LUNGS OF THE HOME
Taking care of your air duct system, taking care of your health
Certain systems integral to your home’s well-being make it clear when they need attention. Lights stop lighting. Faucets drip. Drains run slowly or clog completely. Door hinges squeak in an obnoxious bid for lubrication that is hard to ignore. Smoke detectors start beeping — always, it seems, in the middle of the night!
Other systems are more subtle with their warnings, so they require periodic vigilance by the homeowner to stay in top working order. Your home’s air duct system is one of those important features.
Hidden behind wallboard or plaster, this network of “air highways” is generally out-of-sight, and thus, out-of-mind. Yet, because it facilitates the circulation of conditioned air throughout a home’s living spaces, it’s important to the quality of the indoor air we breathe and, in turn, to the health and well-being of the home’s occupants — each of whom takes an average of 20,000 breaths a day! Considering that fact, planning for consistent maintenance is essential.
Consistency is key
“The most important step toward keeping your home dust- and contaminants-free is to simply change the filter in the air ducts at least once per quarter,” says Jon Foreman, Marketing Manager for ServPro of Roanoke, Montgomery & Pulaski Counties.
To locate those filters, look behind a return air grate on your home’s main floor. These grates are easy to remove, and the filter you should find behind them is stamped with the dimensions that will guide your purchase of a replacement filter. Filters are also labeled with a rating that designates their ability to capture fine particles when the heating or cooling system is operating. Generally speaking, the higher the MERV, or MPR rating number, the better. Some companies are starting to make tracking this step even easier; packaging on new filters may offer a free app you can download to remind you when it’s time to replace the filter.
Regularly scheduled replacement works best for homeowners who keep a supply of air filters conveniently on hand. If the reminder requires a trip to a hardware or home improvement store each time, it’s more likely to go unheeded. But if it only involves grabbing a filter from reserves in a storage closet, basement or garage and popping it in place, that is a simple two- or three-minute task — and much more likely to be accomplished on schedule. An arrow printed on the filter frame itself will show which direction the air should flow; install the replacement filter with the arrow pointing INTO the ductwork.
Here again, an annual calendar note to “Restock Air Filter Supply” would be prudent. Filters can be purchased in bulk at home improvement stores or online for delivery right to your door. And DIY filter swapping is well within the reach of most homeowners.
Bring in the professionals
“Also important,” Foreman says, “is to schedule periodic cleanings. Advisable frequency should be impacted by factors like allergen sensitivity of the occupants and the presence of children and pets. A licensed contractor will charge from $200-300 to clean the coils, drip pan and internal filter — important basic care that the typical homeowner can’t do on his/her own.”
The cleanliness of ductwork, Foreman says, dictates air quality. “Having it professionally cleaned every three to four years — depending on your environmental and health risk factors — will fight ‘stale air’ and build-up of allergens, air particulates and other contaminants that promote mold growth.”
Foreman recommends that homeowners who are dealing with health issues such as allergies, asthma or compromised immune systems also consider installing HEPA (High- Efficiency Particulate Air) filter fans in frequently occupied spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, etc. These types of fans can be found at many home improvement stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot.
“And if you are building or remodeling,” Foreman says, “consider this: while energy efficiency is important, a home that’s too tightly sealed can trap moisture and pollutants inside. Homes should have controlled ventilation — meaning well-sealed against unwanted drafts but equipped with a ventilation system that introduces fresh air in a balanced, efficient way. It’s about giving a home-controlled breathing capability while not leaving leaks or gaps that waste energy.”
With some timely, scheduled reminders and consistent maintenance, you can prevent large-scale problems and enjoy wonderful air quality. ✦
