What a summer it was! There were more wildfires than ever, and they burned for extended periods of time sending smoke billowing across the nation. Air quality warnings were included in weather forecasts and people were advised to stay indoors to prevent inhaling smoke. But what about what to do after the wildfires? Were they advised to do duct cleaning?
Although things seem to be improving now, the effects of all that smoke may not have been temporary. Air ducts can become clogged with particles from wildfire smoke which then spreads throughout your house. Carrying out Toronto duct cleaning is the best thing you can do immediately after the summer is over. Here, we will discuss some of the essential aspects you need to know about wildfires and their implications for your entire HVAC system.
- Things Included in Wildfire Smoke
Even though the smoke from wildfires contains a wide range of complex gases, those gases also carry certain particles. Not only are these particles, dust or soil but they also include metals organic compounds pollen and mold spores, and acids like nitrates and sulfates. There is also variation in the size of the particles.
Larger particles can irritate your respiratory system eyes and nose. However, the smaller particles have the ability to enter your bloodstream and deeply infiltrate your lungs. These tiny particles which can intensify underlying conditions and cause bronchitis are the primary hazard that wildfire smoke presents according to the EPA.
- Impacts of Smoke from Wildfires
The most significant health risk associated with smoke comes from the tiny fine particles that can enter the lungs deeply and result in a variety of ailments from runny noses and burning eyes to more serious chronic lung heart and even stroke diseases. Reducing your exposure to smoke is crucial particularly if you are more susceptible to health problems associated with particles.
Some of the outdoor smoke can enter homes businesses and schools making the air inside unhealthy to breathe according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Via open windows and doors or tiny gaps joints and fractures surrounding closed windows and doors outdoor air—including fine particles from smoke from wildfires—can enter dwellings. Even air conditioning systems with a fresh air intake can let it in.
- The Way Smoke Particles Act in Your Ducts
Particles from wildfire smoke settle out when the gasses from the smoke diffuse. Youve been able to remove those particles from your floors by sweeping mopping and wiping down your tables and countertops. To clear out the particles within however you are unable to get inside the ducts. Air flows through those ducts every time your heater or air conditioner runs.
Some of the particles that have been stirred up will eventually escape through your vents and mix with the clean air that you should and will be breathing. Everything that accumulates in your air ducts raises the possibility of other issues as well. It gives bacteria and molds a place to grow and thrive which can lead to various health problems and bad odors.
- The Reasons Professional Duct Cleaning Is Required
Whenever you think about duct cleaning, it is easy to assume that this is something you could pull off. Is it? Well, it may seem easy at first glance until you start serious work of cleaning those ducts. Obviously, you could open your vents and use a small broom or something similar to poke around inside. Yet rather than solving issues, this would make them worse. It’s critical that you hire experts to clean your air ducts. You would have to breathe in more of those particles while trying to clean them up if you stirred them up.
Professional duct cleaning company employees receive safety protocol training to lower the possibility of particle spills and injuries to homeowners or themselves. Secondly, ductwork is easily damaged. When ductwork is damaged contaminants like insulation fibers and pest messes may be forced through your vents posing a health risk in addition to reducing the effectiveness and efficiency of your heating and cooling systems. Duct cleaning without causing damage requires specialized equipment and training.
