Is Your AC Bothering Your Allergies?

With the summer heat reaching its peak, many people are shutting their windows and turning up their air conditioners. While the cool air is nice, some may find they’re experiencing dry eyes, stuffy noises, itchy skin, and more.  

Could your air conditioning be the cause? 

The Darkside of Central Air Systems 

Central air conditioning can be a wonderful thing. It allows you to have real time control over the temperature of a home or building, providing much needed comfort during the warm months of the year. 

Even on more mild days, those with allergies often rely on their AC instead of opening windows due to pollen. However, left unchecked, your HVAC system can actually spread agitators, bacteria, germs, and more throughout your home or office. Over time, dust and debris build up in your ducts and AC unit. 

When the AC runs, it stirs up these elements, sending them out of your vents and into the air around you. This can trigger watery eyes, itchy skin, runny noses, and more. Those with asthma may find it harder to breath. The cold, dark environments of air ducts can also be the perfect place for mold and mildew to the develop. This can cause further problems and pose a health risk to those in the building. 

What Can Be Done? 

Regularly changing your HVAC filter is a key part of maintaining air quality and the efficiency of your AC. The length of time between filter changes can depend on the type of filter being used, as well as how many people are present, whether or not there are pets, and more. 

Even then, changing your air filter isn’t enough. In order to keep your air truly clean and free of harmful particles, your air ducts and HVAC system should be inspected and cleaned regularly as well. Having your air ducts clean can reduce dust, improve air quality, increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and more. 

Cleaning your air ducts and HVAC system can help significantly. Your air ducts should be professionally inspected and cleaned every three to five years. If you’ve been noticing an increase in agitation and allergies since using your AC, it may be time to schedule an inspection.  

For air duct cleaning in Dayton and Springfield, Ohio, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Company today! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Radon Testing Before Basement Renovation

Short-term tests typically run for 48 to 96 hours. That’s enough to get a clear baseline before renovation. If you're on a tight timeline, we offer same-day professional radon testing, using calibrated digital monitors with faster turnaround and higher accuracy.

🛠️ Pro Tip: Schedule your test at least a week before framing or insulation begins — that gives you time to take action if mitigation is needed.

Often, yes. Finishing a basement reduces natural ventilation, seals air pathways, and creates negative pressure zones — all of which can trap radon gas inside. We frequently see radon levels double or triple after renovation.

If you plan to install drywall, flooring, or closed-cell insulation, test first. It's much harder to retrofit a system once the space is finished.

Absolutely. In fact, newer energy-efficient homes are often more airtight, which can amplify radon accumulation.
Radon isn’t about age — it’s about soil conditions, slab construction, and airflow. We’ve mitigated brand-new builds in Columbus that tested over 10.0 pCi/L before occupancy.

The EPA recommends testing every 2 years, but after a basement remodel, you should test immediately after the work is complete — even if you tested beforehand.

🎯 And if you already have a radon mitigation system, make sure to re-test after any HVAC upgrades, insulation changes, or new construction that may affect airflow.

  • Below 2.0 pCi/L: No action needed — considered low risk.
  • 2.0 to 3.9 pCi/L: Consider mitigation, especially if children live in the home.
  • 4.0+ pCi/L: The EPA’s action threshold. Mitigation is strongly advised.

🔎 We’ve seen plenty of “borderline” homes spike to dangerous levels after finishing — so if you're anywhere near 4.0 pCi/L, don't wait.

Final Takeaway: Test First, Then Build

The only way to ensure a safe renovation is through early detection. Testing for radon before finishing your basement isn’t just smart — it’s essential.

Call (614) 799-8530 to schedule a professional radon consultation Licensed. Proven. Local. - Get answers before you build — and breathe cleaner air afterward.

Serving Columbus, Dayton, Springfield, Cincinnati, and all of Central Ohio

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