Throughout the winter, you most likely spent a lot more time indoors. You probably kept your windows and doors closed to keep the warmth in. Your pets also may have stayed inside more, and you probably had guests over during the holidays. Unfortunately, these winter behaviours can lead to a reduction in air quality.
You may not have even noticed your indoor air quality deteriorating as it would have occurred slowly over the winter months, rather than all at once. Skin cells, animal dander, and dust may have settled in your home’s duct-work. Keeping your windows closed will also have prevented the air from circulating properly, especially if you’re in an older house. And with winter comes moisture, so you may even have mould and mildew spores settling in your ductwork.
How do you know if your ducts need to be cleaned, and what are some things you can do to improve your indoor air quality as part of your spring cleaning?
Here are some questions to ask yourself.
- Do you suffer from allergies?
- Do you often sneeze when you are at home?
- Do you have a lot of dust in your home?
- Is your home new or has it had recent renovations?
- Are you concerned about buildups of dirt and debris in your ducts?
- Would you feel better knowing your ducts are clean when you hear the furnace fan come on?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you might need to take some steps to improve your air quality.
- Add some plants to your living space. Plants have been shown to improve air-quality and remove many impurities from the air.
- Avoid smoking indoors. Now that the weather is nicer, you should try to step outside for your cigarette.
- Consider replacing carpet with hardwood flooring. Carpet can be a major trap for dust and allergens. If replacing your carpet is not an option, try vacuuming more often, Many vacuums also have filters that improve air quality as well.
- Reduce humidity. Excess humidity can lead to mildew and mould in your air! Get it under control with proper ventilation or a dehumidifier.
- Bathe your pets often. This one doesn’t need an explanation!
- Keep your house tidy. Regular sweeping, dusting, and vacuuming will greatly reduce dust in the air.
The most important step in improving your air quality is to get your ducts cleaned. Your air ducts are home to dust, dirt, mould, bacteria, construction garbage, flakes of skin and hair. These contaminants are released into the atmosphere of your home, causing indoor air pollution, and environmental sensitivity. The air ducts require periodic cleaning to reduce these airborne contaminants and to create a cleaner safer home for you and your family.
Georgian Duct Cleaning is a family owned business in Simcoe County with over 20 years experience working with residential, commercial and industrial HVAC ducts. Call us for a free quote or for more information. (705) 722-5952 Or 1-800-363-2563
