Your ducts are vital to your home, but unfortunately, they can become filled with dust and irritants. Because of this, experts like those of us at Whyte Ridge Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning recommend you get your ducts cleaned every one to three years.
Even if you stay up to date with duct cleaning, you may still notice the air quality in your home is impacted the closer you get to a duct cleaning appointment. This could lead to sneezing, coughing, and an increase in allergy symptoms for you and your family.
Thankfully, there are ways to help keep your air feeling fresh and clean in between duct cleanings. These easy tips will allow you to breathe fresh air and enjoy better indoor air quality, even if your ducts haven’t been serviced in a while.
Change your air filter
Your air filter filters air… obviously. Because of this, they can become pretty dirty. And if your air filter becomes too clogged, it won’t filter air efficiently. The minimum you should be changing your air filter is every three months. If you live in an older home or a more dust-filled environment, you should try to change your filter once a month!
Filters come with something called a Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating. MERV filters are rated on a scale between one and sixteen. The higher the rating on your MERV filter, the smaller the particles it is capable of filtering.
For residential homes, it is best to opt for a filter with a MERV rating between six and twelve. This will effectively filter dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the air without overworking your furnace.
Dust regularly
The air in your home is circulated through your ducts and HVAC system. This means that if your home is dusty, your air will constantly have dust moving through it. Even if you replace your air filters and get regular duct cleanings, your home’s air may still feel dusty.
Regularly dusting, vacuuming, and otherwise cleaning your home will reduce the number of pollutants in your air. When your home is clean and dust free, this will reduce the amount of dust that is able to enter your air supply. It is especially important that you clean the nooks and crannies, as vents are often in secluded areas that may be near dust trapped by furniture.
Reduce the humidity in your home
Humidity can wreak all sorts of havoc on your home. It can cause water damage, mold, and dirty air. Dust adheres to water vapour, so the more humid the air in your home is, the more likely it is that dust will become trapped and find its way into your ducts.
To reduce humidity, make sure to turn on your bathroom fan after you have taken a shower or whenever it feels stuffy. During the summer months, when air is more prone to humidity, you should put dehumidifiers in the areas of your home that might be exposed to damp air. These are spaces like your basement, kitchen, or really anywhere in your home it tends to feel a little more muggy.
Get an air purifier
Air purifiers can help to pull dust and pollutants out of the air before they have time to get into your ductwork and HVAC system. An air purifier can provide a noticeable difference in the air quality of your home.
Read reviews of air purifiers online and decide which one best suits your lifestyle. Air purifiers can last for a long time. Plus, they are much easier to replace than an entire HVAC system, which can get worn down when it is exposed to too much dust.
You should put your air purifier in your bedroom. These rooms are often dusty, and it will help you to get a better night’s sleep. If you have pets and keep them in a certain room or area in your home, it could also be a good idea to place an air purifier here as it will help to mitigate pet dandruff in the air.
Control pests
Most homes end up subjected to some sort of pest. Flies, spiders, mice, and other critters can find their way into your home through tiny holes. These pests can use your duct work to travel, and while doing so, their dropping and food end up in the ductwork.
Unless you have a serious pest problem, there is no need to call a pest control company. Just limit the amount of food and other pest-attracting items you leave around your home.
If you’re getting your ducts cleaned regularly, the air in your home should always be pleasant and easy to breathe. But if you want to give your air an extra boost of freshness, these tips will help you keep your home’s air extra clean.
Live in the Winnipeg area? Whyte Ridge Furnace & Air Duct Cleaning offers top-of-the-line duct cleaning services. Our reliable team will care for your ducts and ensure that the air in your home is always fresh and pure.