3 Ventilation Tips for Homeowners

MILLBRAE — When it comes to in-home ventilation, there are some crucial aspects all homeowners should know about. Here are three tips to keep in mind:

Change your furnace filter. In order to maintain proper ventilation for your home and HVAC system, your furnace air filter needs to be changed at regular intervals. Check your filter’s label for the manufacturer-recommended replacement interval and stick to it. If you have a washable filter, wash it as directed. If you don’t know where your furnace filter is located or how to replace it, call an HVAC professional for assistance.

Keep an eye on your dryer vent. Adequate dryer vent airflow is important because it ensures proper dryer functioning and prevents potential fire hazards. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to test dryer vent airflow: go outside while your dryer is running and use your hand to feel the air coming out of the exterior vent. It should feel like a blow dryer. If the air flow seems weak, you may have a clog in your dryer vent. If you think your dryer vent is clogged, don’t delay in clearing the obstruction, as it may pose a fire threat.

Beware “discount” duct cleaning coupons. One of the best ways to maintain in-home air quality is to have your air ducts professionally cleaned every few years. However, when hiring a duct cleaning company, it’s important to be selective. Since duct cleaners aren’t required to be licensed, not all of them use effective cleaning methods. The lack of industry oversight also makes it easy for disreputable companies to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers.

If you see “bargain” coupons in the mail or receive over-the-phone offers for discount duct cleaning services, be wary. Always read the fine print and do some research to make sure you’re hiring a reputable company. That way, you can rest assured that you won’t get more than you bargained for with your duct cleaning service.