With energy efficient upgrades, we delivered major allergy relief as well as increased comfort to a client of ours. She contacted us to schedule a Home Energy Evaluation, and she was primarily concerned with the overall energy efficiency of her home. However, she also suffered from extreme allergies and was taking several strong medications each day to control them.
We performed the Home Energy Evaluation, and the client hired us to perform upgrades. We sealed the duct work, air sealed throughout the home, and added insulation in the attic. She was thrilled with more evenly distributed heating/cooling. Additionally, she reported that she was now down to taking one mild medication for allergies. She attributes the allergy relief directly to the upgrade work.
The main cause was most likely due to the leaking duct work and air infiltration. Sealing the duct work stopped her HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system from bringing air from her dusty, allergen dense crawlspace/basement into the home’s interior. By sealing the ductwork (specifically the return side which pulls air into the HVAC system), we eliminated the path for allergens to enter and redistribute throughout the house via the duct system supplies. Additionally, by properly air sealing the home, we increased the overall performance of the building envelope and further reduced air infiltration. This prevents outdoor allergens from entering via wind and drafts around plumbing, electrical, and other penetrations.
A home’s HVAC system exists to keep you and other occupants comfortable. However, if it is not clean, it is moving dust and allergens around your home. Change your filter(s) regularly (this varies on pets in the home and other factors). Also, be sure to have your system checked and serviced (cleaned) at least once (if not twice) a year.
For more information on how Eco Three can help you find allergy relief with Home Energy Upgrades, contact us today!