Is your house making you unwell?  our
experts offer practical prescriptions for
a healthier home - and a healthier you.

A man’s home is his castle. But what if yours is a haven for harmful chemicals, mold, fungi, bacteria and other things that make you go ewww? It’s enough to make you lower the drawbridge and make a run for it.

Relax, improving your home’s health needn’t sound so drastic. Whether it’s time to address surface issues such as carpet and paint, or delve into your home’s deep, dark corners, Valley business owners offer advice on how and why to clean up your act.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning ducts every two years. Prior to occupancy, buyers of new homes should also schedule a cleaning to remove dust and debris that accumulated during construction.

Get your ducts in a row
In Phoenix, high-pollution advisories tell us what to expect when we’re outside. But if you need to enforce air quality standards on the inside, cleaning your HVAC’s duct work is a good start. This goes double for smokers and pet owners or those with breathing difficulties, allergies or frequent colds.

“Duct cleaning helps with cold germs, spores, Valley Fever and allergies, and it restores your unit’s efficiency,” says Sharon Altenhoff, owner of Air Quality Specialists, Inc. in Glendale. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning ducts every two years. Prior to occupancy, buyers of new homes should also schedule a cleaning to remove dust and debris that accumulated during construction.

When selecting an air duct cleaning company, Altenhoff recommends two things: Find one that is NADCA-certified, and find one trained in ventilation systems mold remediation in case your contractor encounters the M-word.
 
Don’t be shy about asking your contractor to help you conduct a visual inspection – using a mirror and flashlight or remote camera – during or after the cleaning. And homeowners with rooftop A/C units will want to ask contractors to check for pigeon droppings or even roof rats.