There’s nothing like breathing fresh air in your own home. Unfortunately, many homes in Edmonton have never had duct cleaning performed, which can lead to poorer air quality.
Although dust, dirt, allergens, and other particulates floating around in the air can be to blame, water is another main culprit for poor air quality. Today, we want to share a few ways you can control moisture in your air and HVAC system, taking care of potentially costly issues – both for your wallet and your health.
How Does Moisture Affect Indoor Air Quality?
Mould, mildew, fungal spores, and microbes can build up in a home and its ductwork faster than people realize. In fact, constantly damp areas can develop mould within a matter of just two days. In other instances, this can be a slow process that occurs over a lengthy period of time, but often without anyone realizing it.
As if that’s not bad enough, moisture is also tough on your ductwork and HVAC system, which is just one more reason to clear up moisture as soon as possible. Wet insulation around your ducts is a particular problem, and replacing it can be costly.
It pays in many ways to keep moisture controlled in your home and ducts, but how can you accomplish that? We have a few tricks we are happy to share with you!
Ways to Prevent Moisture Build-Up from Affecting Your Indoor Air
Change Your Furnace Filters Regularly
Removing dust and debris (and extra water particles!) from your HVAC system at the source is one of the best ways to prevent the development of mould, mildew, and fungus. Be sure to change your furnace filter every 3 months, or more regularly if you have pets.
Regular Furnace and Duct Cleaning
Condensation in your ductwork can lead to the development of mould and mildew, which is then blown through your home when the furnace or air conditioner kicks in. This happens more often in spring. Over the winter, condensation freezes the moisture in the air, which is then warmed and released as temperatures begin to rise. The presence of dust, dirt, and allergens can further complicate the problem, contributing to the growth of fungus and other substances.
Having your furnace and ducts cleaned in the spring can help ensure your ducts are free of particles that negatively impact your air quality.
Invest in a Dehumidifier
In cases where there is a history of air quality issues (or if there are concerns for immunocompromised people or those with respiratory illnesses), we may recommend having a dehumidifier installed as part of your HVAC system. Dehumidifiers pull water out of the air in your ducts, preventing build-ups that can lead to air quality issues.
Ask an Expert
Having seen thousands of HVAC systems in Edmonton over the years to provide thorough duct cleanings, we can help you pinpoint issues in your furnace or ductwork that could be leading to lowered air quality. We may be able to help you resolve some of these issues ourselves, and where we see more extensive problems, we can provide great referrals to an HVAC expert.
Is Your Air Quality Suffering from Dirty or Damp Ducts?
If you have experienced increased symptoms of allergies, sinus issues, or respiratory irritation, the air quality in your home may be contributing to the issue. This means it’s time to book your next cleaning with Clean Air Solutions. We are always happy to help you breathe easier at home. Book your spring cleaning now!
