An air exchanger improves air quality for your comfort. This is because it introduces cool, preheated air inside while sending stale air outside. Eliminates pollutants, bacteria, and bad odors, and removes excess moisture. Today, any new construction must be equipped with an air exchanger.
But how to do the maintenance? There are a few things you can do on your own.
Maintenance of your air exchanger filter
If you’ve never touched your air exchanger filter, now is the time to put this task on your agenda! Indeed, the maintenance of this filter must be carried out every three months, otherwise, it could clog and have serious consequences. However, in a period of pollination, or if you live near a freeway or dirt road, or in an area where many burn firewood, you will need to clean them more often.
The function of your filter is to trap dust and various allergens suspended in the air in your home (animal hair, organic waste, dust, sawdust, etc.). The good news is that your filter collects a lot. Bad news, it needs to be cleaned frequently due to its good performance!
If you don’t do regular maintenance on your air exchanger filter, not only can it get clogged, but it can also create a vacuum in the house. This is because when the filter is blocked, the air is easily expelled from the house, but has difficulty entering where the filter is located. The result: Air enters the house by any other means … through every little crack and opening, which are more numerous than you might imagine.
In addition, neglecting to clean your filter may require more thorough cleaning of your air exchanger and its components, that is to say, the fans, the core, and its ducts. So don’t skimp on the maintenance of your filter!
The stages of the maintenance
Dirt on or around wall-mounted air distribution louvers is usually a good indication of the general condition of your filters. The air vents are dirty, it is time to clean the filters installed in the grilles of the return ducts.
Always check your owner’s manual first to make sure you are handling the parts correctly and performing the proper maintenance. Be sure to unplug your device before attempting to clean or replace the filters.
Types of filters
Your air exchanger may be fitted with washable filters. In this case, remove the filters, vacuum the surface, then wash them with lukewarm water and mild soap. Rinse them well and let them airdry.
For filters that need to be replaced, be sure to purchase the same type of filter, whether it is carbon, foam, pleated, or whatever. If you no longer have your instruction manual for the model of the filter, you need, remove the filter and take it to a professional for advice on the right filter to buy.
Be careful when repositioning your filter, improper placement of the frame may cause air deflection. It is also important to reset your device if it has a lit service indicator.
Don’t want to add new tasks to your busy schedule? Have your filter and your air exchanger cleaned by a team of professionals! Contact us! We can also explain how to clean your air exchanger. Do not hesitate to fill out our online form for a quick quote.
How to maintain your air ducts?
Air ducts require specialized equipment to clean them. It is, therefore, preferable to call in professionals. You can always make sure that the filters and the air intake grilles are clean and if necessary clean them. Check them at the same time as you clean the air exchanger filters.