Harvey W. Hottel, Inc.

Since 1945

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Cleaning Your Northern Virginia HVAC Unit to Reduce Harmful Effects of Home Allergens

It's no surprise that spending time outdoors can trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions to such agents as grass, pollen, and dirt. However, it may surprise you that poor indoor air quality can create more allergens, such as mold, pet dander, and dust mites, as well as a greater detrimental effect on your health than outdoor allergens. There are many causes of poor indoor air quality, with improperly maintained central heating and air systems, or HVAC units, as the main catalyst. A step as simple as regularly scheduled air duct cleaning can make an enormous improvement in indoor air quality. Regular HVAC cleaning and maintenance will remove mold, decrease allergens, and positively affect he environment of your Northern Virginia household.

HVAC-related sources of poor indoor air quality include:

• Dirty, damaged, or poorly designed air filters that allow dust particles, pet dander, and other allergens to circulate freely through the home, instead of being caught in the filter. Clogged filters will also cause a strain on your HVAC system and ultimately shorten its lifespan.
• Dirty or malfunctioning ductwork that allows mold, dust, and other particles into your home, as the ductwork flaw is usually located in an area that bypasses the filter. Regular air duct cleaning and inspection is recommended.
• Improperly maintained and/or improperly sized HVAC systemsthat eventually harbor, and then spread allergens in your home.
• Poor home ventilation that leads to higher levels of humidity, which can increase the presence of allergens and contaminants.

Homeowners must have their HVAC duct systems routinely inspected and maintained in order to maximize efficiency and make sure they're working properly. Air filters should be changed regularly, and if you suspect mold may be growing within your system, you should consider having the air ducts cleaned. When finding a company to inspect and clean your HVAC system, make sure you hire a company with professional experience in following proper protocol. Inadequate technique and equipment can cause dust, dirt, allergens, and pollen to be expelled throughout your whole system, resulting in extensive duct damage.

Contact Harvey W. Hottel Inc. to perform an inspection of your home HVAC unit and duct system. Harvey W. Hottel's staff of highly trained professionals specializes in HVAC inspection, in addition to heating and air conditioning, plumbing, and geothermal services. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Harvey W. Hottel serves the entire Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and Washington metropolitan area.