so products that I recommend to clean, deodorize, and disinfect your home naturally. Replace your traditional air filter with a polarized media air cleaner. This advanced air cleaner captures up to 97% of particles and allergens in the air, including pet dander, pollen, and mold. Next, ultraviolet or UV sea lamps slow the growth of mold and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses, like the flu, that are in the air and on surfaces. And this, a whole home HEPA filter. Now, this is going to remove 99.97% of particles in the air, clearing out smoke, dust, pollen, and pet dander. Best thing is, all of the products can be easily installed in most homes. If you’d like more information on better indoor air for your home, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you out!

Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

Air quality can be a concern when you live in Los Angeles County and Orange County. The environment you live in directly affects the air quality within your home, and as Southern Californians, we are subjected to certain variables that threaten our air quality.

There’s no secret that in LA and surrounding areas there are a lot of cars. Automobile pollution has provided a good amount of smog to the air, but the geographical makeup of Southern California intensifies this because of two things we actually enjoy. Mountains along the LA basin actually trap air pollution, which is blown inland from ocean breezes and weather. With all the sunshine we receive, a warm layer of air sits on top of cooler air thus preventing it from dispersing. This is like cooking broccoli in a pot. All the moisture in the air is trapped under the warm layer as if there was a lid over the pot, and the trapped air is absorbed.

With all the smog, pollutants and dust swirling around under the sun, it’s important to monitor the air quality within your home. Here are the best ways to improve your home’s air quality to avoid future health issues or getting sick, so you can stay comfortable and live healthily:

Keep your HVAC System Clean

Changing the filters regularly on your air-conditioner and heater can guarantee you will have cleaner airflow throughout your home. Dirty filters with built-up dust and debris only offer breathing hardships by blowing dirty air throughout your home when your HVAC system is on.

Keeping filters clean on your HVAC system is important not just for your health but the benefit of your air-conditioner’s performance. Clean filters mean better air quality and better efficiency when it comes to controlling the temperature and air movement throughout your home. You should also consider using a special HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter on your vacuum to absorb allergens and other indoor pollutants.

Ventilation

Your air ducts directly link to the outside air in your neighborhood environment. Air ducts should always be cleaned regularly. If you ignore monitoring the ventilation on your home, a build-up of dirt, debris, dust, and even small insect settlements or animal hideouts within your ductwork could affect your air quality.

Cleaning your air ducts will help rid your home of toxic air. If you find yourself dealing with allergies, runny noses, or asthma flare-ups more than usual, recall how long it has been since your air ducts were cleaned and inspected. You may not have to deal with being sick as much if you have clean air flowing through your home. There are significant signs your air ducts may need service or cleaning and we can help you breathe easy.

You can also open your windows when possible. It’s completely impossible to keep all combative air out of our homes because of the natural makeup of our environment. However, opening your windows does allow fresh air on good days to come in and replenish any musty or dusty air that’s been lingering inside. Again this depends on your neighborhood’s surrounding environment.

Humidity Levels

Believe it or not, keeping the air humidity in your home under control can affect the quality of the air you breath. Using either a dehumidifier or air-purifier can help control your humidity levels, which should be 30-50%. If you notice your body’s skin becoming easily irritated or your eyes, nose, and throat having irritation, this could be a sign that there is too much moisture in your air. Muggy air can also be the culprit for affecting what happens within the drywall of your home.

Moisture can help enhance the growth of molds with your walls that can cause you to have allergic reactions, big and small. Mildew grows on surfaces and inside walls where it gives off spores that people can inhale. If you are asthmatic or your children have asthma, you will want to monitor this especially. You can lower the risk of asthma attacks, and avoid getting sick with sinus infections or becoming subject to any other health issues that could arise from being exposed to mold. This happens a lot in homes with basements, and luckily in Los Angeles County and Orange County, basements are almost non-existent.

Cleaning with Caution

Using certain chemicals can actually be harmful to the air you breathe inside your home. Sure you may get that fresh lemon smell in the air, or experience that commercial taste of soap as your countertops and floors glisten, but be careful of the kind of cleaners you use. Ammonia-based cleaners and aerosols can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which have significant adverse health effects when exposed to the lungs. Fragranced products can be bad news if you are using them too much or too often. Sure everything might seem fresh and clean, but you a lot of these products are using petroleum. That doesn’t sound good, does it? Thankfully Accurate can help combat and eradicate pollutants with whole-house air cleaners and cleaning solutions that won’t harm you.

Tests

Getting to the root of the problem and identifying the real facts can be eye-opening and informative. One way to ensure air quality improvement in your home is to have a carbon monoxide and radon test. Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the natural decay of uranium in soils within the ground. Radon can enter your home if there are cracks within your property’s foundation. The problem with radon is that it is a colorless, odorless gas and it can cause lung cancer. While Los Angeles County and Orange County don’t have some of the problems that come with basements in dealing with mold, they do have to worry about radon because it can easily make its way in if your home does not have a basement.

Testing your air is relatively inexpensive and can give you a piece of mind. If your home does test for radon or carbon monoxide, there are relatively cheap ways to reduce it to less harmful levels. An air quality test may also reveal you don’t have to worry about radioactive gas and instead just work on your dirt and dust problem. You can develop a plan to improve your air quality based on the unique layout of your home.

Modern Technology

There are other strategies that can be categorized for improving air quality. You can bring in plants to try and absorb pollutants, get rid of old furniture and items that might be collecting dust or use special mattresses and pillows to fight off exposure to any other harmful mites or pollutants lingering in your home’s air.

Yet why not use modern technology to resist nasty air. One item that you can familiarize yourself with is QuietCool Fans. This is a system that Accurate stands behind which has proven to improve air quality while removing odors, pet dander and refreshing your home’s air more than 20 times an hour. Not only does this fan system improve your air quality but it will save you overall money on your air-conditioning costs. Here’s more if you are interested.

Air quality is extremely important when living in areas that have high potency in polluted air and pose health risks. Los Angeles County and Orange County are definitely beautiful places to live, but even beauty can have its own risks. Luckily these risks are easily manageable. Accurate can help you with improving your overall air quality and you have a ton of options in how you can take action. Stay healthy and breath easy!

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