Last fall, I started having some problems with my health. I had difficulty sleeping at night and woke up every morning with a severe headache, sore throat, stuffy nose and itchy eyes. I’d sneeze and cough throughout the day, have little energy and sometimes feel nauseous. I tried going to bed earlier at night, drinking lots of orange juice and taking vitamins. When none of my home remedies worked, I went to the doctor, was diagnosed with a respiratory infection and got a prescription for antibiotics. For a little while, I felt a bit better. However, as soon as I was done with the medication, my symptoms came right back. I was sick throughout the entire winter, and never felt healthy until the weather changed in the spring. That’s when I became suspicious that the problem was with my furnace. I hired a professional HVAC contractor to inspect the heating system and ductwork. The technician found an alarming buildup of mold and bacteria within the ductwork and dust inside the furnace. Every time the heating system started up, it was spreading allergens to every room in the house. I breathed them in and became sick. I have now enrolled in a maintenance program with the HVAC contractor that includes annual cleaning of the whole system. Not only does regular upkeep ensure superior indoor air quality but optimizes furnace safety, efficiency, reliability and longevity. I spend less on my heating bills and yet enjoy greater comfort and pay lower energy bills. Fortunately, this maintenance plan also includes service for the air conditioner in the spring.