Colder weather and the importance of indoor air quality

 Often when we think of air quality, we think of the outdoor air and reports we hear on the TV or radio during warm weather for haze, smog, and days when more sensitive groups like children and older adults should remain indoors.  However, what we often don’t think of when it comes to air quality is the fact that all the air we breathe in our homes, offices, hospitals, and schools comes from the outdoors.  Indoor air quality is frequently just as bad if not worse than outdoor air quality.  This is even more true doing the colder months.  Why?

There are a lot of factors that impact the quality of indoor air, so I’ll give a few examples.  During the winter, we usually aren’t opening our windows to let “fresh” air in.  This means the same air is being circulated in each room, pulled back into your return vents, run through your air ducts (that may have years of dust and debris resting inside, let alone microbial growth), and then pushed back out your supply vents.  YIKES, right?  This makes changing the filter monthly essential and having your air ducts cleaned at least once every two years.

Then we’ve got the chimneys to think about.  Cuddling up in front of the fire with hot cocoa and a movie or good book is the quintessential image of winter, and we support that.  We just want to be sure you do it safely.  Many people do not know how to properly start a fire, which leads to smoke kicking back into the home before the flue is warm enough to pull it up and out of the house.  Please, have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year if you use it regularly.  And don’t hesitate to ask Yani how to start a fire.  Ain’t no shame in the learning game.  You could always pick up a tip you didn’t know before (plus he loves playing with fire :).

Lastly, let’s talk about holiday decorations.  Where do you store yours?  Is it climate controlled?  Are they out in the open in your basement or attic collecting dust?  This can play a big role in introducing mold, mildew, dust and debris into your indoor air this time of year and then you’re breathing it the rest of the season.

If any of these situations ring true for you, have Dapper Ducts or another NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certified company perform air duct cleaning for your home, condo or apartment.  Chimney cleaning and dryer vent cleaning is also important this time of year when house fires are more likely. 
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Call or email Dapper Ducts today for a quote.  We always offer discounts when you bundle 2 or more services.