A little planning and care help your ventilation system clear out pollutants that build up during long stretches of rain. We at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing in Salem, OR can guide you through each step so you can breathe easier and feel confident in your home’s air quality. Let’s get your system ready for Oregon’s wet months.
Understand Indoor Pollutant Sources
You may not see the smoke, allergens, or cooking odors that linger when windows stay shut during rainy weeks. You produce moisture when you shower, cook, or dry clothes indoors. That moisture feeds mold spores hiding behind walls or in carpets. You also bring in pollen and dust on your shoes and pet fur each time you cross your threshold. Even cleaning products release chemicals that float in your air.
When you know where pollutants originate, you can target each source with specific ventilation tactics. Start by identifying rooms where the air feels heavy or smells stale. When you track pollutant hotspots, you avoid chasing every possible cause and instead fine-tune the areas that matter most. By focusing your efforts, you save effort and see clear improvements in your air quality.
Optimize Fresh Air Intake
You avoid opening windows wide when rain blows sideways into your living space. Instead, you use controlled fresh air inlets on exterior walls or ceiling vents placed high above head height. Those inlets draw in outside air without letting rain squalls enter your rooms. You position them away from downspouts and roof edges. You also install adjustable louvers that close automatically when humidity levels rise too quickly. In milder breaks between showers, you open inlet vents for a few minutes to flush stagnant air.
That short burst of fresh air clears odors without cooling your home excessively. You then close the vents and rely on your mechanical system to keep air moving. With thoughtful air inlet placement and timing, you maintain a steady supply of fresh oxygen even when windows stay closed.
Control Humidity to Reduce Mold Growth
You know Oregon’s rainy months bring high humidity that feeds mold and mildew. You install a dehumidifier near your air handler or in a basement that stays damp. That unit pulls moisture from the air before it drifts into living areas. You set the target humidity between 40% and 50% so you feel comfortable without dry skin.
You also run your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans any time you shower or cook. Those fans vent moisture outside instead of letting it drift into your hallways. When you pair exhaust fans with a dehumidifier, your air handler spends less energy pulling moisture through filters. That balance keeps your home dry and reduces the chance for mold spores to settle on wooden trim or drywall edges.
Use Mechanical Ventilation Strategically
Your system’s fan can run continuously or intermittently. You set it to cycle on for ten minutes each hour so air moves without creating drafts. That cycle pushes pollutants toward air returns and through filters. You also program a higher fan speed during peak cooking times or after showers. That extra airflow clears steam and odors quickly.
In rooms without dedicated exhaust, you add a ducted inline fan in the attic that vents to the roof. That fan brings fresh air from outside and pushes stale air out through a separate duct. When you combine intermittent fan cycles with targeted inline ventilation, you keep air moving without overtaxing your heating or cooling system.
Maintain and Clean Air Filters Regularly
Your air filter traps dust, pet hair, and pollen each time your system runs. You inspect the filter each month and replace it when you see visible debris. A clogged filter forces your blower motor to work harder and sends captured pollutants back into your home. You choose a pleated filter rated for your system’s airflow to ensure unrestricted airflow.
When rainy days increase mold and pollen counts outdoors, you should increase filter changes to every three weeks. You also clean washable filters if your system uses them. After rinsing a filter, you let it dry completely before reinstalling. That care stops moisture from causing mold growth directly on the filter.
Leverage Energy Recovery Ventilators
Your home can exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air without losing heat. An energy recovery ventilator uses a heat exchanger that transfers warmth from outgoing air to incoming air. You install the unit between two small ducts in your attic or basement. When outside air enters, it passes through the exchanger and warms up before it reaches living spaces.
Meanwhile, exhaust air cools down as it leaves. That process keeps temperature swings minimal, so your heater or furnace kicks in less often. You should also choose a model with humidity transfer, so you capture inside moisture when you need it and reject excess outdoor humidity. With an ERV in place, you maintain balanced ventilation without driving up your heating bills.
Seal and Insulate to Prevent Outdoor Pollutants
You block gaps around windows, doors, and duct penetrations so wind does not drive rain or pollen into your home. You apply caulk around window frames and weather-strip doors at the threshold. You also inspect roof vents and attic hatches for loose seals. You add foam gaskets behind register grills and use flexible duct collars that seal tightly around metal collars. Those steps stop outdoor air from bypassing your filters.
You then insulate duct runs that pass through unconditioned spaces. That insulation holds temperature steadier inside ducts and prevents condensation on metal surfaces. When ducts stay dry and sealed, you avoid mold growth and keep outdoor pollutants from joining your indoor air.
Seasonal Inspection and Professional Service
Schedule a ventilation tune-up in early fall before the steady rains set in. A technician will check dampers, clean the heat-exchanger core, and test the fan. They’ll measure airflow at each register so you know the system is moving air the way it should. They’ll also inspect attic and crawlspace ducts for leaks and seal anything they find.
After the visit, you’ll get a report showing which areas flow well and which need follow-up. Use it to plan filter changes and quick checks on any inline fans. With a pro in your corner, you stay ahead of clogs and hidden leaks, your system stays reliable through the wet months, and your indoor air stays clean.
Schedule Your Home Ventilation Assessment Today
When you follow these ventilation best practices, you lower indoor pollutants and enjoy cleaner air throughout the rainy season. Regular fan inspections, filter changes, and moisture control keep your system running at its best. You can also schedule duct cleaning and humidity monitoring for deeper peace of mind. For expert service, including ERV installation and seasonal tune-ups, trust Woodward Heating Air Plumbing.
Woodward Heating Air Plumbing offers HVAC inspections, energy recovery ventilator setups, and air quality testing tailored to Oregon’s climate. We deliver reliable system maintenance and custom ventilation upgrades that match your home’s needs. Schedule your ventilation assessment with Woodward Heating Air Plumbing today and breathe easier all season.
