Wax On, Air Off: How Candles Affect Your HVAC

Within Moments of Looking, He Knew….

He knew I had been burning candles. But, how? Well, it's all about the filter in your air conditioner. As a candle burns down, the flame changes size due to decreased oxygen, affecting the flow of liquid wax up the wick. This process leads to the formation of soot, which your HVAC filter then happily sucks in as it does its job.

But here's the catch: all that wax and other impurities stick to the filter, clogging its fibers and hindering airflow. Dirty filters not only lower air quality but also strain your HVAC system, potentially leading to costly repairs.

But fear not, candle lovers! You don't have to ban candles from your home altogether. While there's no documented health hazard requiring a candle ban, adopting some good practices can lead to a happier home with better air quality:

Opt for Safer Candles

Say no to paraffin candles, which emit toxic chemicals like toluene and formaldehyde. Instead, choose soy or beeswax candles to avoid harmful toxins.

Choose Quality

Purchase candles from reputable manufacturers or artisans who use non-toxic ingredients and avoid lead wicks (banned in the U.S.).

Ventilate

Use exhaust fans to vent candle byproducts and minimize indoor air pollution.

Limit Burn Time

Burn candles for short periods to reduce pollutants released into your home's air.

Trim Wicks

Trim candle wicks to half an inch to control flame size and burn candles only to about an inch before disposal.

Check and Change Filters Regularly

Keep an eye on your HVAC filter for wax buildup and change it frequently to ease strain on your system.

At Fi Home Services, we're here to help you maintain a healthy and pleasant home environment, so you can save candle burning for those special occasions. Let us take care of your home while you enjoy the ambiance of flickering candlelight. Schedule a free walkthrough & consult today!

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