Right now, the only thing haunting me isn’t ghosts or goblins — it’s the inside of my son’s

lunchbox. Between the mystery smells, sweaty PE clothes stuffed to the bottom of gym bags that have been forever forgotten (so the smell practically seeps into the fabric of time itself), and our dog shedding like his body thinks it’s prepping for winter, let’s just say… boo.

And if your house is anything like mine, you’ve probably noticed it too: fall in San Diego comes with its own version of spooks. Not the crisp leaves and fireplaces you see on TV — but the sneezes, the dust, the pet hair, and the invisible ghouls floating around in your air ducts.

Why Fall = Allergy Season (Even in San Diego)

• Pet Shedding: Dogs and cats start losing their summer coats when the daylight shifts. More fur = more dander in the air.

• Back-to-School Germs: Kids bring home more than homework. Classrooms are a germ factory, and your HVAC system can recirculate bacteria and viruses.

• Dust & Mold: Santa Ana winds stir up allergens, while moisture in vents can invite mold spores.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that indoor air quality plays a huge role in respiratory health. For families like mine, with a child managing asthma, autism, and sensory sensitivities, clean air isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s survival.

️ Tricks to Keep the Goblins Out of Your Vents

Here’s how we’re fighting back at The Repair Tech (and what you can try too):

1. Change Filters More Often
   If you usually swap every 90 days, try every 30–60 during fall. More shedding + more germs = filters clog faster.

2. Choose the Right Filter
   Not all filters are created equal. HEPA or high-MERV filters capture smaller particles like dander and allergens — great for families with asthma, allergies, or special needs kids sensitive to air quality.

3. Check for Drafts & Leaks
   Don’t let dust and outdoor allergens sneak in through leaky ducts or unsealed windows. A quick inspection can save you sneezes (and money).

4. Consider an Air Purifier or UV Light
   Add-ons like UV lights or ionizers inside your HVAC system can zap germs before they spread. (Yes, they really work — EPA studies confirm these devices can reduce airborne contaminants.)

5. Duct Cleaning Reset
   If it’s been a while, a professional duct cleaning can clear out the haunted house vibes. Think dust, pet hair, even mold hiding in your system.

Family Life Meets Real Life

Let’s be honest: when your child has special needs, a simple cold can throw your whole household into chaos. Missed therapies, sleepless nights, disrupted routines… germs hit differently. That’s why in my home, swapping filters and keeping the air clean isn’t just maintenance — it’s an act of love.

And yes, sometimes it feels like a full-time job balancing the spooky stuff (germs, dust, mystery lunchbox smells) with running a business, but that’s the reality for so many families like ours. We prep, we protect, and we do our best to keep the goblins out — at least the invisible ones.

✨ Final Word

So, what’s haunting you this season? The laundry pile? The dog hair? Or maybe your vents?

Whatever it is, remember: fall is the perfect time to refresh your home. A clean filter and a little HVAC TLC can go a long way in keeping your family healthy, comfortable, and ready for all the fun (and sugar rushes) October has in store.

Need help banishing the goblins in your vents? Book your seasonal service with us here.

Because at The Repair Tech, we don’t just fix machines — we protect families, comfort, and peace of mind.

—
Andreina Leal-Carrillo
CEO • Mom • Woman-Owned, Family-Run • Special Needs Advocate
The Repair Tech Inc.