Air Duct Cleaning is a process that requires an experienced technician. Before they start working, they should explain what they will do and how long it should take. Air ducts contain allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet fur, which can trigger symptoms in people with asthma and allergies. They also may contain fungus, bacteria, and mold.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Air ducts trap and recirculate various contaminating particles, including pet dander, mold spores, mildew, pollen and other allergens. These can aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms in residents, especially children, seniors and anyone with compromised immune systems. Periodic cleaning of air ducts prevents these harmful microorganisms from recirculating and provides healthier living conditions.
Air Duct cleaning involves a thorough inspection of the ductwork, vents and equipment. A certified technician will then create negative pressure and vacuum the ducts. They will use brushes and air compressors to dislodge the dirt, dust and other debris stuck on duct walls. They will also clean the supply and return vents and ensure that they are visibly clean. They may also seal the ducts to prevent dust and debris from entering during the construction or remodeling of your home.
The ducts can be filled with paint fumes, tobacco smoke, cleaning agents, mildew and food spills which give off unpleasant odors that don’t go away even after opening windows and using air fresheners. The ductwork can also be contaminated by rodent droppings, feces and other vermin remains. Rodents, lizards, insects and other rodents love to nest in warm spaces which make your ductwork their perfect spot. If they are not cleaned periodically, these vermin can cause a number of health and safety issues for your family or employees.
Cleaning of the ductwork can eliminate a wide range of odours in your home or business. It is important to note that cleaning of the ducts has not been shown to reduce illness but rather to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort. The odours come from the dust and dirt that accumulates in the ducts which is then re-circulated throughout your building.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Most experts agree that it is important to clean your home’s ductwork at least every five years. However, depending on how frequently your home’s residents smoke or use a fireplace, as well as other factors, you may need to have it cleaned more often.
Dirty ductwork can trap dust, debris and pollutants within its walls and inside of your HVAC system. These contaminants are then re-circulated throughout your home on a constant basis. This re-circulation can contribute to the spread of airborne contaminants that may trigger respiratory health problems or allergies.
Those contaminants can also cause the system to work harder than it should, resulting in higher utility bills and an early breakdown of its components. Air duct cleaning can remove the buildup of contaminants that reduces efficiency and causes the heating and cooling system to work harder.
If you want to be sure that your home’s ductwork is properly cleaned, find a certified NADCA contractor. NADCA contractors follow best practices for the safe and thorough cleaning of ductwork. These practices include sweeping ducts by hand and with compressed air equipment while a vacuuming system removes the dislodged debris from the ductwork.
Some duct cleaners will suggest applying chemical biocides or chemical treatments to the inside surfaces of the ductwork and equipment. These chemical biocides and treatments are intended to kill microbiological contaminants, such as bacteria, fungus and molds. They may also be designed to encapsulate the inside surfaces of the ductwork and prevent future biological growth.
The application of these chemical biocides and chemical treatments is controversial because they are not necessary for the successful cleaning of ducts and they are likely to contribute to the spread of other types of contaminants in your ductwork.
Reduced Wear and Tear on Your HVAC System
As air moves through your home’s ductwork system, it picks up all sorts of debris and contaminants. These include pet dander, volatile chemicals, carbon monoxide and pesticides, as well as mold spores and bacteria. Over time, these pollutants can recirculate and make their way back into living spaces, where they can irritate the respiratory systems of people in your household and cause breathing problems. Clean ducts can help eliminate these particles, which in turn can improve indoor air quality and protect your family’s health.
Dirty ductwork also causes your HVAC system to work harder in order to keep your home comfortable, which adds to wear and tear on the motor and reduces its lifespan. By having your ducts cleaned, you can avoid these issues and prolong the life of your equipment.
Your duct cleaning technician will start by briefly explaining what they’ll be doing and how they’ll do it. This is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and address any concerns.
Most reputable HVAC companies use NADCA-approved source-removal methods to thoroughly clean your ducts. This involves the use of spinning brushes, compressed air tools and a vacuum collection device to dislodge dust and debris from inside your ductwork system. They’ll also be able to inspect your air handler, plenums and evaporator coil for signs of contamination or vermin infestations, which can also impact efficiency.
Since your ducts will be accessible during this process, it’s usually best to have your kids and pets out of the house for the day. This is because the noise can be a bit disruptive and your technician may need to open and close vents in different rooms of your house, so they don’t miss any ductwork.
Eliminated Pest and Rodents Infestations
A pest infestation isn’t just inconvenient, it can also be harmful to human health. Pests carry a number of dangerous diseases that can be spread by their droppings and urine. They can also gnaw through wood, plaster, and plastic to gain entry to structures and contaminate food, stored items, and electrical wiring. Rats in particular are a huge nuisance for property owners. They can spread a variety of diseases including rabies, rat-bite fever, and Hantavirus, as well as cause significant damage to buildings by chewing through wires, insulation, and support beams.
One of the best ways to keep rodents away from homes and businesses is to maintain a clean facility and to regularly pick up litter and debris. Store foods in airtight containers and dispose of garbage immediately. Keep grass and weeds from growing near structures and trim trees to remove hiding places for mice and rats.
When pests do make their way inside ductwork, they get trapped, decompose, and emit unpleasant odors that can be circulated throughout the home or business. Duct cleaning eliminates contaminants and dead critters, restoring fresh, pleasant odors to the environment.
Always wear rubber, latex, or vinyl gloves when handling dead rodents, traps, and contaminated materials. When cleaning, do not sweep or vacuum areas that contain rodent feces or urine, and be sure to disinfect surfaces and materials with a 10% bleach solution or other general-purpose disinfectant. When using bleach, follow the instructions on the label for dilution and disinfection time. It is also recommended that you air out enclosed spaces for 30 minutes before entering. Never vacuum, sweep, or stir dust in and around rodent-contaminated areas — this can cause infectious dust particles to be inhaled.
Fresh Smell
Air duct cleaning removes a variety of odor-causing particles that are trapped in your air vents. These odors come from paint fumes, tobacco smoke, mildew, food, pet dander and many other sources. Over time these odors become trapped in your air ducts and repeatedly circulate through the house each time the furnace or AC comes on. Even after opening windows and using air fresheners these odors don’t always go away. A detailed duct cleaning by a professional can eliminate these odors and leave your home with a clean and fresh smell.
The process of air duct cleaning starts with a pre-inspection. This inspection determines the accessibility of the duct work and the condition of the ducts themselves. Then the technician will create negative pressure inside the ductwork and use agitation devices to get the dust, pollen, mold, debris and other contaminates stuck on the walls of the ducts. These contaminates are then sucked up into the vacuum collection unit and the ducts are thoroughly cleaned. After the ducts are clean, the technician will do another inspection to make sure everything has been cleaned and that there is no left over debris.
If you are looking for a qualified contractor to perform your air duct cleaning, look for a company that is a member of the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association). This ensures that you will be working with a professional who has been trained and certified in the proper methods of cleaning. Also, be sure to check that the technician you choose is insured and bonded. This protects you from being liable for any damage that may occur during the cleaning process. A competent and certified duct cleaner will always take the time to treat your property with respect and protect it from unnecessary damage during the cleaning process.
