If your home has recently been constructed or remodeled, having your ductwork cleaned is a good idea. Even when contractors carefully limit debris movement, dust still enters the HVAC system.
Dirty ducts can also be home to rodent droppings, chewed materials, unpleasant odors, and mold growth. However, cleaning ducts will only eliminate mold problems if the conditions that allow it to grow are corrected. Click the https://www.allproutah.com to learn more.
Air ducts move heated and cooled air throughout the home, which helps keep everyone comfortable and healthy. Unfortunately, air ducts also collect dust and debris over time, which can cause blockages in the system. This dust and debris may include construction materials, such as drywall, sawdust, insulation, or other debris from a remodeling project, animal dander (from pets that shed) or other contaminants.
Cleaning the ducts removes these pollutants and improves indoor air quality. However, it’s important to understand that there is no evidence that a light amount of dust in the ductwork poses a health risk. Instead, a significant buildup of these contaminants is more likely to cause problems for people with allergies, respiratory issues or other conditions that make it hard to breathe.
A professional duct cleaner uses HEPA filtration in their vacuum systems to ensure the particles are not spread back into the house during cleaning. The ducts are also sealed before the cleaning starts to prevent contaminates from escaping into the house while they are being cleaned. Additionally, any furniture or other objects that obstruct the vents can be moved before the cleaning begins to ensure they are not blocked during the process.
The process involves inserting a long brush into the ducts and rubbing it across the interior surfaces of the system. This removes stuck-on dirt and debris, which is then suctioned away by the vacuuming system. In some cases, additional brushes and scraping equipment may be used to break up and loosen hardened debris in the ducts.
Some homeowners wonder whether they can clean their own ducts themselves. While there are some reputable companies that offer this service, it’s important to note that the job is a complicated one that requires specialized tools and may pose some hazards for unskilled workers. It’s also a good idea to ask potential services providers if they are licensed by the state in order to ensure that they follow the appropriate guidelines and procedures.
Bacteria and Mold
Air duct cleaning may remove dust and other debris, but it is also an opportunity to eliminate bacteria and mold. Dust, dander and other contaminants that settle in the air ducts create an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria, such as genus Pseudomonas, which can cause infections of the lungs, eyes and skin. These bacteria can be circulated throughout the entire home by an air conditioning system. They can also contribute to respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and may even lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and fever.
As for mold, fungus releases spores that irritate the lungs and other parts of the body. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, such as nasal irritation and congestion, coughing and wheezing, headaches and mental fatigue. It can also aggravate asthma, exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and increase a person’s susceptibility to infection if they are immunocompromised.
Visible mold growth in air ducts usually means that there is a larger infestation that hasn’t been treated. This is often the result of a clogged air filter, leaky water pipe or other problem that hasn’t been fixed. Mold spores are released into the air and can be breathed in by people of all ages, but especially those with respiratory problems or those who are immunocompromised.
During air duct cleaning, professionals use a vacuum to remove the visible growth and apply an HVAC mold inhibitor to kill any spores left behind. It is important to find a trusted local air duct cleaning service that uses products approved for use in ducts. Some products are designed for surfaces, while others are designed to be sprayed inside of ducts.
While some companies offer only a basic cleaning and not sanitizing, this can still be an effective option. However, it is important to find a trustworthy local company that offers both services and to make sure the sanitizing solution they use is EPA-approved for use in ductwork. If you have any questions or concerns about the sanitizing process, speak to a technician during your preliminary consultation to ensure you get all of the information you need.
Smoke and Odors
If someone in your home smokes or you have owned a property that was smoked in, nicotine and other contaminants stick to surfaces and can be carried throughout the air by your HVAC system. Smoke can even get into the ductwork itself. The odors of cigarette and cigar smoke can linger long after the smoker moves out. The good news is that duct cleaning can remove those odors and significantly improve indoor air quality.
Another common odor to be aware of is a musty or mildew smell. This can indicate that there is undetected mold or mildew in your ductwork. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately, as it can affect indoor air quality and create health issues for your family.
Your air ducts are responsible for carrying the cold and warm air that comes into your home through supply vents and then circulating it back out through return vents. This process can also bring in odours from the outdoors, cooking and pets. These odors can be difficult to eliminate, especially if the problem is a recurring one.
Rodents and insects can also make their way into ductwork, either by chewing through an unsealed entrance or finding an access point inside your home. Once they’re there, they can leave behind droppings and a variety of unpleasant odors. Getting rid of rodents and insects in your ductwork is essential to the quality of your indoor air.
You may be tempted to try and tackle the task of cleaning your air ducts yourself. However, this is a task that should be left to professional technicians who are trained to clean your air ducts properly. Be sure to find a reputable contractor who follows NADCA’s guidelines when it comes to cleaning your air ducts. Also, be sure to clear a path for your technician to get to your ductwork and equipment by clearing out any items that are blocking their way. This will help them get the job done quickly and efficiently. Make sure you show them all rooms of your home that have vents so they don’t miss any spots.
Health Concerns
Dirty air ducts trap and collect allergens, growths, bacteria, pollutants, odors and other debris that can cause serious health complications. Breathing in these contaminants can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems and can aggravate existing ones, such as sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. It’s important to schedule regular cleanings of your ductwork to keep them clean and prevent these pollutants from circulating in your home.
While it’s important to have your ductwork cleaned regularly, it’s also important to choose the right service provider. Some companies will use chemical biocides and sealants during the cleaning process, which may pose a health hazard. If you or a family member has any health issues, it’s best to talk with your doctor before scheduling an appointment for duct cleaning.
Another concern about duct cleaning is that it can be very messy, especially if there’s a lot of dust and debris built up. But the latest technology and techniques can mitigate the messiness of duct cleaning and make it a much less disruptive process for you and your family.
Rodents and insects can also infiltrate ductwork, particularly if they can chew through or find an unsealed access point. Once inside, they can build nests, leave droppings and other telltale signs that could contaminate the quality of the air in your home. Then, when these critters breathe, they’ll circulate those contaminants throughout the house and potentially wreak havoc on your family’s health.
Over time, living in a poorly sanitized environment can lead to what’s known as “sick building syndrome.” It’s characterized by headaches, itchy eyes, nose or throat, fatigue and difficulty breathing. The good news is that most of these symptoms only appear after prolonged exposure to contaminated air, meaning it’s vital to get your air ducts regularly cleaned and inspected.