Do Your Air Ducts Really Need to Be Professionally Cleaned?

Plus: 6 Tips to Maintain Great Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is a primary concern for many homeowners throughout the year, but it can be an even more pressing concern during the winter months. After all, when it is chilly outside, you and your loved ones may spend more time indoors with doors and windows tightly closed. Re-circulated air can grow increasingly dirty. The inside of your air ducts begin to build up with layers of dust, pollen’s, mold spores & bacteria.

Most homes have never had their air ducts cleaned. The build up we see is amazing, and honestly, toxic. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned every 2 years is an excellent idea to improve indoor air quality. We hear and read many stories where people suffering with allergies get tremendous relief after the ducts in their home are professionally cleaned. In addition, You can also follow these 6 tips to enjoy better indoor air quality:

1.) Keep Your Air Filter Clean

Depending on the type of air filter in your home, it should be cleaned or replaced monthly. The air filter is responsible for trapping dirt and other particulates that are circulating in your air through the HVAC system. The filter must be clean in order to effectively do its job.

2.) Choose the Right Filter

You may think that all air filters are the same, but this is not the case Choose a HEPA filter that has E1 or E2 MERV rating, which indicates that it removes the smallest particles from the air. Filters should be replaced or cleaned (if cleanable) every 30 days.

3.) Use a Humidifier

An effective home humidifying system can also improve indoor air quality. During winter months when you run the heater constantly, the home can become overly dry, and this can affect breathing, your skin and more. Choose a humidifier that is large enough for your entire home. Ideally, the humidifier air filter will also use mechano-electret media for further air purification.

4.) Install an Air Purifier

While an air filter may do its job to remove particulates from the air, an air purifier can produce enhanced results in this area. It can remove dust, pet dander, pollen and other particulates so that you and your loved ones can breathe easier. It can even remove some germs that could cause illness.

5.) Add More Live Plants

House plants are often viewed as being purely decorative, but they actually have health benefits. Depending on the plant species, they can remove carbon dioxide, carcinogens, ammonia, formaldehyde and more from the air. Consider using English Ivy, Peace Lily, Lady Palm and other species in your home. House plants can also help increase humidity levels during those dry winter & summer months.

6.) Clean Your Home Regularly

Dust and other debris can accumulate on your furnishings and floors. Regular cleaning through weekly dusting and vacuuming will help you to remove a substantial amount of particulates form your home. Take the additional step of scheduling professional truck mounted hot water extraction cleaning for carpets and upholstery once or twice per year. Bedding also needs to be cleaned at least once per week to remove particulates and dust mites. Because mold is common in the bathroom, remember to clean the bathroom weekly with an anti-mildew cleaner. However, the cleaner should be all-natural and free of harsh chemicals. Your kitchen should also be cleaned after each meal.

True North Clean is the company to contact for professional air duct cleaning, and we can also assist with hot water extraction cleaning of your carpeting, rugs, and upholstery. If your home has not received these services recently, now is the time to schedule the cleaning services needed to improve indoor air quality in your home!