Dirty ducts can trap odors. Detailed cleaning of ducts, following NADCA best practices, can eliminate stale odors and leave your house with fresher air.
Duct cleaning does not have to be a DIY project, but you should understand what it entails before hiring a service provider. Also, shop around and ask questions. Contact Air Duct Cleaning Utah now!
Dirty ducts are a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These contaminants circulate throughout the entire home and into the lungs of people and pets. Duct cleaning removes these harmful contaminants and improves indoor air quality, especially for those suffering from respiratory problems.
Respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis can be exacerbated by breathing in dust, allergens, and other pollutants. Cleaning the ductwork helps to eliminate these irritants and allows sufferers to breathe easier, creating a more comfortable environment for everyone in the household.
In addition to improving the health of those with respiratory ailments, air duct cleaning can help reduce allergy symptoms. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in the ductwork, creating an allergic reaction in those sensitive to these substances. By removing these allergens, air duct cleaning can significantly decrease allergy symptoms and give those suffering from respiratory conditions the relief they need to live comfortably.
Besides reducing allergens, fungus, and other microorganisms, regular duct cleaning can also improve the indoor air quality of your home by removing fine particulates. These particulates can come from various sources, including sanding and sawing materials used during renovations and settling dirt particles in uninsulated ducts.
Sometimes, a service provider may suggest using chemical biocides or other sanitizing treatments to the inside of the duct work and other system components. While these products can effectively kill off some microorganisms, they should only be used after the ducts are cleaned and visually free of contamination.
If you are considering hiring a professional to clean your ducts, be sure to check the company’s reputation and references before booking an appointment. Avoid companies offering “$99 whole house specials” and other sales gimmicks, and ask the company to provide you with a post-duct cleaning checklist.
It is generally recommended that a homeowner have their air ducts cleaned every three to five years, but this can vary depending on the environment and home’s cleanliness. If you are worried about the cleanliness of your ductwork, consult with a local HVAC specialist.
Better Indoor Air Quality
Each year, dust mites and other allergens accumulate in your home. Your heating and cooling systems suck up these contaminants and re-circulate them throughout the house five to seven times per day. If left unchecked, these pollutants can increase indoor air quality to the point that it becomes a health concern, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Air duct cleaning removes these harmful materials, improving indoor air quality and helping to reduce allergy symptoms.
There is no scientific evidence that dirty air ducts cause health problems. However, a light coating of dust and dirt in your air ducts can increase humidity, leading to mold and bacteria growth. This can then circulate throughout the house, causing a host of health issues, including irritated noses and eyes, coughing, sneezing, and asthma attacks.
Dirty ducts can also make your heating and cooling system work harder, shortening its lifespan. Air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality and extends the life of your HVAC system, saving you money in the long run.
Before hiring a duct cleaner, research companies in your area and ask about their certifications and standards. Look for a company that follows NADCA’s best practices and is licensed in your state. A reputable contractor should provide you with an estimate before beginning any work and will clean every vent in your house, even those that are behind walls or under carpeting.
To begin the process, the technician will access your ductwork through a hole cut into your air handler, usually located next to your furnace in your attic or basement. He or she will attach a large vacuum collection device to this opening and use it to sweep away any debris. After the ducts are cleaned, the technician will seal the holes and test for cleanliness.
You do not need to prepare for a duct cleaning in advance, but it is a good idea to make sure your home’s vents can be easily accessed. This will prevent your technician from missing a single duct or register. You should also make sure that any pets or children are in another room for the duration of the appointment, as the noise may frighten them. Finally, schedule your appointment during a time when you can afford to be out of the house for a few hours.
Reduced Illness
If you or a family member suffers from asthma or allergies, dirty ductwork can aggravate the symptoms. When dust, pet dander, mold spores and other airborne contaminants circulate through unclean vents they can trigger or worsen respiratory conditions like bronchitis, sinusitis, allergies and asthma. With regular cleaning these problems are reduced.
A professional duct cleaner will inspect your ductwork to determine how clean it is and whether any repairs are needed. This may include visual inspection as well as a special camera to inspect remote areas of the ductwork that are difficult to access. They will also clean all vents to make sure they are free from dust, debris and other blockages.
In homes, ducts can harbor a variety of unwanted guests that include rodents, birds, insects, mold and even vermin droppings. In addition, construction or remodeling dust can contain a host of OSHA-regulated toxic chemicals. Ducts also collect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from paint, cleaning supplies and building materials. Unclean ductwork traps these chemicals and recirculates them throughout the home. An expert duct cleaner will use advanced equipment to safely and effectively remove these harmful chemicals.
Dirty ducts can have serious effects on office productivity and employee health. From irritants and allergens to fatigue, poor indoor air quality can cause a host of ailments that can impede on workplace performance. Air duct cleaning can eliminate many of these contaminants and enhance indoor air quality, ultimately improving worker health, efficiency and morale.
Coughing, sneezing and a runny nose are the telltale signs of a respiratory infection. They often stem from poor indoor air quality and can quickly turn into bronchitis, sinusitis or pneumonia. Dirty ducts are often to blame and can be easily remedied with a professional cleaning.
Reduced Energy Bills
Duct cleaning can help reduce your energy bills by ensuring that your heating and cooling system is working at an optimal level. It can also improve your home’s indoor air quality by allowing it to breathe easier, and by reducing allergens like dust mites. It can also decrease your household maintenance costs by lowering the amount of dust and debris that is circulated around the home.
Each year, your house collects up to 40 lbs of dust, dirt, and allergens in its ductwork. These contaminants can then become circulating in your living space and trigger allergies and asthma attacks. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) states that a thorough duct cleaning can result in reduced allergy and asthma symptoms. In addition, the contaminated ductwork can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other forms of fungus.
A professional duct cleaning company will use negative pressure and high-powered vacuums to dislodge accumulated dust, dirt, and other allergens from the interior of your ductwork. They will also use various agitation tools, including brushes and air whips to loosen stuck-on particles. After they’ve removed as much of the contaminant buildup as possible, the technicians will seal your vents and return grilles.
You shouldn’t have to do a major deep clean before your duct cleaning technician arrives, but you may want to tidy up the area so they can easily access all of the vents in your house. This will ensure that you get the most out of your duct cleaning service.
When it comes to scheduling a duct cleaning, there is no set timeline that you must adhere to. However, there are several telltale signs that it’s time to give your ductwork the attention it deserves.
1. Visible mold growth: Seeing any visible growth inside your ducts is a sign that they need to be cleaned. 2. Unpleasant Odors: Strange or unpleasant odors from your vents indicate the presence of a variety of contaminants, such as mildew and mold, which should be dealt with immediately. 3. Inconsistent Airflow: If some rooms in your house seem to be warmer or cooler than others, this could indicate a blockage within your ductwork.