What You Should Know About Air Duct Cleaning

When Air Duct Cleaning technician arrives at your house, they will greet you and give you a brief rundown of their process. They will also explain the cost and answer any questions you might have.

Air Duct Cleaning

Dirty air ducts can contain harmful contaminants like pet dander, bacteria, mildew, and mold spores. These toxins can trigger allergies and asthma in some people.

Allergies are reactions to a foreign substance that trigger the immune system, often causing sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. Some of these allergens can be found in your air ducts. Over time, these allergens can accumulate in your home’s air ducts and be circulated throughout your house each time your HVAC system runs. This can make allergy symptoms worse for the people in your household.

Air duct cleaning can help alleviate allergy symptoms. This is because dirty ducts can increase the amount of dust and pollen that’s blown into your home. Dirty ducts can also harbor a variety of other harmful contaminants, such as mildew, mold, pet dander, and more. These toxins can trigger allergies in family members living in the home, especially those with asthma or other respiratory issues.

The best way to reduce your allergy symptoms is to have your home’s air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. Air duct cleaning can significantly cut down on the number of allergy-causing substances that are blown into your home by your air conditioner and heater. In addition, a professional air duct cleaning can help you identify and remove any sources of humidity or moisture that could be contributing to your allergies.

When evaluating potential duct cleaners, be sure to choose a company with experience and a good track record. You should also ask the company for references from past clients and contact them to learn more about their experiences with the business. It’s also a good idea to schedule your appointment at a time that won’t interfere with your daily life or work. Duct cleaners will make some noise and need access to all rooms of your house, so try to avoid scheduling your service during baby’s naptime or your next Zoom meeting.

Bacteria

Air ducts are the tubes in your walls, ceiling, and attic that deliver cool or warm air for temperature regulation to various parts of your house. They collect dust and other debris, which can contain harmful microbes that can cause illness in your family members. They are not visible and are often overlooked. When air ducts are dirty, they will spread bacteria throughout your home. This is because the bacteria will be blown around your home by the fan when you activate your HVAC system.

Dirty ducts often have a foul smell because they are collecting pet dander, mildew, mold spores, and other pollutants. People with asthma, autoimmune disorders, and other respiratory conditions are particularly susceptible to these contaminants. They can trigger symptoms like runny noses, sneezing, headaches, and watery eyes. They can also worsen existing infections.

It is not a good idea to clean your ducts on your own because they are usually difficult to reach. A professional service has the tools and training to clean your ducts safely. They will remove the dust, debris, and biological matter that seeds bacterial growth, as well as clean the fan motors, fan housing, and heat exchangers. This will help improve your home’s air quality.

If you notice your family is getting sick more than usual, coughing more, sneezing more, and experiencing other symptoms of respiratory illnesses, it could be due to bacteria in the air. The bacteria and viruses will be blown around your indoor environment by the heating and cooling system, which can cause serious health problems for your loved ones.

If you have a family member with a compromised immune system, the bacteria and viruses will be much more dangerous. They may be able to infect them with serious lung diseases or even cause death. A regularly scheduled duct cleaning can prevent these serious outcomes. It can also keep your family healthy and prevent them from developing allergies or other health-related issues. It can also save money on energy bills and reduce the need for expensive repairs. In addition, it can help protect the value of your home.

Mold

As a homeowner, you know that mold spores can cause serious health issues. These spores are often present in areas where water accumulates, such as basements and bathrooms. However, you may not be aware that these spores can also accumulate in air ducts. If you suspect that your ducts are infested with mold, you should contact a professional immediately for air duct cleaning and mold remediation services.

If you notice a musty smell in your home, visible spots of mold near vents or air returns or on filters, or other signs of mold, it’s important to get your ducts cleaned as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more mold spores will spread throughout your home. This can cause additional health problems, such as respiratory irritation and eye irritation.

The type of mold that is found in air ducts varies, but most mold strains thrive in the moist, dark environments of clogged ducts. Some common types of mold found in air ducts include Trichoderma, Chaetomium, and Ulocladium. Each of these strains requires a constant supply of moisture to grow, which is provided by the condensation that builds up in clogged ducts. Air conditioning units provide the ideal environment for these types of mold to take root and spread rapidly throughout a home or business.

Mold can be difficult to clean without professional help. A professional can remove the mold and use an HVAC sanitizing solution to kill any remaining mold spores that could cause future growth. It’s important to do your research when choosing an air duct cleaning company, as not all sanitizing solutions are created equal. Be sure to hire a company that uses high-quality antimicrobial solutions.

Some companies use chemical biocides and other treatments to encapsulate or cover the inside of ducts or equipment housings. This practice is not well-researched and is not recommended. It is far better to let your local air duct cleaners do the job using non-toxic, professional-grade antimicrobial products. These products can be safely applied to the inside of ducts after they have been thoroughly cleaned of all visible contaminants.

Reduced Energy

Air duct cleaning removes debris that can cause your system to work harder to heat and cool your home. This can make your energy bills higher, which has a negative impact on the environment. Using less energy means your house produces fewer greenhouse gases, which helps protect the earth and the planet.

Dirty ducts can also increase the risk of fire and other types of property damage. The debris and toxins trapped in ductwork can burn or melt insulation and lead to leaks. A clean ductwork system is more reliable and safe to operate.

If you own a commercial property, keeping your air ducts clean is important to the health and safety of your employees and customers. A dirty ductwork system can reintroduce germs, mold, mildew, and odors to the workplace. It can even contribute to the spread of respiratory illnesses like the common cold and influenza.

A clean ductwork system can reduce the number of sick days and improve worker morale. In addition, if your business uses a forced-air system, clean ductwork can help cut down on energy costs by making it easier for the system to distribute conditioned air.

You can easily tell if it’s time to clean your ductwork by looking at the vent covers and grilles. If they’re discolored and coated in thick dust, it’s time to call in a professional for an inspection.

If your ductwork is made of metal, it’s best to use a service provider certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, or NADCA. A member of this organization will have Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff, and they’ll follow the strict guidelines for proper duct cleaning.

Beware of unlicensed or dishonest contractors who offer bargain-basement prices. These companies often do an inferior job, only cleaning what they can see in and around your vents. They may also try to sell you add-on services that aren’t necessary for a healthy home or office. Be sure to check the NADCA website to find a reputable contractor in your area. Also, be wary of services that recommend the use of chemical biocides or other encapsulants to seal your ducts. These chemicals have not been proven to be effective and should only be used in conjunction with regular duct cleaning.