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Ensuring Proper Home Ventilation During COVID-19

November 17, 2020

With winter on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to discuss home ventilation during COVID-19. For many of us, colder weather and less activities available, means that we will be spending more time in our homes. And although this is not a permanent situation, it’s never been more important to ensure that you have proper ventilation in your home for your own safety and the safety of your loved ones. 

It’s now well established by the global health community that preventing the spread of COVID-19 indoors is achieved mainly with proper hygiene and ventilation. 

Ventilation—how air flows, where it flows, how much of it flows, and how quickly it’s replenished—can be compared to the heart and lungs of any one indoor space. Even thoughtfully designed spaces become less enjoyable if the air is stale or improperly circulated.

As ventilation experts, we have two simple, but highly effective recommendations to help you ensure that you have proper home ventilation during COVID-19.

1. Check Your Ventilation System Regularly

Range Hoods, Bath Fans, Energy Recovery Ventilators and Heat Recovery Ventilators

(a) An easy way to check and ensure the efficacy of your range hood is to light a match or candle underneath it while it’s running, blow the candle/match out and watch the smoke get whisked away.

(b) While running the hood, hold a tissue or paper towel to the filters.  The tissue should stick to the filters if there is proper suction.  A tissue that doesn’t stick but instead falls down indicates an issue with suction.

(c) If easily accessible, check the exterior exhaust vent to ensure it is free from debris and that the damper flaps are opening while the hood is running.

2. Clean Your Ventilation Filters 

Range Hood

(a) Mesh Filters – Soak in a container filled with hot water and some dish washing detergent. Gently scrub with a sponge. Repeat if necessary.

(b) Baffle Filters – Same as above OR place in dishwasher.

*It is important to ensure that you clean excess grease/oil from all surfaces.

Energy Recovery Ventilator /Heat Recovery Ventilator

Remove the filters and vacuum out any dust and debris. Soak in a container with warm water and mild detergent.  Rinse thoroughly, allow to dry and reinstall.

Bathroom Fan

Remove the grille.  Use a vacuum to clean out the fan, and then wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove dust and/or debris.  You should also vacuum and wipe the inside of the fan.

With the proper tools and knowledge, cleaning and maintaining your ventilation system is relatively simple.  Doing it yourself is much less expensive than hiring a professional. Feel free to reach out to us with your home ventilation questions. We’re happy to provide assistance.

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Cyclone Range Hoods Inc. Warranty has recently been updated. Please see it under the Support Tab For questions regarding the warranty. Please contact us, we are happy to help.