As spring swings into full effect, we are reintroduced into our worst nemesis: allergies. Every year, millions of people are affected by the onset of itchy eyes, scratchy throats, and runny noses.
The good news? There is something we can do for your air quality! Read on to learn how you can stop suffering from allergies and start enjoying the warm weather.
Colds & Allergies: What’s The Difference?
It is normal for many people to believe they are suffering from a common cold when in fact, they just have allergies. Colds are an infectious virus in the body and allergies are your body’s immune system responding to certain substances such as pollen, dust, grass, etc.
Unlike a cold, allergies are triggered when we come into contact with a certain environment or substance that our immune system distinguishes as a threat. Another major difference is the onset of symptoms.
If symptoms gradually get worse over a period of one or two days then you most likely are suffering from a cold. If the symptoms appear almost randomly, it could be allergies.
Common allergy symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Itchy or red eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Soreness of throat
- Wheezing
Pay attention to the symptoms.
Although common colds and allergies have similar symptoms, there are a few ways you can tell the difference. Ask yourself:
- How long have my symptoms been present? Common cold symptoms tend to linger away after about a week or so of intense symptoms. Allergies can last as long as you’re exposed to the specific element.
- Do you have a fever? Fevers typically don’t accompany allergies and is usually a symptom of a cold.
- Are the symptoms predictable? If your body reacts in a similar way every time you come into contact with a substance or at the onset of a new season, you could be experiencing seasonal allergies.
What is Duct Cleaning & How Can it Help?
In our homes live hundreds of elements that we don’t ever see or think about. For example, when’s the last time you actually thought about your heating and cooling systems that you’ve come to rely on and appreciate so much?
Well, unfortunately, many of us don’t ever think about these systems and only when it’s too late do we focus on the maintenance and cleanliness of them. Our air ducts are susceptible to all kinds of buildup such as dust, pollen, and in the worst case scenario, mold.
When our air ducts have been compromised, all of the air that we breathe in is composed of debris, dirt, and other elements. Hence, the onset of allergies. To prevent this from happening, we have to actively take a stand against dusty ducts. Hiring an HVAC professional is the most reliable way to ensure that your home has the best quality of air possible.
A trained HVAC service usually consists of specialized tools utilized to remove debris from air ducts. That process is followed by the removal of any remaining dirt by a high powered vacuum cleaner. Some service providers will take it a step further by applying chemical biocides to eliminate any other allergy-causing substances that may be still living inside the ducts. Remember, these services should always be performed by a professional. If not done correctly and completely, you will risk recontamination.
Calling a Professional Before It’s Too Late
Unfortunately, most people aren’t even aware of infected ducts until they have to be seen by a medical professional. If you ask us, that’s way too late.
We strongly value the safety of our clients and it is our priority to eliminate the risks that come along with having filthy ducts.
At RupCoe Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we are your expert HVAC service providers! Give us a call today to find out how duct cleaning services can benefit you.
