Beat Allergy Season with These 5 Tips

Kimberly Graham • March 24, 2020

In these uncertain times with Covid-19 spreading, it's tempting--and easy, to self diagnose symptoms. It's important not to forget that it's allergy season as well.

Woman with allergies poor ventilation and HVAC

People are working from home, kids are studying at home, and daily life as we know it is changing. Many people are turning Google for answers at the slightest symptoms, but lets not forget that its also ALLERGY SEASON. And allergy season can wreak havoc with a person producing many of the same symptoms as the flu. Below are four ways you can help your house be haven

Clean your HVAC Ducts

If you open your ducts and take a look, you will probably find a nice blanket of dust coating the surface. And that’s because any debris that’s not filtered by your HVAC system will find shelter and stay in your ducts. When your home’s HVAC system runs, it pulls air through the registers and moves it into the furnace or air conditioner for heating or cooling. From there, the air moves through the system’s ducts and re-circulates through the rooms to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. It's a constantly recycling of allergens. Your home won’t be a sanctuary from outdoor allergens, but it will be housing them instead. A-1 American Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning replaces and repairs duct work. Give us a call, and we can help you determine whether to replace, repair, or re-design your duct work.

UV Lights in Your HVAC Unit

This is a new trend, however it is fast becoming popular. For over 100 years we have known that UV light kills bacteria, mold, and viruses, and now UV light is being used for germicide in hospitals, restaurants, grocery stores, and homes. There are two types of UV light options.

Coil Sanitizing lights
Air Sanitizing lights

Whichever one you choose, adding UV lights to your HVAC system will help ensure your home is allergy protected.

Clean Regularly

We know this is a no brainer, but we feel that it should be included. The only way to avoid dust, mold, dander, or other allergens from taking over your home is by cleaning regularly. Vacuum at least once a week and make sure to get the areas where your pets frequent, if you have any furry friends residing at home. Spring and summer animals are shedding more. Prevent mold growth by regularly cleaning any areas where there is a lot of water. Be on the lookout for black mold which is especially nasty.

Purchase a Dehumidifier

What kind of environment does bacteria thrive in? Areas with high humidity in your house, that's where! People who are allergic to mold or dust mites should consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your home. Dehumidifiers trap any excess moisture found indoors, making your home less hospitable for allergens and bacteria. Not to mention, crisp air is simply easier to breathe than moist air.

Update Your Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner can help you breathe a little easier in your home too. In addition to reducing humidity levels, your AC unit can also trap outdoor allergens, bacteria, and viruses from entering your home — but only if you have clean, high-quality filters installed. At A-1, we recommend looking into certified asthma and allergy filters to purchase. If you’re not sure what filters work with your unit or how to install them, give us a call at A1 Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning

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Happy Labor Day weekend graphic with tools and American flag.

Happy Labor Day from A-1 American Services!

September 1, 2025

First, a little background on Labor Day and how it came to play into American history. Labor Day is celebrated to honor the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement. It recognizes the role of workers in building the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. The Holiday began in the late 19th century, during a time when working conditions were often harsh—long hours, unsafe workplaces, and little time off were common. Labor unions pushed for better conditions, fair wages, and reasonable workdays. The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City in 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union. In 1894, after years of growing support and following major labor strikes, Congress officially made Labor Day a federal holiday. It’s observed on the first Monday in September, serving both as a tribute to workers and as a symbolic “end of summer” celebration. Not to be confused with International Workers’ Day which is celebrated May 1st worldwide and focuses more on activism and workers’ rights, Labor Day focuses more as a tribute to workers with family time, picnics, parades, and community events like our concer series at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Hampton Roads -- which encompasses the Penninsula (Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton) AND South Side (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk) has always been a working community, from the shipbuilders at Newport News Shipbuilding, to the longshoremen at the Port of Virginia, to the military and civil service workers who keep our bases running. Labor Day really ties into that history because it’s a reminder of how much the region’s workforce has shaped the local economy and even national security. For many families here, Labor Day is also (for the lucky) the last long weekend before school starts, so you’ll see people heading to the beach at Virginia Beach, picnicking at local parks, or attending community events. It’s both a recognition of hard work and a chance for people in Hampton Roads to pause, recharge, and enjoy the fruits of their labor before the busy fall season kicks in. From the A-1 American Services family to yours... Please have a safe and happy Labor Day!! And if you find you need help with any clogs, water heater leaks, HVAC hiccups, clooged toilets our guys are standing by ready to help you and your family at a moments notice!