Michgan chimney sweeps at Doctor Flue, inc. have been receiving a lot of questions about sick homes and negative air pressure lately. Because of this, we've put together a series of blogs on SBS (Sick Building Syndrome) and negative air pressure to help educate our clients. Let us know if you have any questions - we're happy to help!
Michigan Chimney Sweeps Can Help Your Sick Home
If your home isn't receiving an adequate amount of fresh air, then it's unhealthy. Are you or the occupants of your home experiencing any of the following issues?
- Irritated eyes, nose, or throat
- Irritated skin
- Non-specific hypersensitivity reactions
- Odor / Taste sensations
Have you noticed any of the following in your home?
- Back drafting of combustion appliances (fireplace, wood stove, furnace, water heater)
- Mold, mildew, or moisture as well as condensation
- Lack of fresh air - moldy, musty smell lingering inside your house
- Rush of air or draft when you open an exterior door
Balance Efficiency with Good Air Quality
Energy efficiency is important, and insulating our homes is a great way to save on heating costs. But if this causes inadequate ventilation, you could be living in a sick house.
"Houses need to breathe" means clean, fresh air must enter the house, as well as exit it. If fresh air is prevented from regularly entering your home, polluted air can become trapped inside. This can make you, and those in your home, ill.
Think of your home as a living, breathing entity. Too many appliances push air out of the house (bathroom fans, ventral vacuums, range hoods, clothes dryers, etc.) and if replacement air isn't coming in, you've got a problem. This creates negative air pressure in the house.
This can interfere with the air supply for your fireplace or furnace. Instead of pushing out gas from your fireplace, the flues of your fireplace will spill gases into the house. (This can also affect your furnace, wood stove, and gas water heater.)
Now you have carbon monoxide entering your home.
Can I Do Anything?
Yes! There are products available to equalize the pressure and feed fresh air to your fireplace and other fuel-burning appliances.
To learn more, the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps at Doctor Flue, inc. can provide you with information. We'll help you find the right solution for your house and budget.
Call Doctor Flue!
If you are ready for a breath of fresh air, contact us today! Doctor Flue offers chimney services in Michigan and Ohio and can inspect your chimney and identify any potential risks.
Call Us: 1-800-438-3583
Email Us: office@drflue.com
Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm
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