As the Coronavirus Pandemic continues into its second year around the world, clean and safe air remains top-of-mind for Canadians. Industry terms familiar to our team are now becoming part of daily household and workplace conversations:

Taking measures to increase the quality of air in our homes can help us add another layer of protection against the rapidly spreading Coronavirus. The clean air specialists at Solution D’Air in Gatineau take a few minutes to explain this correlation between air quality and respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19. We hope that these industry insights will help you make informed decisions about how you would like to take control of the indoor air quality in your homes during and after this worldwide pandemic.

Indoor air quality and Coronavirus

So many of us are spending all day, every day in our homes as we observe public health restrictions and stay-at-home or lockdown orders. It’s natural to have questions about whether or not the air in our homes is keeping us safe. What effect does the quality of our indoor air have on the COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in terms of spreading and contagion?

Let’s look at what we know about how respiratory viruses are worsened by polluted air.

Poor indoor air hurts everyone and can have lasting health impacts for some. The Canadian Lung Association points out that “People with asthma, allergies or lung disease can be greatly affected by poor indoor air quality.  Poor indoor air quality can affect development in children and has been linked to lung disease later in life.”

How? Pollution plays a major role in the spread of viruses by weakening our respiratory tracts and taking away the natural protection that the tract is meant to provide. Harmful air particles also weaken our immune systems by causing inflammatory reactions, and it’s even suggested that chemical pollutants can change the structure of viruses themselves and make it easier for them to penetrate the mucous membranes and to multiply.  Scary stuff.

Common symptoms of exposure to poor indoor air include:

We know that over the past year, people with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at a much higher risk of complications and severity of illness from COVID-19. And the fact that mould, mildew and high humidity in the home are the major culprits of poor indoor air quality, we can safely conclude that taking steps to increase our indoor air quality can help keep us stronger and more ready to fight the Coronavirus should we be exposed.

Taking control of the air we breathe

As we explained in our post “The importance of cleaning your ducts regularly”  airborne particles  floating around in the air including flakes of dead skin, hair, pet dander, microorganisms from cat litter (toxoplasmosis), pollen, mold spores, fungi, and even rodent feces collect in your HVAC ducts.

Combined with humidity, your ducts become “the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, mites and allergens.”  If you’re unable to have your ducts cleaned soon, at the very least we recommend removing your floor vents and hand wiping as much of the duct as you can safely reach, and changing your furnace filter.

Don’t feel trapped by your indoor air. Take control of your home’s indoor air quality and breathe easier.

In addition to cleaning your air ducts and filters, we also offer 10 Simple Ways to Ensure the Air Quality of your Home. Check them out and start fighting the Coronavirus with another layer of protection in your home today.

From the entire team here at Solution D’Air, we hope that you and your family are staying safe and well. If you have any questions about how to improve your indoor air quality, please don’t hesitate to contact us. As an essential service, we continue to support our Gatineau region clients with all of their heating, cooling, and air cleaning needs.

Note: the information contained in this blog article is meant for reference only and should never replace advice given by a medical doctor or the instructions from your local health authorities when it comes to dealing with COVID-19 or any respiratory virus.

It’s that time of year again for all things spring-clean! An important item to add to your spring cleaning checklist is your wall-mounted AC unit. Even if you had it fully cleaned and serviced in the fall, you’ll want to give it some attention before starting it up after being dormant for the winter.

In this post, the clean-air specialists at Solution D’Air in Gatineau share information about why it’s important to clean your wall-mounted air conditioner, and some quick DIY cleaning steps for you to do each spring

Cleaner air

Besides the obvious benefits of cool and comfort during the hot summer months, wall-mounted air conditioners also help to filter and clean the air in your home. The filters remove pollutants,thus increasing your indoor air quality.

What type of pollutants are we talking about? In the spring, especially, we think of pollens and other allergens. And all year round, the tiny bits of regular house dust floating around can contain any combination of:

By maintaining your wall-mounted AC unit and regularly cleaning the filters, you’re helping to capture these particles from your indoor air and reducing the health risks associated with breathing this stuff in.

Longer life of your AC

Just like any other major appliance or system in your home, it is important to clean and maintain your wall-mounted cooling unit so that it will last as long as possible. Dust and dirt build up will cause your AC to work harder to produce cool air. This extra effort will shave years off your AC unit and you’ll end up having to pay for major repairs or a full replacement much sooner than if you had maintained it all along.

Some other benefits of cleaning your wall-mounted AC unit include:

Good maintenance of your unit should also include having it professionally serviced periodically. The frequency of a professional cleaning and servicing can vary by individual preference, from annually to only when a fault is detected.

A professional will give both the indoor and outdoor units a good cleaning, but will also check the components and system to ensure everything is in good working order. They may be able to detect things like coolant leaks, wear to mechanical parts that may cause issues, and any other items that could reduce the life or effectiveness of your unit.

Cleaning the Indoor Unit and Filters

Step 1 – always turn off the unit and disconnect the power.

Step 2 – open the unit and clean any dust inside with a dry cloth and your vacuum. The part of the inside unit you need to pay most attention to is, of course, the filter. Depending on the kind of filter your unit has, you may be able to wash it or, if your unit uses carbon filters, they may need replacement (consult the owner’s manual for your unit for directions).

Step 3 – make sure the unit and filter are  completely dry before closing the unit again

Cleaning the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit of your wall-mounted air conditioner also needs regular cleaning.

Step 1 – always turn off the unit and disconnect the power.

Step 2 – visually inspect for things that don’t belong:

Step 3 – turn the unit on and look and listen for any damaged or worn parts.

When you turn on the unit for the first time, pay attention to the sounds it makes (both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit). Any sustained unusual noises may be a sign that something is wrong with the unit and may need to be checked further.

We’re here to help!

If you have any questions about cleaning your wall-mounted air conditioning unit  or any other issues you’re having with your home cooling system, please reach out. The team at Solution D’Air proudly serve the Gatineau region and are always here to help.

Spring is in the air and we’re all itching to open the windows and let it in. Or are we? Spring cleaning and air quality are closely related and there are a few things homeowners should keep in mind. In this blog post, the indoor air quality specialists at Solution D’Air in Gatineau, Quebec share some tips about spring cleaning and indoor air.

 

If you have other questions about indoor air quality that aren’t addressed here, don’t be shy about reaching out. Our team is always happy to answer your questions!

Spring cleaning the air in your home

There are a number of items you can add to your spring cleaning to-do list that will help you improve the indoor air quality in your home. Here are our top 5 tips for spring cleaning your air:

  1. Change your furnace filter.
  2. Vacuum and wipe down the covers for all exhaust fans, air vents, and cold air returns. Don’t forget to look behind furniture for hidden vent covers.
  3. Clean your window screens with a mild soapy solution – we recommend dish detergent in the bathtub!
  4. Clean out the easy-to-reach dust from your heat vents. Professional tools and techniques are required for a full duct clean so call us when you’re ready for that step!
  5. Vacuum and clean your walls, trim and ceilings. Yes! You might be surprised at the amount of dust and contaminants that can cling to these surfaces.

Should I open my windows during spring cleaning?

If you are using harsh chemicals, it is essential to have good airflow and ventilation. Whether you choose to open a window or rely on ventilation fans, make sure that you are not putting yourself at risk when working around any chemicals or pollutants. Important: remember to always read the instructions on your cleaning products: some household products can cause dangerous gasses to be released if used in the same space.

Apart from this safety measure, opening the windows during spring cleaning is a personal choice. Air circulation is always a good thing for improving air quality but you need to assess whether you want the outdoor air coming in directly (through the open windows) or through a filtered intake (through your HVAC system).

Spring air is sometimes filled with unpleasant agricultural odors as well as the annual thaw of dog excrement. Spring pollens and dust from dead leaves on the yard can also make outdoor air quality lower.  In these cases, we recommend leaving the windows closed and opting for running the HVAC fan on continuous to exchange and clean your indoor air.

Replacing cleaning products? Think green

Spring is a great time to reflect on your current cleaning regime and the products you use. If the point of spring cleaning is to get rid of dirt and pollutants that have built up over the winter, there’s not much point in using harsh chemicals that will re-pollute the air and surfaces in your home. Even if you only change one product at a time, consider going greener to help maintain a high quality of indoor air for the health and comfort of your family.

Spring cleaning your home is a great way to set yourself up for success in being able to maintain a higher quality of indoor air and protect your loved ones from potential health risks. If you have questions about other ways you can improve your air quality through the use of filters and purifiers, for example, please contact us. Clean air is our thing!

The air we breathe continues to be top of mind in 2021 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While we focus on avoiding contaminated air that might carry droplets of the Coronavirus, it is equally important to remain vigilant in keeping the indoor air in our homes healthy.

Indoor pollution in our homes can be attributed to a number of factors. Two common culprits of poor indoor air are moisture and mould. The conditions for excess moisture resulting in the growth of mould can be heightened during winter. And considering that people in Quebec and Ontario are spending more and more time at home for work and school, controlling indoor pollution in our homes is especially important.

We care deeply about indoor air quality at Solution D’Air. In this article, we’ll look at some important steps to keep your home dry and mould free.

Why is a dry house important for air quality?

While we sometimes complain about how dry the air is during the winter, dampness continues to be one of the most common causes of indoor pollution in homes. Even though your skin may feel extra dry, there could be extra moisture in your home that if left, will promote the growth of mould.

Common areas of your home that may be damp without you knowing include:

What causes moisture to build up in homes?

Poor ventilation is the number 1 cause of a build-up of moisture in homes. When moist air is left to sit without circulation, it can penetrate the porous surfaces listed above. Moisture enters our homes in many ways including our respiration, cooking, bathing, doing laundry, watering plants, and humidity that seeps in from outside. If you don’t circulate the air in your home, all of these droplets of water can accumulate and leave your drywall, carpets and other soft materials in your home in a damp state.

Why does moisture contribute to mould growth?

Mould is a fungus that needs water to grow. Moisture can come from the air humidity, or from water that accumulates on any surface. Even concrete, which has no organic ingredients can grow mould on the surface when airborne spores cling to the dirt found there. In the winter, when cold surfaces such as concrete are heated, water condenses and creates enough moisture to help mould grow.

How to ventilate to decrease dampness

Poor ventilation is a major cause of dampness and is easy to fix in spaces that produce moisture like kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

Here are some simple solutions to help reduce dampness and avoid indoor pollution caused by humidity and mould:

Why is mould dangerous for our health?

There is no safe limit for mould in the home, and any level of mould can cause health problems. Sometimes mould build-up is undetectable, and other times you’ll see or smell evidence of mould in your home. Either way, if there is mould in your home, your family is at increased risk for health complications such as:

What to do if you find mould in your home

Homeowners can usually clean small and moderate areas of mould on their own. It is important to intervene quickly in order to limit the potential damage to your home and to protect the health of your loved ones.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to find the source of the mould or deal with it on your own, we invite you to contact us at Solution d’Air immediately. We proudly help residents of Gatineau, Ottawa and the surrounding areas to eliminate mould from their homes. Call today!

It is important to change the filter in your furnace every 3 months as a general rule. In periods where your home might be more dusty due to construction or sanding, for example, it might be necessary to change your filter more often. Families who experience allergies or other respiratory conditions are also advised to change their furnace filter more regularly than usual, as well.

There are a number of reasons why it is important to change your furnace filter. The indoor air specialists at Solution D’Air will explain some of the reasons in this article. If you have any questions about your furnace filter and indoor air quality, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to answer your questions.

Here is why you should change your furnace filter.

1.   Improved Air Quality

A clean furnace filter improves the quality of the air you breathe by capturing and collecting all of the dust and debris floating in your home. Common house dust is comprised of

If your furnace filter is not changed on a regular basis, it will become clogged with dust and moisture which will lead to the growth of bacteria and mould. If you don’t replace these dirty filters, you will be circulating contaminated air through your furnace and air vents. In order to maintain high quality indoor air, change your furnace filter at least once every 3 months.

2. Cleaner Ventilation Ducts

A dirty furnace filter will not stop the dust, dirt and other contaminants listed above from going through the furnace blower and into your ductwork.

It’s normal for your cold air return ducts to get dusty because they suck air from each room in your home and send it to the furnace to be heated.

Your warm air supply ducts which carry the heated air from the furnace to your heat vents will remain clean and free from dust build up.

Besides the obvious health benefits of having clean ventilation ducts, it’s important to consider that the cost of a new furnace filter is significantly lower than the cost of having your air ducts cleaned by professionals more often than necessary if you neglect to change your filter regularly.

3.   Lower Heating Costs

A dirty filter allows less air through it and forces your furnace motor (also called the blower) to use more gas and electricity to keep your home at the temperature you want.

By changing your furnace filter regularly, you will save money on your electricity bill because the blower won’t have to run as long to get the right amount of air pressure needed to move the air from the furnace.

Your gas bill can be kept lower by replacing your filter because more air will travel through your clean ducts and the thermostat won’t need to trigger the furnace to heat up as often.

4.   Less Wear and Tear

Dirty furnace filters allow dust to infiltrate and clog the heating coil and compressor in your furnace pump. When the pump has to work harder and longer to push air through it to keep your house warm, the engine overheats and wears out more quickly.

Replacing a furnace blower and compressor, or repairing other engine parts that have worn out prematurely are costly expenses that you can avoid by being diligent about changing your furnace filter every 3 months.

Furnace filter replacement is an important part of maintaining your HVAC heating and cooling system. By changing your filter every 3 months you will be helping your furnace to run more efficiently, your ducts and vents to deliver warm and clean air more effectively, and your family to remain healthy and comfortable this winter.

If you have any questions about changing your furnace filter or any other issues you’re having with your home heating system, please reach out. The team at Solution D’Air proudly serve the Gatineau region and are always here to help.

Changing your furnace filter on a regular basis is important for a number of reasons. By nature, fitlers become dirty and clogged over time when HVAC forced air systems are in use and if left too long, these dirty filters can cause more harm than good. In this article, the indoor air quality specialists at Solution D’Air in Gatineau explain why it is important to replace the filter in your HVAC furnace on a regular basis.

Indoor Air Quality + Health

Furnace filters play a major role in improving the indoor air quality in homes that have an HVAC or forced air heating system. Often constructed with pleated fibres encased in a cardboard frame, furnace filters trap airborne particles that have been drawn into the furnace and, as the name suggests, filter the heated air as it leaves the furnace en route to the ducts and heat vents in your home.

Some of the contaminants that are captured by furnace filters and therefore removed from the air circulating in your home include:

If the filter in your furnace is not changed on a regular basis, it can become clogged with the above mentioned contaminants and end up decreasing the indoor air quality of your home. Some of the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality include:

In order to increase the indoor air quality in your home, change your furnace filter on a regular basis. Refer to the instructions on the packaging of your furnace filter to find out how long the filter is designed to last, and be diligent about changing the filter on time.

Furnace Efficiency + Cold Spots

Clean furnace filters permit efficient air flow from your furnace blower, through the filter, and out through your air ducts to deliver warm air to the heat vents located throughout your home. A dirty HVAC filter blocks this flow and has a negative effect on the efficiency of your furnace.

Clogged furnace filters that are overdue for replacement will decrease both the amount of air and the force with which it flows through your furnace. Consequently, homeowners may notice that certain rooms in their home (especially those on upper levels) are not keeping as warm as they should. If you notice cold spots in your home, it could be a sign that it’s time to change your furnace filter.

In order to help your furnace to run at optimal efficiency and keep the heat constant and comfortable in your home, change your furnace filter regularly according to the instructions for the particular model you are using.

Reduced Energy Bills

When a furnace filter becomes clogged or blocked due to the debris particles that it has filtered out of your indoor air, the blower motor has to run longer in order to deliver heat throughout your home. Consequently, the longer your furnace has to run in order to maintain the desired temperature in your home, the more electricity and natural gas it will use.

To keep your energy bills lower during the cold winter months, change your furnace filter according to the guidelines for your specific filter model so that your furnace burns less gas and electricity.

Extend the LIfe of Your Furnace

Another cost saving benefit of regular furnace filter replacement is the cost associated with repairing or replacing your furnace. Furnaces that have to run longer and work harder to push air through dirty and clogged filters will have a shorter life expectancy.

In comparison to the major expense of furnace repair or replacement, furnace filters purchased at hardware stores or from your heating and cooling specialist are a small price to pay in order to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

Checking your furnace filter is a simple DIY task that should be done on a regular basis. Read the directions printed on the side of your furnace filter or on the packaging to confirm how long the filter is designed to last, and set a reminder on your calendar when it’s time to replace it. Changing your furnace filter will not only improve the indoor air quality for the health and safety of your family, but it will also keep your furnace running efficiently for less money and for a longer life expectancy.

If you have questions about your furnace filter or other concerns about the indoor air quality of your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Solution D’Air in Gatineau. We’re here to help!

Fair or not, “asbestos” has become a dirty word in the world of home renovations, health and air quality. But what is asbestos and why is it so dangerous? The asbestos abatement and remediation experts at Solution D’Air servicing Quebec’s Gatineau region share their knowledge in this article to help us better understand what asbestos is, where it is commonly found and what affect it can have to air quality and our health.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil. It can be best described as white and fibrous and in a natural setting, asbestos poses very little risk to one’s health. It is only when the fragile fibres begin to unbind and crumble during their natural deterioration stage or if they are handled or manipulated. Once crumbled, the tiny asbestos fibres become airborne and are invisible to the naked eye. If asbestos fibres are released into the air and inhaled, they can cause serious health effects.

Exposure to naturally occurring deposits of asbestos is not a significant risk unless the fibres are disturbed and inhaled. The danger from asbestos exposure stems from the fact that asbestos was used as a building material in homes and commercial and industrial buildings for decades around the world before its health dangers were known.

Asbestos was, and still is to some degree, a popular building material because the fibres are flexible and incredibly resistant to heat, chemicals and electricity. Industries including construction, automotive and textile use asbestos fibres to manufacture items including:
• Insulation in walls and attics
• Vinyl tiles used for floors
• Shingles
• Siding on houses
• Blankets that protect hot water pipes
• Fabrics that resist heat
• Car brakes

When any of these items that have been fabricated with asbestos become damaged or need to be uninstalled (during a home renovation project, for example) the tiny and invisible asbestos fibres that are released are easily breathed in, create a build up in the lungs, and can develop into serious and life threatening conditions. It’s the fact that once inhaled, asbestos cannot be removed from our lungs that makes this building material so dangerous. And adding to the danger is the fact that many of the health effects take decades to develop which means that pinpointing the time and location of exposure is extremely difficult.

Illness from asbestos exposure is caused primarily by the scarring and inflammation in one’s lungs after they have inhaled large amounts of asbestos fibres. The three most common conditions associated with asbestos exposure include asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), lung cancer, and mesothelioma which is a rare form of cancer of the lining of the body cavity..
All this to say that exposure to asbestos is a very serious thing. And while we might think it can never happen to us, when older buildings or homes built prior to 1990 are demolished or remodeled, asbestos fibres can quickly fill the air and endanger all those in the near vicinity.

Asbestos removal, also known as asbestos abatement or asbestos remediation must be handled by professionals. Removing the highly fragile material requires special training, procedures and equipment. If you suspect that there is asbestos in your home or other properties, and would like to find out more information about whether it is safest to leave it where it is or if it poses a health risk and must be safely removed, don’t hesitate to reach out. The air quality specialists at Solution D’Air are happy to answer your questions about asbestos in your home, commercial, or industrial building.

Dryer ducts are not always top-of-mind when it comes to your annual housekeeping routines, but it is an important task to do in order to extend the life of your clothes dryer, and to keep your family healthy and safe. The clean air specialists at Solution D’Air in Gatineau are happy to answer some of these commonly asked questions about the duct pipes that extend out of the back of your dryer leading to the dryer exhaust vent on the exterior of your home.

• Why is it important to clean your dryer duct?
• What are the risks of clogged dryer ducts?
• How often should your dryer duct be cleaned?
• Who to call to clean your dryer duct?

First let’s talk about what dryer ducts are and how they get clogged and dirty. Household dryers have an interior lint trap that users are accustomed to emptying between laundry loads. These wire or plastic mesh filters collect the majority of lint that is released from your clothes, bedding, towels and other fabrics while they are being spun and heated to dry in your drying machine.

Lint Trap Pro Tip: Remove your lint trap on a regular basis (weekly or monthly depending on your household drying frequency) and pour boiling water over it to wash away fabric softener build-up that is slowly building up invisibly and clogging your screen.

When your dryer is operating, the air from your drum passes through the lint trap and is directed towards the exhaust pipe most commonly located at the back of your dryer. Dryer exhaust pipes are generally a flexible tube made of plastic or very thin metal and may be attached to your machine and/or the wall opening with clamps. Heat, air and additional lint that wasn’t collected by the lint trap flow through your exhaust pipe and into your dryer ducts inside the floor or walls of your home and leading to the outdoor exhaust vent.

Dryer Vent Pro Tip: After disconnecting the electricity and/or gas supply to your dryer, use a soft bristled attachment on your home or shop vacuum to clean dryer lint which has built-up in and around the exhaust pipe and exterior dryer vent. Wear heavy-duty work gloves when reaching into any metal pipes to protect your skin from sharp edges.

It is these structural dyer air ducts that are oftentimes overlooked and can easily become clogged and dirty over time. Fabric lint, threads, and fabric softener build-up are the perfect base for dirt to attach to and grow into surfaces contaminated with bacteria and other allergens. Don’t let the fresh smell of laundry fool you – the insides of your dryer ducts can be full of unhealthy particles that affect your health and indoor air quality.

Beyond the negative effects of dirty dryer ducts on your indoor air quality, clogged air ducts between household clothes dryers and exterior dryer vents are the cause of thousands of house fires in Canada every year. Dryer ducts offer the perfect environment for fire, after all. Every time you run your dryer, you are applying heat to unseen pipes enclosed in your walls that are coated in fabric fibres saturated in highly flammable fabric softener.

For these safety reasons alone, the risk of fire and the negative impacts on indoor air quality, it is recommended that homeowners have their dryer ducts inspected and cleaned at least once a year.

Another important reason to have your dryer ducts cleaned regularly is to help extend the life of your clothes dryer. Just as a clogged lint trap will cause your laundry load to take longer to dry, dirty and clogged dryer ducts and vents will decrease the efficiency of your dryer and increase the amount of time and money it takes to dry each load.

If you haven’t had your dryer ducts inspected or cleaned recently, don’t hesitate to reach out to the indoor air specialists at Solution D’Air. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you keep your dryer running smoothly and your indoor air quality at its very best!

As we’re spending more time at home during the global COVID-19 pandemic it’s a good time to review some of the easy things we can do to improve the quality of the indoor air in our homes. Taking two minutes to read these quick cleaning tips could help you and your loved ones breath easier during these uncertain times.

The air specialists at Solution D’Air have extensive knowledge about how to improve air quality with or without overhauling your home heating and cooling HVAC systems. Here are 5 easy cleaning tips to help you improve the air quality in your home using everyday items that you already have at your disposal.

1. Vacuums aren’t just for floors.
A common debate is whether or not to dust your tables and other surfaces before vacuuming the floors. We suggest vacuuming it all at the same time, top down so that the dust particles are sucked right into your vacuum filter instead of hovering in the air and negatively affecting your indoor air quality. Plus, there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing the disrupted dust re-settle on your furniture, walls, and floors shortly after you’ve just finished cleaning.

In addition to sucking up the dirt right off your furniture (don’t forget the couch and cushions), use a soft bristled brush to vacuum your crown moulding, walls, window sills, window coverings including curtain, blind or shade hardware, and baseboards. Instead of just shuffling it around, you’ll be removing that dust and dander that plays a big role in maintaining indoor air quality.

And of course, change your vacuum filter or empty the canister regularly to lower the opportunity for bacteria and mould to flourish inside your vacuum cleaner.

2. Windows open while cleaning, please.
Even with using the vacuum to remove dust from your home, there will be particles which are disturbed while you are cleaning your home. By opening your windows while vacuuming and cleaning, you’ll provide an out, literally, for the dust to leave your home.

Opening windows while house cleaning will also improve your indoor air quality by venting out any harsh fumes or odors caused by cleaning chemicals and products.

3. Vents and filters and fans, oh my!
Whether you have central air in your home or not, there are some common hiding places where unseen dust tends to collect and can lower the air quality in your home. Cold air return vents (the ones that suck air in while your HVAC system is running), all kinds of fans including ceiling fans and ventilation fans in the kitchen and washrooms, and any filters you have in your furnace, air conditioner, dehumidifiers, etc. are all things which require regular cleaning in order to improve your indoor air quality. Vacuum or wash these filters when possible, and be sure to follow replacement guidelines in your user manuals.

4. Get out the mop and damp cloth.
Not all dust is visible and can easily be missed when you’re house cleaning with a duster, broom or vacuum. Wiping down the surfaces in your homes with a damp cloth or mop as part of your regular cleaning routine while help you to improve and maintain a high quality of indoor air in your home by catching all of the unseen dust, dander and mites that you may have missed during your first dry swipe. These surfaces include ceilings, walls, mouldings, cabinetry, furniture (soft and hard) as well as floors.

5. Celebrate spring all year round.
If indoor air quality is important to you and your family, doing a deep “spring” clean should happen at least once per season; even more frequently if needed instead of only in the spring.

Cleaning chores such as washing window blinds and curtains, wiping down the high and unseen surfaces above cabinets and shelves, refreshing throw pillows and other soft accessories, and getting right into the corners of your windows and window sills are just a few examples of the often neglected cleaning chores that can all contribute to helping to improve your indoor air quality.

If you have any questions or concerns about the indoor air quality in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to the air specialists at Solution D’Air. Our experienced team is happy to answer your questions and explain some of your options if you are looking to invest in safer air in your home.

When the summer heat causes our homes to be uncomfortably hot and humid, or when the cost of running the air-conditioner full-time is simply too much, homeowners look for ways to cool and ventilate their homes effectively and cost efficiently. And even when the temperature is comfortable in our homes, we mustn’t forget the importance of ventilation to maintain or increase the air quality.

The air quality and ventilation experts at Solution D’Air are commonly asked these questions about how to properly ventilate your house in the summer:

• Should my air conditioner fan be set to ON or AUTO?
• Is it OK to open windows when running the air conditioner?
• Do ceiling fans really help to ventilate during the summer?
• Should windows be sealed shut all summer long if I have an HVAC system?

When answering these questions, it’s important to keep in mind that ventilation refers to the process of moving bad air out, and replacing it with good air. Ventilation is important in all seasons and temperatures for keeping humidity down and increasing the air quality in all types of homes whether they have an HVAC central air system, a wall-unit, window air conditioner units, or rely on windows and fans alone.

Let’s have a look at what we know about ventilating your house, apartment or condominium during hot summer weather.
Fans: Ceiling, Portable, Kitchen & Bathroom
Fans are an important part of any home air ventilation strategy. Used properly, fans can keep air flowing in the right direction to push out stale air and introduce fresh air into your living space. Fans also help us to feel cooler by the air flow, and can help remove humidity in a home which would otherwise contribute to the growth of mould and other allergens.

Tips for using fans effectively for summer ventilation:
• Change your ceiling fan to circulate counterclockwise during the summer to push cool air down
• Run your washroom and kitchen fans every time moisture is introduced into the air (showering, cooking, etc).
• Use ceiling and portable fans only when you’re in the room
• Experiment with a portable fan facing out of an open window on the hottest, sunniest side of your house to create air flow which pushes hot air out through the fan and sucks in cooler air through a slightly opened window on the cooler, shadier side of your home.

HVAC Central Air Conditioners
If your home has an HVAC air conditioner unit, it’s important to make it as easy as possible for the system to cool your house without working harder or longer than necessary. HVAC systems are very efficient when it comes to ventilating homes because they introduce outside air and vent out the stale air automatically. Air conditioners are also effective when it comes to removing humidity from your home and sometimes this dehumidifying action is enough to make you feel more comfortable without having to lower the temperature dramatically.

Tips for using an HVAC air conditioner to properly ventilate during hot summer weather:
• Make sure the exterior fan unit is clear of dirt and debris so that it can run efficiently
• Close the air vents in the basement and keep all vents open on the main and upper floors (cool air falls so there’s no need to pump extra coolness into the basement)
• Ensure the cold air return vents are free of dust and not blocked by furniture
• Set the fan setting to ON instead of AUTO to keep the cool air from the basement and lower levels circulating throughout the house

Windows
Screened windows and doors are sometimes under-rated when it comes to ventilating your home. Even if you’re running your HVAC system in hot spells, don’t be afraid to open your windows and doors to introduce fresh air into your home.

Tips for ventilating your home using windows during hot summer weather:
• Open windows during cooler nights and mornings, close up during high heat
• Close your curtains when the sun is beating through
• Cool down your garage and enclosed porches during cooler evenings and keep them closed during midday heat
• Create a vacuum effect to increase airflow by opening windows on opposite sides of the house and keeping all interior doors open in the path of the air flow
• Combine the power of your HVAC fan with open windows to quickly circulate fresh air through your home. Make sure the system is turned to OFF (not COOL or HEAT) and set the fan to ON (not AUTO).

No matter how you choose to ventilate your home during the hot summer months, be sure to keep a regular flow of good air in and bad air out of your living spaces. If you have any questions about how to ventilate your house to increase your air quality and keep the temperature comfortable, don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions.

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# RBQ : 5739-7259-01

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