The furnace filter is a hero that goes unnoticed in your heating system. The furnace filter protects the blower from dust, hairs and other pollutants which are drawn into your return ducts. The filter also helps to improve the indoor air quality of your home. The filter should be replaced or cleaned as necessary. Reload the filter into the HVAC unit only after it has dried completely.
Air Duct Cleaning
Families generate a lot of air pollutants, which are then recirculated five times a day by the HVAC system. These materials can clog filters and aggravate respiratory problems in people with allergies or asthma.
Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning is the most effective way to remove harmful bacteria and dust from your home’s furnace, air handling unit, and dryer vent. Clean homes also promote a healthier indoor environment for the family and lower energy bills.
Stale odors can be caused by mold and mildew in dirty ductwork. Paint fumes, tobacco, mildew, and household cleaners are all possible sources of these odors. The odors are trapped in the ducts, and they flow back through the home every time you turn on the furnace or air conditioner. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning uses high-powered vacuums to remove ductwork debris. This eliminates odors, allowing your home to breathe easier.
Some companies also use biocides and other sanitizers on the inside surfaces if bare sheet-metal air ducts or equipment housings. Although these chemicals have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for killing microbiological contaminants, they can still cause damage when not used correctly. To ensure that these chemicals reach all parts of the AHU and ductwork, it is best to hire a professional air duct cleaner. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning will not use chemicals like this unless it is necessary. The cleaning will eliminate any debris affecting your house. You should not spray harmful chemicals in your vents.
The air duct system can be cleaned to reduce bacterial and allergy levels, but it also helps the system run more efficiently. A dirty AHU will have to work harder in order to heat or cool your home, which can lead to it wearing out sooner. AHUs will operate more efficiently if dirt and contaminants have been removed.
The main supply and returns ductwork as well as the accessible ducts will be cleaned. Also, Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning will clean the blower chamber of the furnace. Before starting any remodeling projects or when the ductwork starts to smell, it is best to call in a professional. Have the ducts clean at least every three to five year if you or a member of your family suffers from asthma, allergies, or any other respiratory disease. If you notice that dust is collecting in the vents of your home or if a family member has allergies, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned.
Air Filters
A furnace filter prevents dust, dirt, hair, and other particles from entering the system. It can also trap allergens, pollutants and other airborne particles that may affect your respiratory health. The filtration process can be compromised if the air filter becomes clogged. This will affect the airflow in your return vent and force your blower to work harder.
You can keep the air in your home fresh by replacing the dirty filters as soon you notice them getting clogged. If you’re looking for a replacement, measure the old filter and purchase it at your local store or online. Filters are often sized according to their nominal dimensions. This means they’re cut slightly smaller than actual dimensions. You can use a measuring tape to find out the exact size of the filter frame.
The cheapest, most basic filters are made of fiberglass and cost only a few bucks each. These filters are disposable, and only have a MERV of 2 to 3. They capture small airborne particles. These filters are typically installed as pre-filters in return air ducts prior to the primary filter.
The polyester filters will reduce the allergens more effectively. These filters are reusable and come in flat or pleated designs. The MERV rating of polyester filters is between six and eight, which means they provide superior filtration.
You can invest in an electronic filter which charges airborne particles with static electricity. These filters may be a bit more expensive but can last for up to a year and reduce allergy symptoms.
The final option is to use a charcoal filter. It neutralizes offensive smells by absorbing toxins through its natural odor-absorbing qualities. Anyone who has lingering smoke or pet odors can benefit from this type of filter.
If you are buying a new furnace, make sure to read the directions on the box and then mark the frame of the filter with a permanent marker or an arrow. You can then ensure that your filter is positioned correctly, and the ventilation system is working as it should. Maintaining the proper airflow will ensure that your filter is working as efficiently as it can. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning can answer any questions you may have about furnace filters. We are always here to help.
Indoor Air Quality
Although it’s impossible to eliminate every source of air pollution in a house, there are some steps you can take to reduce contaminants. This includes source control, ventilation, and filtration. When combined with the use effective cleaning products, these steps can help improve indoor air in homes and buildings. Some indoor air pollution sources, such as second-hand smoke and Radon, can be avoided. Other sources, such as chemical particles and odors, are less well understood, but can still be controlled.
Some people have an increased sensitivity towards chemicals, dusts or odors. It is important to reduce exposure to these substances at home or work. People with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases should be especially aware of air quality issues in the workplace and at home. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning can provide you with a free quote if you’re interested in an air duct cleaning service.
The general consensus is that an interior environment with a healthy carbon dioxide level should have enough outdoor air for the exchange of fresh air. This amount of outside air can be calculated using a number of different methods.
The daily activities of residents are a major source of air pollution. As an example, the continuous release of pollutants from cigarette smoke, the burning of fuels for heating and cooking, and the use of cleaning products and personal hygiene products, as well as hobbies and activities like painting, gardening, and working with wooden surfaces, are all examples of sources of air pollutants in residential environments.
If these pollutants are not replaced by clean outdoor air regularly, they can accumulate to dangerous levels. You can identify this by looking for signs like damp or moldy surfaces, musty or unpleasant odors, stale or stale-smelling air, and central heating or cooling equipment that is not working properly.
Improve Air Quality
Here are some other proactive steps you can take at home to improve the air quality.
Close windows and door: If you want to prevent smoke from outside entering your home, close windows and doors. Seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk that could allow air pollution to enter your home.
Use air purifiers: Smoke particles and other pollutants can be captured by portable air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters. Place them in rooms where you spend most of your time, like bedrooms and living areas.
Limit the use exhaust fans The use of exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms can create negative air pressure in the home. This will draw in outdoor pollutants. Use them only during alerts for air quality.
Avoid sources of indoor pollution Avoid smoking, using candles or gas stoves when the air quality is poor to reduce indoor air pollution.
Keep your home clean: Cleaning, vacuuming and dusting regularly can reduce the accumulation of particulate material in the home.
Keep informed about air pollution: Take appropriate precautions when wildfires occur by monitoring local air quality and following the advice of health officials.
Summary
Air quality alerts for millions are now in place as the thick smoke from Canadian fires spreads southward into the United States. Wildfire smoke poses a serious threat to health, particularly for those who are most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly. To make a home safer, it’s important to improve the quality of indoor air. The importance of replacing HVAC filters on a regular basis cannot be overstated. For clean indoor air, it is essential to regularly clean HVAC filters. They remove particles and pollutants. HVAC filters are susceptible to clogging by smoke particles when wildfires occur, which reduces their effectiveness. To maintain a clean air flow and reduce respiratory issues, it is essential to regularly replace these filters. Call Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning to schedule your next air duct cleaning service.