indoor air quality Archives - Always Plumbing & Heating

Furnace Fresh Air Intake: What You Should Know

Wondering why your indoor air feels stuffy? It may be time to re-assess your furnace combustion system. Request a free quote for a fresh air intake installation from an HVAC technician.

Furnaces need to refurbish the indoor air with outside air to maintain a fresh, healthy, and clean atmosphere inside your house. When fresh air vents are installed in your home they ensure that the furnace combustion system doesn’t malfunction which might push inside impure air, causing a number of illnesses and damage to your property.

Let’s take a deeper look into why installing fresh air intakes and vents is important and what types of intake systems are available for your furnace.

Importance of Fresh Air Intakes

A fresh air intake sends air to your furnace and water heater through a duct. Newer homes today use a direct air combustion pipe connected to the appliance.

For a furnace, gas appliance, and water heater, having a dedicated air intake can make all the difference for air combustion purposes. You need the air in all your rooms to stay clean at all times since the lack of combustion can cause your appliance to break down and respiratory illnesses for family members.

Additionally, they keep air pollutants at bay that infiltrate from cracks, crawl spaces, and exposed areas of your home.

Where Intakes Live in Your Home

Gas Appliances

Having a dedicated air intake hooked up to your gas pipeline will ensure there’s no unnecessary heat buildup and that air is regularly ventilated in your kitchen. This air is usually passed out through the chimney.

Furnace

Your home furnace is legally mandated to have a fresh air intake system in keeping with health standards administered by the City of Edmonton. If your air intake is clogged, it can lead to carbon monoxide forming in your atmosphere which can be lethal. A fresh air intake provides your furnace with clean air instead of your furnace burning indoor oxygen to reproduce fresh air. Hence, if your furnace air intake goes without periodic maintenance, you will notice the quality of indoor air deteriorates.

Water Heater

The higher the consumption, the larger the presence of air in the room where water heaters are used. Air intakes of gas-powered water heaters are typically hooked up to the furnace where the air passes through a vertical and upward vent.

If you find that your water heater is in a room where air combustion is inadequate or tight, consider installing a direct vent where the exhaust gases are vented outside via the direct ducted air intake.

Types of Fresh Air Intake Systems for Furnaces

The furnace is your main HVAC system to keep the air clean within your house. A gas furnace is known to use 30 to 40 feet of air for every unit of gas utilized across the house. Since the furnace ensures the air inside your rooms stays clear of dust and air-borne bacteria, it needs a dedicated and robust ducted air intake for direct venting.

Here are the two most popular types of furnace air intakes installed.

Conventional Furnaces

Standard or conventional furnaces extract air from the room they’re located in and exchange it with a direct ducted intake for venting. However, this type of venting system leads to air being sucked from crawlspaces and corners laced with contaminants of the room building negative air pressure. The interior surfaces and furniture will decay quickly if you continue using this type of air intake system for a long time.

High-Efficiency Furnaces

High-efficiency furnaces have a dedicated pipeline that runs directly from the exterior vent into the furnace’s combustion chamber. A lot of homeowners shy away from installing exterior vents during winter as they feel they will freeze. However, this isn’t true as the vents are critical to keeping your furnace functioning properly.

Since these furnaces draw air from outside, they can also bring excess moisture into your house. However, with a sound winter-proof installation, you can prevent your furnace from breaking down.

Does Furnace Bring Fresh Air from Outside?

Fresh air could also be called ‘replacement air’ as that is exactly what it is all about. Houses have to maintain a slightly positive pressure in them. This is so that whenever you run a bathroom fan, dryer, or range vent, the air you are exhausting gets replaced with ‘fresh air’.

Fresh air is usually tied directly into your ducts and is drawn into the home by the furnace fan or just due to the negative pressure that exhausting systems create. If a house doesn’t have a fresh air then exhausting systems in your house will create a negative pressure that will start to draw in air from outside through the weakest points in the home’s Vapor barrier. This creates moisture problems.

HRVs are fresh air devices that use exhausting air to help heat incoming air and keep some of that heated air from being wasted, as well as maintain that interior pressure.

All said and done, fresh air is air for breathing and combustion air is air for burning.

Contact Always Plumbing and Heating for a consultation on the best fresh air intake system for your residence.

Have Questions About Fresh Air Intakes?

How often should combustion air and HRV systems (heat recover ventilation fresh air intake) run?

Combustion air should run whenever a gas appliance is operating. This should be set up on installation as it will be an automatic process. On the other hand, fresh air intakes, such as HRV, should be run more often in the winter to control humidity and prevent attic rain.

How can I get combustion air and HRV systems without losing heat?

Most combustion airs are equipped with a combustion air pot. This created an air pocket that prevents the continuous flow of air into your house. Most new gas-fired appliances have their own combustion air supply. On the other hand, in order to prevent heat loss when operating your HRV system, you should have a timer installed that senses humidity levels so the system only kicks in when it is necessary. Also, you should ensure your attic is insulated up to the building code. You will need to contact a roofing or general contractor for this part.

How do you know if your combustion air is clogged? What about your HRV?

If there is a clog in the system, your gas appliances will not operate properly. Contact a plumbing contractor with a professional gasfitter to complete the job safely. Alternatively, if your HRV system is clogged, the system may start making noises and you may notice poor air quality in your home. When the filters are clogged or dirty, the air coming back into the home is polluted. Change your HRV filters twice per year, and clean them every 2 months for optimal performance. Also, check your HRV intake and outtakes and ensure they are not blocked with leaves or snow. Remove any obstructions.

How much does it cost to install a combustion air intake?

This depends on what the combustion air is feeding and the size that is required. You will run into this situation in the event you are building a new home or are adding gas appliances in place of electric. Just the air intake costs roughly $350-$1000, which doesn’t include the costs of gas lines and permits.

How much combustion air and fresh air does your house need in the winter?

The amount of combustion air is determined by your use of gas appliances (including your furnace). You will use more combustion air in colder weather. The amount of fresh air will depend on the operation and cycling of your HRV system. You can adjust this when you have a humidity detector installed, which you can set to kick in when the attic reaches a certain humidity level.

Importance of Well-Maintained Air Intakes for Your Home

Benefits of Spring Air Conditioner Service

The winter months are falling away as the new year blossoms into Spring. Thoughts turn to spring tasks such as cleaning, fixing up the garden, and prepping the house for the long summer to come.

Most homes that suffer from hot summers will have central air conditioning (A/C) for year-round home comfort. Throughout the winter and fall months, the A/C is often left unused and disregarded, only to choke back to life when the temperatures rise in the late spring.

Giving your A/C a good service earlier in the year is the perfect way to prevent issues later in the year. In this article, we are going to cover what the benefits are to getting that early spring service in and why it could benefit you in the long run.

Keep Those Bills Down

Nobody likes spending more money than they have to, particularly when it comes to their electricity bills.

By servicing your air conditioner on a regular basis, particularly earlier in the year, you will find that you save yourself a fortune in the warmer months. Air conditioners that are regularly serviced tend to perform better than their un-serviced counterparts. They typically use a considerable amount of electricity to work to the capacity that you require.

An air conditioner that has been serviced will operate in such a way that it requires minimal electricity to run, therefore, saving you a substantial amount on your electricity bills.

Air Quality

Air conditioners recycle the air around us, drawing in and removing the heat from the air and releasing the cool air back into the room to keep us nice and chilled.

Air conditioners also have a secondary use, they filter the air as they cool it. There are viruses, allergens, and other pollutants in the air we breathe. The air conditioner has inbuilt filters that are used to filter the air, removing allergens and particles from the air before we breathe it back in. Handy, right?

Well, if your air filter in the air conditioner is not changed on a regular basis, these particles can slip through, meaning that the air is not as clean as you may think. If you live in a big city, this can be very important as the build-up of pollution from cars, shops and general city life can potentially have a long-term negative effect on your health.

It’s recommended to get your air conditioner serviced in order to maintain the health of the filters and in turn, your own health.

Life Without Breakdowns

This one shouldn’t be a shock to you; however, some people are under the impression that their air conditioning will last them forever, without ever having a service or replacing basic perishable parts like filters.

Think of your air conditioner as a car, it carries air in and out of your home all day long, day in, day out. That’s tough work and parts are bound to get worn out and run out. By arranging one of our qualified technicians to come and service your air conditioner, you could potentially be saving yourself a fortune in the future.

If you are as lucky as most people, your air conditioning will break down at the hottest point of the summer. Having a broken A/C on a hot day will have you wishing you had serviced it earlier, as to avoid this situation entirely. Read more about how A/C servicing can reduce the occurrence of sudden breakdowns here.

Efficiency

As parts of your air conditioning start to fall off, you will notice that your unit may not be producing the best quality of air cooling. This can often be down to the fact that certain parts may need replacing or topping up, such as the air filters we mentioned earlier.

By having that annual or bi-annual service you are ensuring that your air conditioner is in top shape, ready for whatever the summer throws at you.

Protect the Warranty

Not what you may think of straight away, however, you will find that in most warranty guarantees it will stipulate that in order to maintain the set warranty period, you have to regularly service the air conditioner.

This means that if something should go wrong with your air conditioning unit, and you haven’t maintained it by regular servicing, the manufacturer can then turn around and tell you they won’t be replacing it, due to the fact that it hasn’t been serviced.

Longevity

When you first purchase your air conditioner, it looks brand new, it works perfectly, and the idea is to keep it in that condition for as long as is practically possible. Often air conditioners will be bought and then left for years without the proper care and attention they deserve. Not good considering the amount of work they put in to keep us cool.

With regular servicing, the air conditioner has a better chance of standing up to the harder efforts presented by long hot summers. Meaning it hopefully will last you for decades, not just years.

Summary

The hot months are particularly hard, the heat is a nightmare to work in and can sometimes make life impossible. The only reprieve from this is your air conditioning. It’s important to remember that as long as you regularly service your air conditioner, it will be able to perform well. As a result, your air conditioner will keep you and your family comfortable.
If you are struggling to try to find the right person to check out your air conditioning, rest assured we have experts on hand to give you all the advice you need. Our technicians are professionally trained to conduct a thorough inspection and testing of your system during a 26-point A/C tuneup. If you are looking for air conditioner repairs or routine maintenance, you have come to the right place when you contact Always Plumbing & Heating. We will always provide you with the best advice on repairs, and we will never try to sell you replacement equipment that you don’t need. If you have an old, inefficient air conditioner that has frequently been breaking down, or if you don’t yet have an air conditioner and this is the year you want to get one, we can also provide you with the best equipment for your home. As Always, it will be expertly installed and come with the best warranties. When you get your air conditioner maintained by Always Plumbing & Heating, you will understand why A/C means ALWAYS cool!

COVID-19 and the Air Quality in Your Home

The second wave of COVID-19 has arrived. With daily case counts on the rise, the provincial government has begun tightening restrictions on social gatherings to help control the spread. While it was relatively easy to maintain social distances from one another this summer when we could spend the majority of our time outdoors, with the cold weather we will all be spending more time in our homes. Our home is our oasis and we need to ensure that it stays that way.

We receive a lot of questions every day from our customers about how they can improve the air quality in their homes. The best practice would be to find the source of the air contaminant and eliminate it. Unfortunately, you can’t do anything about the reality of the coronavirus. However, you can improve your homes’ ventilation and filtration to reduce your chances of your family becoming ill. Adequate ventilation is standard in the building codes for new homes, but few older homes have been adapted to meet these recommendations. Adequate ventilation acts just like the lungs of your home. A steady supply of fresh, filtered, outdoor air is good not only for keeping ahead of the coronavirus but also for controlling the levels of humidity, chemicals in the air, and carbon dioxide in your home. Ensuring your home has adequate ventilation is the single best thing you can do in your home.

The next thing you can do is improve the filtration system. Firstly, you may consider upgrading furnace filters. We minimally recommend a deep pleated filter to maximize the surface area and trap the most particles. The filtering efficiency or MERV rating is important. Too low and not much gets filtered out. Too high and the airflow can become restricted. Our technicians will advise you on the best furnace filter for your home. If you have underlying health conditions, a large family, or you simply want the best in air purification, a HEPA filter with a germicidal UV lamp can take it to the next level. This is a hospital grade system that can remove very small particles compared to a basic furnace filter. When used in conjunction with a germicidal ultraviolet light attached to your main ventilation line, this indoor air quality package will offer you ultimate protection against airborne contaminants. While research on their efficacy with the coronavirus is yet to be established, these systems are known to kill many other viruses.

We recommend a complete system that works in conjunction with your home’s ventilation. This includes a polarized media air cleaner, a UVC/UVV germicidal lamp, and a HEPA system, which is professionally installed on your ventilation, cleaning the air as it circulates through your furnace and back out to the rest of your home. While it may be tempting to buy into the latest craze of room air purifiers on Amazon or other big box stores, you will only get optimal protection with a retrofitted system that works to purify the air in your entire home, 24 hours a day. You can only achieve this with a professionally installed system that is attached to your main ventilation as the air circulates through your furnace and ductwork. Read more about the whole-home indoor air quality equipment that we carry.

We recently mentioned that supply chain issues were starting to rear their ugly head with the supply for furnaces and garage heaters. The same is occurring with furnace UV lights and HEPA filters. Schools and office buildings have been buying them up in mass quantities, and we are now looking at 4-6 weeks to get this specialized equipment. If you are thinking of getting one for your home this winter, be proactive and order one with us now. To find out more about indoor air quality packages, or to book a consultation with one of our expert home comfort technicians, contact us online or call us at 780-489-8118 today!

And stay healthy everyone.

Protecting Your Indoor Air Quality this Flu Season

Invisible to the naked eye, microscopic particles are swirling everywhere in our homes, causing runny noses, coughing, headaches, nausea, and even respiratory infections. The wear and tear on HVAC equipment can also cause a host of maintenance problems, like poor airflow, clogged coils, and compressor failure.

Always Plumbing has a wide range of indoor air purifiers to remove the contaminants in your home, from HEPA Air Filters to hospital-grade UVC Light air purifiers. With flu season just around the corner, it is beneficial that you protect your home and your family with a Clean Air Defence System. This system is comprised of HEPA filters plus a UVC Light. Airborne flu viruses can be captured and sterilized, preventing them from recirculating throughout your home via your ductwork. A standard MERV10 furnace filter alone captures only 10% of flu viruses, whereas adding an ultraviolet lamp triples that total single pass capture/sterilize rate to 35%.

What is Ultraviolet Light and how does it work?

UVC lamps target the DNA of microorganisms, destroying their cells or making replication impossible. Mounted on your home’s HVAC equipment, UVC energy destroys surface biofilm, a gluey matrix of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, debris, et al.) that grow in the presence of moisture. Biofilm leads to a host of indoor air quality (IAQ) and operational problems that are sometimes mistakenly attributed solely to mold. UVC also destroys airborne viruses and bacteria that circulate through an HVAC system. UVC light was artificially created in the 1880’s. By the 1930’s surgeons were using UVC light in operating rooms to reduce airborne bacterial and viral infections.

Ultraviolet (UV) lights have been used since the 1930s in commercial and industrial procedures. In the 1990’s, UVC lamps started to emerge as in-duct air purifiers for residential use. UV lights are a proven technology that kills biological growth and disable the DNA of airborne micro-organisms and germs.

Benefits of UVC Systems

UVC Lamps disinfect the air by neutralizing airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. By controlling surface and airborne microbes, UVC can be beneficial in many ways, including Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) control and energy savings:

IAQ Control. UVC improves air quality by preventing the spread of airborne viruses and reducing the allergy and asthma symptoms triggered by biofilm/mold. It creates safer and more comfortable indoor environments, resulting in a happier and healthier home for you and your family.
Energy Savings. Studies show that a small amount of biofilm buildup on a coil increases energy consumption by 21.5%. UVC provides continuous cleaning of coils to eliminate biofilm and protect your home’s HVAC equipment. Energy savings can range from 10% to 28%.

Always Plumbing & Heating are your local indoor air quality experts. We are a local supplier of Dynamic Series2 Germicidal UVC Lamps, which are whole home IAQ systems that are installed directly on your central heating ductwork. We provide a range of quality systems that protect the air you breathe and reduce the spread of flu viruses throughout your home.

Credits: Data extracted from https://www.dynamicaqs.com/

Maximizing Air Quality With Electric Air Filters and UV Lamps

Keeping the air clean in your home isn’t something you can afford to skimp out on – especially as we continue to barrel straight through the heart of a season where it seems like everywhere you turn, someone else is coming down with an illness. More particles than we know are floating around, and ridding the air of the ones that can cause harm isn’t something that needs to stress you out with all the other curveballs life can throw at you.

There’s a simple way to take care of it, though, and all it takes is a simple call to Always Plumbing & Heating to have that problem remedied before you know it. We’re proud to offer Electric Air Cleaners as well as UV lamps – two simple additions to your home’s furnace and ventilation system that will noticeably change the quality of your air — from Dynamic Air Quality Solutions.

Filtering Out the Undesirable Particles

You’d be surprised at just how many types of particles get through your filter and start to drift through the rooms of your home. They’re usually split into two categories: ones that are larger than 2.5 microns in diameter, and ones that aren’t – a micron is 1/25,000^th of an inch, so the size that demarcates the difference is still an infinitesimally small measurement to make.

Most fiberglass air filters aren’t equipped to handle particles of that size: their job is to prevent larger molecules from disrupting the heating and cooling equipment, not screen the tiny things like viruses, bacteria and allergens from entering the system.
Basically, all the things that actually cause adverse effects to your health are precisely the size that a typical HVAC filter isn’t going to come anywhere close to stopping. You can spray disinfectants all day long, but the root of the problem isn’t going anywhere.

Polarizing Proposition

As the saying goes, the simplest answer is often the best, and the simplest answer is to just replace your filter with an electric one! By using an electric air filter, you trap a significantly increased amount of the particles that try and get through.

An electric filter traps 97 percent of particles .3 microns and larger. It’s fitted with a media screen that carries a harmless 24-volt current through it, so when any particles that are too small to catch pass through, they become electrically charged and begin combining with other similarly sized particles. When those joined particles circulate again, they are trapped since they’ve become too large to squeeze through.
The filter doesn’t short-circuit, and you only need to replace the media inside it roughly 3 times per year instead of throwing out a disposable filter every month.

While installing an electric filter will catch a sizable portion of the particles you want out of your house – like pollen, which is comparatively massive at 5 microns in diameter — it’s unfortunately not going to catch everything. In fact, there’s a good chance it won’t be able to remove the organisms that can pose the greatest risk – at least, not alone.

To do that, you’ll want to install a UVC lamp in addition to the filter. A UVC lamp targets the DNA of microorganisms floating in front of it, killing them before they have a chance to settle down and begin to multiply. Most viruses are between .0004 and .3 micron in size, so they’re going to slip through even the finest filters. A UVC lamp can take care of them.
The lamps we offer had a 35 percent capture/sterilize rate on the first pass-through.

With both of these additions to your HVAC unit, the air in your home can become noticeably cleaner before you know it! Give us a call at 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray) and let the professionals at Always Plumbing & Heating help you take the next step to creating a safer and more enjoyable environment at home today!

Tips for a Healthy Winter IAQ

It’s no surprise that indoor air quality gets worse during winter. People stay indoors where pollutants can be 2-10 times as bad as the air outside. And in an effort to save energy and feel warmer, homeowners often seal air leaks and improve insulation for the cold weather.

While sealing in conditioned air will help with savings and efficiency, without proper ventilation it will also trap hazardous indoor air pollutants that can trigger asthma, allergies, headaches, sicknesses, fatigue, and respiratory problems.

Dangerous Flu Outbreak

2018 might be the worst year on record for flu outbreaks. According to the Washington Post:

Nationally, as of mid-December, at least 106 people had died of the infectious disease. In addition, states across the country are reporting higher-than-average flu-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Hospitalization rates are highest among people older than 50 and children younger than 5.

The situation is no better, and may indeed be worse, in Canada. According to the weekly FluWatch report from the Public Health Agency of Canada:

Overall, influenza activity in Canada remains high.
Most indicators remain in the higher range of expected levels for this time of year.
Influenza B began circulating much earlier than usual this season. The number of influenza B detections remains substantially greater this season compared to previous years.
To date this season, the majority of lab confirmations, hospitalizations and deaths have been among adults 65 years of age and older.

Flu shots may not prevent the flu entirely, but even if you do come down with the illness, the symptoms will be less severe. There is also evidence that shows how yearly flu shots provide cumulative protection. We highly recommend getting the flu shot every year… for you and everybody around you as well.

There are many other health hazards associated with poor indoor air quality. Here are some tips for a healthy indoor air quality this winter.

6 Tips for Improving Winter Indoor Air Quality

1. Source Identification and Control

Perhaps the best way to improve your indoor air quality is by locating and removing the source of the contamination. You may have many things in your home that are causing or aggravating health issues. Improve indoor air quality by eliminating or reducing the pollution source.

Take some time to look at the shelves and in the cabinets of your home. Use the Household Products Database from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to research the products in your home, find out what’s in them, and learn about potential health effects. Either buy non-toxic, non-VOC products or make your own, DIY style.

2. Exhaust Fans

Spot ventilation is normally found in your kitchens and bathrooms in the form of exhaust fans.

All of your bathrooms and kitchens should have working exhaust fans to refresh the air and get rid of unwanted moisture. Exhaust fans can also vent away aerosol and cleaning product vapors that are damaging to your health. The exhaust fan should be ducted through the roof.

Always increase ventilation when using products or appliances that may release contaminants into the air. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Do not use an outdoor-use only product indoors.

3. Central Ventilation

In addition to exhaust fans (also known as “spot ventilation”), we highly recommend a balanced, central ventilation system. A professional HVAC technician can hook up heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) so you can refresh the indoor air without the associated energy losses.

4. Humidification

Humidity levels have a lot to do with your home’s air quality and pest control management. For instance, high humidity fosters mold growth and attracts unwanted intruders. The ideal humidity level in your home should be somewhere between 30 and 50 percent.

Contact a professional HVAC company about whole-home humidification solutions. Depending on the humidity of your home, the central air system will either introduce or remove moisture.

5. Clean Air Filter

Central HVAC systems not only provide conditioned air to your indoor spaces, they also pass your indoor air through a filter to pick up any large airborne particulates. When the filters get dirty, it can impede airflow and worsen indoor air quality. For the sake of your health and heating and air conditioning system, remember to periodically change your air filter.

We recommend checking your air filter every 30 days and waiting no longer than 90 days to clean or replace it. Make sure you have plenty of air filter replacement on hand and write the date of replacement on the filter every time you change it out. This way, you know exactly how long the air filter has been in use.

6. Active Air Purification

Speak with an HVAC expert about air purifiers that can be installed directly into your existing central air system. In addition ventilation, source control, and humidification, you may want to take a more active approach. Many air purifiers, such as UV lights and air scrubbers actually attack and kill living organisms.

Other Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality:

Store paints and other similar materials in a garage, shed, or other non-living area.
Properly dispose of unused or expired containers. Buy limited quantities.
Follow all manufacturer labels and instructions.
Test for radon and other dangerous pollutants.
Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs, such as cleaning products.
Use low-impact, integrated pest management to reduce the need for chemical herbicides and pesticides.
Purchase more houseplants, especially these NASA-approved air filtering plants.
Reduce mold and dust mites by controlling moisture levels, cleaning regularly, and using anti-allergy linens and other products.
Keep toxic and dangerous materials out of reach of children and pets.
Regularly vacuum, dust, and clean the home.
Hard materials for flooring and furniture are easier to keep clean.
Avoid products with toxic fire retardants, which can offgas chemicals into your home for years. Choose natural fire-resistant materials instead.

Contact Always Plumbing & Heating for to schedule your indoor air quality consultation. Call us at 780-489-8118 (Edmonton) or 587-601-1253 (Fort McMurray) to schedule an appointment today!

Fighting Allergies in Your Edmonton Home

Because temperatures vary across the country, allergy season in Canada starts at different times depending on the province. While Edmonton is still transitioning from winter weather, that doesn’t mean the populace isn’t suffering from allergies. But pollen isn’t the only cause of allergies – a home can also be the trigger for many severe allergy symptoms. A residence that has been locked up tight for the winter can lead to a buildup of allergens and pollutants.

When this happens it can wreak havoc on certain allergy sufferers – and those who have asthma and other breathing issues. Is your household dealing with allergy symptoms inside the home? We’ve gathered some useful information to help deal with those allergens that are compromising your indoor air quality (IAQ). With a few key changes, you can remove those allergens and contaminants that have been building up over the winter.

Allergy Triggers in the Home

Dirty HVAC Filter: During the peak months of HVAC usage, a filter should be changed out every month. But most homeowners do not follow this rule. A dirty filter caked with dust and debris is no longer effective. If it is unable to filter the contaminants in the air, your HVAC is going to recycle all of it back into the air.

Dirty Ductwork: There are several reasons why ducts build up debris, but most are unrelated to the HVAC filter. Holes and leaks in your ductwork invite dust and mold into the system. Rodent and cockroach infestations can also contribute to contaminants that will trigger allergic reactions.

Pets: An Edmonton winter is not kind to our pets – especially dogs or other house pets that require daily visits outside. Snow and freezing temperatures ensure that those visits are shorter, which can exacerbate issues with dander and saliva.

Dust Mites: The most allergen-prone room in the house is the bedroom because it invites the most common indoor allergen: dust mites. Dust mites are the number one cause of year-round allergies and asthma in a home.

Cockroaches: These unpopular pests can produce allergy triggers that are just as severe as dust mites. Roach saliva, feces and body parts can aggravate symptoms when swept up into the air. 63 percent of homes in the U.S. contain cockroach allergens.

Poor Ventilation: Does your home contain exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen? Exhaust fans ensure that the humidity prevalent in both rooms dries out before it has a change to produce mold or mildew. Airborne mold spores are severe allergy triggers and can also be very toxic – even to people without allergies.

Eradicating Allergy Triggers

Clean the HVAC/Duct System: In addition to making sure that you clean or change your HVAC filter, consider having your ductwork professionally cleaned. If your HVAC filter was not working properly because of dust/dirt buildup, much of the debris that the system pushed back through inevitably contaminated the ducts. Have the ducts assessed by a professional HVAC technician and get them cleaned if they show signs of contaminant buildup.

Ventilation: Moving fresh air through your home is key in fighting indoor allergens. As soon as the weather allows, open windows in the morning and late evening for some fresh air. If your bathroom and kitchen don’t already have exhaust fans, consider having some installed. While a kitchen exhaust is helpful for removing odors in addition to curbing humidity, a bathroom exhaust is an essential tool in keeping mold and mildew from growing in your home. Ceiling fans and portable fans are also good for promoting healthy ventilation in a home.

Vacuum with a HEPA Filter: A HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter is designed to trap harmful particles including pollen, pet dander and dust mites. Several modern vacuum models are designed with HEPA filters, the strongest filter on the market. If you suffer from indoor allergies, it is strongly advised to invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter – and to vacuum your home weekly.

Hypoallergenic Casings: If you suffer from allergies due to dust mites, the best defense is to cover your bed in hypoallergenic casings. Cover the bedding, mattress, box springs and especially the pillows with them. You can also simply get rid of ornamental bedding that is never washed. Washing ALL bedding on a regular basis (and vacuuming the floors) will keep the dust mite problem at bay.

Pest Control: If your home has cockroaches and your household suffers from indoor allergies, call the pest control. No one wants roaches in their home anyway, but if they are making your family sick – they should be eradicated immediately. Find an exterminator who uses non-toxic chemicals to rid your home of those allergen-causing pests.

At Always Plumbing & Heating, we feel strongly about fostering a healthy IAQ in the homes of our Edmonton neighbors. We know firsthand the debilitating effects of allergens and contaminants in a household. IAQ solutions have been a part of our professional services for many years. If you and your household are suffering from indoor allergens – and have tried to eradicate the triggers unsuccessfully on your own, contact us today. Our IAQ specialists can assess your home and offer an array of solutions to free your indoor air of those debilitating allergy triggers. Call us today at 780-489-8118 to schedule an assessment today!

Examining the Winter IAQ in Your Edmonton Home

Call Always Plumbing & Heating at 780-489-8118 or contact us online today to discuss your construction options in Edmonton.

Tag: indoor air quality