Dirty ducts can harbor rodent droppings and other debris. These materials can contaminate the air quality in homes.
Duct cleaning should include the return and supply registers, evaporator coils, and the air handler and be performed under negative pressure. Contact Air Duct Cleaning Utah now!
Some duct cleaners recommend the application of chemical biocides or sealants to encapsulate and contain microbiological contaminants. You should carefully weigh the pros and cons of these practices.
Cleaner Air
Like all other home surfaces, your air ducts get dirty over time. They are a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, dust mites and mold. Over time these contaminants circulate around your home and increase indoor allergy and asthma symptoms. Air duct cleaning helps to remove these pollutants and keep them from returning.
During an air duct cleaning, professionals use compressed air designed for sweeping to agitate dirt and debris off of the interior surface of the ductwork. They also use truck-powered vacuums to suck up the loosened dust and debris from all accessible areas of your venting system. This step alone significantly improves indoor air quality.
After the ducts are cleaned, a chemical biocide may be applied to kill microbiological contaminants. Some service providers may also propose using a sealant to encapsulate or cover the inside surface of your duct work and equipment housings. However, research has not demonstrated the effectiveness of these practices and they should only be considered after the ducts have been thoroughly cleaned.
Air duct cleaning technicians prioritize the safety of your living spaces. They wear shoe covers and use drop cloths to protect floors from contaminant residue. They will also take care not to break your HVAC unit and avoid causing damage to your ductwork.
Before allowing any technicians into your home, check their credentials and make sure they are certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association or other associations that set a standard for their work. Also, ask if they will clean all of your supply and return ducts and your vents. If they are going to do so, be sure to clear a path for them in your attic or basement so that you don’t have to worry about them interrupting baby’s nap or an important Zoom meeting.
Depending on the size of your ducts and your home, the duct cleaning process will take between three and five hours. You should plan to be at home during this time so that you can provide assistance or answer any questions the technician might have.
Better Indoor Air Quality
The air quality in our homes gets poorer over time, and dirty ducts contribute significantly to this. Everyday activities generate all sorts of contaminants and air pollutants, including pet dander, bacteria, dust, mold, chemicals, tobacco smoke, and more. These particles are pulled into your home’s HVAC system and recirculated five to seven times per day, and this can result in a major build-up over time. When left unchecked, this build-up can negatively impact your home’s indoor air quality, resulting in irritated eyes and nose, rashes, asthma, and more serious respiratory problems.
Regular duct cleaning can help alleviate these issues by removing these harmful particulates from your home’s airways and reducing the amount of dust in your ductwork. It also helps remove odors caused by cooking, pets, cleaning products, and more, helping to improve your indoor environment.
During the duct cleaning process, the technician will use specialized tools to dislodge any dirt or debris stuck in your ductwork. The ducts will then be thoroughly vacuumed, and the technician will clean your entire home’s ventilation system, including the air handler and evaporator coil. They may even inspect your furnace, blower motor, and drain pan for any signs of dirt or debris.
Some duct cleaning services offer to apply antimicrobial chemical biocides to the inside surfaces of your ductwork and other systems components, as well as encapsulants and sealants to enclose and cover contaminant deposits on duct interiors. These applications should not be performed unless your ducts and other system components are cleaned first.
Be sure to clear a path for your duct cleaners to access these areas, and make sure that any sensitive items are moved away from vents. Be ready to show the technician around your home, point out the vents, and direct them to the location of your air conditioner equipment. It’s best to schedule this service during naptime or another non-busy time, as the process can be a bit noisy and will require you to leave the house for short periods of time. Make arrangements for pets to be in a safe place, and plan ahead if you have an important Zoom meeting that morning.
Reduced Energy Bills
Air ducts are like the lungs of your home, transporting air throughout each room. As a result, they can collect dust, lint and pet dander. This accumulated buildup can clog filters and reduce your indoor air quality. Air duct cleaning can significantly improve your home’s ventilation system by reducing the amount of dust and dander that circulates throughout your house.
Regular duct cleaning can also minimize the presence of allergens in your living space. These can be harmful to people with asthma or allergies, causing them to feel sick and irritated. By removing these allergens from the air, air duct cleaning can help to alleviate symptoms and promote healthy breathing for you and your family.
In addition, contaminated ductwork can contribute to high energy bills by preventing your HVAC system from running as efficiently as possible. Inspecting and cleaning your ducts can significantly reduce these issues, helping to lower your energy bill.
When choosing an air duct cleaning company, look for a company with a history of satisfied customers and a clear pricing structure. It’s important to avoid advertisements for “$99 whole house specials” and other sales gimmicks, as these companies may not be able to perform the service properly. You should also be wary of companies that do not inspect the entire ductwork during their initial visit.
A thorough duct cleaning involves a vacuuming of the interior of your ductwork and a visual inspection of the system. A licensed professional will use hand sweeping tools, rotating brushes, air-whipping equipment and compressed air equipment to dislodge any dust or debris inside your ductwork. In some cases, the technician will also use chemical biocides to kill microbiological contaminants.
Keep in mind that it’s best to schedule a duct cleaning appointment during a time when your home is empty. This will ensure that the technician is able to access all of the vents in your home, and that no one is disturbed by the loud noise of the machinery used during the process. In addition, it’s a good idea to make sure that your pets are safely confined and away from the area, and to put any important items out of reach.
Reduced Risk of Mold
Mold spores are often present in air ducts, and when they are released into the home, they can trigger allergy symptoms including sneezing, coughing, and congestion. Inhaling such spores can also aggravate existing respiratory conditions like asthma. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your air ducts can help prevent the growth of these harmful contaminants.
Moisture is the primary contributor to mold growth in your air ducts, and it can come from a number of sources. These include water leaks, condensation, and poor ventilation. If you notice moisture or a musty odor in your ducts, it’s important to contact a professional service for air duct cleaning as soon as possible.
If left untreated, mold in your ducts can release mycotoxins, which are poisonous to humans and animals. These toxins can cause a variety of health issues, including achy muscles and joints, headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Inhaling mycotoxins can also trigger asthma and bronchitis, making it especially important to keep your air ducts clean.
Air duct cleaning services may use chemical biocides or other treatments to sanitize and encapsulate the interior surfaces of your ductwork and other system components. While these may provide some short-term benefits, they are not fully effective at controlling mold and other microbiological contaminants in the long term.
In addition to bacterial and fungal contamination, air ducts can harbor dust, pet dander, household cleaning chemicals, paint fumes, and cigarette smoke. Over time this can cause musty odors that will circulate throughout your home each time the furnace or air conditioner runs. Detailed cleaning of your air ducts will eliminate these odors, resulting in a fresher-smelling home.
When combined with good moisture control (fixing any leaks promptly, maintaining appropriate humidity levels, and using dehumidifiers in areas prone to excess moisture), regular air duct cleaning can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth. It can also reduce the occurrence of allergies, respiratory problems, and other health issues in your family. All of this can help to save money on energy bills, sick days, doctor visits, and other expenses associated with avoiding these contaminants.