The furnace filter is the unsung hero of your heating system. It protects your furnace blower fan from all the dust, hair and other pollutants that it draws in through your return ducts. It also aids your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Replace or clean the filter as needed. Remember to let the filter dry completely before reloading it into the HVAC unit.
Air Duct Cleaning
Through normal occupation, families generate plenty of air pollutants and contaminants that are pulled into the HVAC system and recirculated up to five times per day. These unwanted materials can clog air filters and cause or exacerbate respiratory health problems for people with asthma or other allergies.
Air duct cleaning in Ankeny is the best way to eliminate harmful airborne bacteria and dust particles from the home’s air conditioning system, furnace, air handling unit (AHU) and dryer vent. A clean home also provides a more comfortable indoor environment, which promotes good family health and reduces energy bills.
Dirty ductwork can collect mold and mildew and give off stale odors. These odors can originate from many sources: paint fumes, tobacco smoke, mildew, household cleaners and food. These odors get trapped in the air ducts and repeatedly flow through the house every time the furnace or air conditioner runs. At Supreme Air Duct Cleaning, we use high-powered vacuums and specialized tools to remove all the ductwork debris, eliminating the odors and allowing the house to breathe more easily.
In addition, some duct cleaning companies use chemical biocides or other sanitizers to treat the inside surfaces of bare sheet metal air ducts and equipment housings. While these chemicals are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency to kill microbiological contaminants, they may cause damage if not applied correctly. It is recommended that the homeowner hire a qualified air duct cleaning company to properly apply these chemical treatments to ensure they reach all areas of the ductwork and AHU. Supreme Air Duct Cleaning in Ankeny do not use such chemicals unless deemed necessary. The cleaning itself will get rid of any debris that is affecting your home. It is not always a good idea to spray chemicals inside your vents as then you will be breathing in harmful chemicals.
Besides reducing bacterial and allergen levels in the home, air duct cleaning can reduce energy bills by allowing the heating or cooling system to operate more efficiently. The AHU and ductwork must work harder to heat or cool the house when the system is dirty, which causes it to wear out more quickly. Getting rid of the dirt and contaminant build-up will allow the AHU to operate at its peak performance level for longer.
Our air duct cleaning service will clean the main supply and return ductwork, as well as all accessible ducts and we will clean out the blower compartment of the furnace. The best time to have a professional clean your ductwork is before starting a remodeling project or when it starts to smell musty. If you have a family member with asthma or other respiratory illness, have the ducts cleaned at least once every three to five years. Also have the ducts cleaned if you notice dust collecting on the vents or if someone in your home has bad allergies.
Air Filters
A furnace filter is a simple device that prevents dust, hair, dirt and other particles from entering your system. It can also trap airborne pollutants and allergens that might affect your breathing health. However, the filtration process is compromised if the filter becomes clogged. If this happens, the airflow through your return vent is affected and your blower must work harder to circulate the contaminated air throughout your home.
The best way to keep your home’s air quality fresh is to replace the dirty filter with a new one as soon as you notice it’s getting clogged. You can purchase filters from your local hardware store or online, though it’s important to measure the size of your old filter to find a replacement that will fit. Filters are usually sized by their nominal dimensions, which means that they’re often cut slightly smaller than the actual dimensions. To make sure you buy the right size, use a tape measure to determine the size of your existing filter’s frame.
Fiberglass filters are the cheapest and most basic, costing only a few dollars each. These filters are disposable and have a low MERV rating of just 2 to 3 for capturing small airborne particles. They’re typically used as pre-filters, installed in return air ducts before the air is directed to the primary filter.
Polyester filters are a more efficient choice for lowering the amount of allergens in your air. They’re reusable and are available in flat or pleated designs. The MERV ratings of polyester filters range from six to eight for superior filtration.
You can also choose to invest in an electrostatic filter that charges the particles of contaminated air with its own static electricity. These filters are a little more expensive, but they’re able to last up to 12 months and will significantly reduce your allergy symptoms.
A final option is a charcoal filter that neutralizes offensive odors by drawing out the toxins with its natural odor-absorbing properties. This type of filter is a good investment for anyone who suffers from lingering pet or smoke odors that can be difficult to get rid of.
When purchasing a new furnace filter, be sure to follow directional air flow guidelines on the box (if any) and mark with an arrow or a non-erasable marker the direction of the air flow on the filter’s frame. This will help you ensure your clean filter is properly positioned and the ventilation is functioning as it should. Keeping the airflow running properly will also ensure that your new filter works as efficiently as possible. For any questions about your furnace filters, contact Supreme Air Duct Cleaning in Ankeny! We’re always happy to help.
Indoor Air Quality
While it is impossible to eliminate all sources of air pollutants in a residence, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the presence of contaminants. These include source control, ventilation and filtration. These steps, when combined with the use of effective cleaning products, can help to improve indoor air quality in homes and other buildings. Some sources of indoor air pollution, such as secondhand smoke and radon, are well understood and can be avoided. Others, such as odors and chemical particulates, may be less understood but still easily controlled.
Some people may have an increased sensitivity to chemicals, odors or dusts and should take care to minimize exposure in the workplace or home. If a person suffers from a known health condition, such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease, it is particularly important to be aware of possible problems with the air quality in their home and work environments. If you are interested in air duct cleaning, call Supreme Air Duct Cleaning today for a free quote.
It is generally accepted that a healthy interior environment will have sufficient outdoor air to allow the exchange of equal volumes of fresh air, with the aim of limiting carbon dioxide concentrations at about 1,500 ppm. The amount of outdoor air required for this purpose can be determined by a variety of methods, such as:
Many of the sources of air pollutants in residential environments are related to daily activities. For example, cigarette smoke and the burning of fuel for heating or cooking release pollutants into the air continuously; the use of products such as cleaning materials and personal hygiene products releases them intermittently; and hobbies and activities such as painting, gardening and working with wood may also generate significant levels of pollutants.
Unless these pollutants are replaced regularly by the influx of clean outdoor air, they tend to accumulate to unhealthy levels. This can be identified by signs such as damp or moldy areas, unpleasant or musty odors, stale air and central heating and cooling equipment that does not function properly.
Improve Air Quality
Below are other proactive measures you can take to improve air quality at home.
Keep windows and doors closed: To prevent outdoor smoke from entering your home, keep windows and doors closed. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal gaps that may allow polluted air to seep in.
Use air purifiers: Portable air purifiers with HEPA filters can help capture smoke particles and other pollutants. Place them in the rooms where you spend the most time, such as bedrooms and living areas.
Limit the use of exhaust fans: Using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom can create negative pressure within the home, drawing in polluted outdoor air. Limit their use during air quality alerts.
Avoid indoor pollution sources: Refrain from smoking, burning candles, or using gas stoves during poor air quality events to minimize indoor air pollution.
Maintain a clean home: Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting can help reduce the buildup of particulate matter within the home.
Stay informed about air quality: Monitor local air quality reports and follow the guidance of health officials to take appropriate precautions during wildfire events.
Summary
As thick smoke from the Canadian wildfires moves southward into the United States, air quality alerts are in effect for millions of Americans. Wildfire smoke is a serious health hazard, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases. It is therefore essential to improve the indoor air quality to create a safer living environment. Regularly replacing HVAC filters is a crucial step. Cleaning HVAC filters is important for maintaining clean indoor air. They remove particulates and pollutants. HVAC filters can be clogged by smoke particles during wildfires, which can reduce their effectiveness. It is important to replace these filters on a regular basis in order to maintain clean air circulation and reduce the risk of respiratory problems. Contact Supreme Air Duct Cleaning in Ankeny today to schedule you next air duct cleaning service.