Historic drought conditions and unfortunate circumstances have combined again to create massive wildfires in California. Since the start of the summer, the state’s deadliest and costliest wildfire season has claimed thousands of homes while burning truly massive swaths of land across the state. Devastating as these fires are for the areas in which they occur, their effects can reach even further and have a lasting impact on those in the surrounding areas. This is because the massive volume of smoke and ash generated by the fires must go somewhere. Sometimes, that “somewhere” is around and even inside your own home; that’s why you may want to take advantage of duct cleaning in Santa Rosa right now.
It’s no secret that wildfires have a dramatic impact on air quality. The increase in particulate matter (PM) in the air is a threat to our respiratory systems, and it can cause symptoms as mild as irritation to something more severe, such as pneumonia. In fact, air quality can be so bad in the wake of wildfires that it even cancels school classes, since staying indoors at home is safer than going outside. However, that doesn’t mean that smoke particles don’t end up inside your home at all. That’s why proper duct cleaning is so essential for fostering and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
The Effect of Wildfire Smoke in Your Home
Unless you are very close to the thickest plumes of smoke, the likelihood that you will be able to spot signs of smoke in your home visually are low. That doesn’t mean that an increase in particulate matter won’t affect the indoors, though. Although the authorities advise that you stay indoors during adverse air quality events, such a step is about limiting and controlling your exposure to the bad air. This is why you are also advised to keep doors and windows shut and to reduce sources of indoor air pollution, such as smoking cigarettes, to keep the environment as clean as possible. Even using a vacuum cleaner can stir up particles that cause lung irritation in these situations.
That is because some of the smoke will find its way indoors, either on your clothes, during exiting and entering the home, and through poorly sealed windows. Ultimately, these particles can settle into your air conditioning ducts, presenting the potential for circulating them through your home each time you run the air conditioner. That isn’t the only reason you should consider duct cleaning in Santa Rosa, however.
Why Duct Cleaning in Santa Rosa is So Important Before or After a Fire
Aside from particles from smoke settling into your system, your ducts can also accumulate an excessive quantity of dust that can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. Consider that when you stay indoors for more extended periods during fire conditions, the importance of good air inside is even more important than usual. Circulating air that can carry dust mites and irritate allergies isn’t the ideal scenario here. Professional duct cleaning, therefore, helps to clear out all the accumulated airborne debris in your vents. The result is cleaner, better smelling air circulating every time you run your AC. With wildfires continuing to rage, enlisting the help of duct cleaners now can help keep you and your family more comfortable until conditions improve.
Is It Safe to Run Your AC During Hazy Conditions?
Yes, generally speaking, it is acceptable to use your air conditioner even when it is smoky outdoors. In fact, some officials also suggest it as a means for staying comfortable and improving air quality. This is because your air conditioner doesn’t need to pull in air from the outside to cool you off; instead, it’s just exchanging heat through a closed loop system. That means it only uses the air inside your home — again, a key reason that clean ducts are essential for quality air. For maximum effectiveness, be sure that your AC operates with a clean filter to reduce strain on system components and contribute to a good environment.
Use Professional Assistance to Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality
Once the fires have passed, it’s easy to think that the danger is completely gone. As we’ve seen, particles from the smoke can sometimes enter your home, and they may settle inside your ductwork. Even in a relatively clean home, dirty ducts can have an impact on air quality, and by extension, the health of you and your family — even if the only thing accumulating in them is the dust from the house. For these reasons, acquiring help from a provider of duct cleaning in Santa Rosa can help to make your home a happier and healthier space. When was the last time you’ve had your ducts cleaned? If it’s been a while, now is the perfect time to take action with experienced assistance.
Valley Comfort conducts heating duct cleaning services in the following communities: Santa Rosa, Napa, Rohnert Park, Healdsburg, St Helena, Calistoga and Windsor