Air duct cleaning is often a good investment. However, choosing a qualified contractor is important to ensure you get the best results.
Avoid technicians who rely on spraying sealants or chemical biocides in your ducts. These products can damage your ductwork and negatively impact your health. Click https://www.allproutah.com to learn more.
When the HVAC system recirculates air, it brings dust and dirt throughout the house. This debris can also carry mildew, bacteria, pollen, and mold spores. These pollutants can be irritating to people with asthma or other respiratory problems. Periodic cleaning of the air ducts helps reduce these contaminants and keeps them from recirculating in the home.
Dirty ducts can contribute to irritated eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Dust in the air can also aggravate allergies and auto-immune disorders and increase the risk of respiratory infections. Periodic duct cleaning removes the buildup of dust that can cause these issues and keeps harmful particles from recirculating throughout the home.
An air duct cleaner typically uses powerful vacuums and brushes to dislodge and collect dust, debris, and other contaminants from the ductwork. They may use a special chemical treatment to sanitize the ductwork and ensure it is clean and moisture-free.
If you are arranging an air duct cleaning, ensure the technician knows about any sensitive items in your home. For example, you might want to move a child’s bed or other furniture out of the way and cover it with a tarp to protect it from damage or smudges. You should also be prepared to show the technician around your home and point out all the vents. The technician will need access to the air handler, plenums, and return air boot at the furnace, so clear a path for them.
Be ready to wear protective gear and expect a fair amount of noise during the process. It is best to schedule the appointment during a time when your family will be out of the house or at least away from sleeping children. If you have pets, you might need to put them in a crate or arrange for daycare on the day of the cleaning. It’s also a good idea to take down any decorations and remove pet toys or food bowls from the area of the vents that will be cleaned.
Dust
Airborne dust is a major contributor to indoor air quality problems. A thorough cleaning of ductwork removes a substantial amount of it, improving indoor air quality and making the home or office more comfortable. Dust also contains allergens and irritants, which can cause breathing difficulties for people with chronic respiratory conditions or auto-immune disorders. The regular removal of dust and allergens helps to alleviate these problems, reducing the need for medication or frequent doctor visits.
The most common indicators that it is time to schedule a duct cleaning are visible dust accumulation on or around the vents and registers in your home or business. This dust could contain a number of pollutants, including pet fur and dander, mildew, mold spores, and more. Other signs of a dirty duct system include unexplained symptoms like fatigue, coughing, or headaches, or an apparent drop in indoor air quality.
Dirty ducts can also contribute to odors. As the dust in your ductwork becomes wet, it begins to produce unpleasant smells when the furnace or air conditioner runs. This stale odor can be hard to get rid of, and it is often spread throughout the entire house every time the air conditioner or heater runs. A thorough duct cleaning removes this odor and prevents it from returning.
During the duct cleaning process, a professional will start by closing all supply and return vents to create negative pressure inside the ductwork. Then they will begin cleaning each vent, working from one end of the system to the other. They will use tools like rotating brushes, compressed agitation air whips, and powerful vacuuming equipment to loosen and dislodge the settled dust. This is then sucked away with a truck-powered vacuum, leaving the ductwork clean and dry.
When performing a duct cleaning, it is important that you have the right equipment for the job. A heavy-duty shop vacuum with a long hose and plenty of attachments is ideal. A brush that can reach all corners of the ducts is also essential, such as a toilet brush or a large paintbrush. A screwdriver is helpful for removing the vent covers, as well. Finally, a kit of lint-free cleaning cloths and paper towels is a great way to wipe down the interior surfaces of the vents without creating more dust.
Allergens
Allergies can turn a home into an unpleasant environment, causing itchy eyes, runny nose, itching, wheezing and coughing. The symptoms can linger throughout the day, making family life difficult.
The solution may be as simple as having your air ducts cleaned. Air duct cleaning removes dust, mold and other pollutants, which can help alleviate allergy symptoms and make life at home more comfortable.
How Do You Know If Your Ducts Need Cleaning?
Allergens like dust mites, pet dander, bacteria, pollen, mildew and mold spores can build up in your air ducts. When your HVAC system blows air through the ductwork, these allergens are dispersed throughout your house. Those who suffer from allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems are especially sensitive to these airborne contaminants. By having your ductwork regularly cleaned, you can improve indoor air quality and relieve symptomatic symptoms for those suffering from allergies and asthma.
Dirty ductwork can also harbor unwanted odors from pets, smoke, cleaning agents, paint fumes and old cooking smells. These odors can be circulated throughout the house every time your heating and cooling system runs. A regular duct cleaning can get rid of these unpleasant odors, leaving you with fresh-smelling air.
If you notice that your sneezing and other allergy symptoms seem to increase when the heating or air conditioning system is running, it may be time for an air duct cleaning. You can start by doing a visual inspection of your vents and ducts. Look for large deposits of dust, or a musty odor that suggests it’s been a while since the last cleaning.
When you’re ready to hire a professional for your air duct cleaning, be sure to choose a reputable company. Some contractors advertise “$69 whole-house specials,” but they often do a poor job, only cleaning what’s visible and ignoring the rest of the system. They’ll then upsell add-on services, tricking homeowners into paying more than they should. To avoid this, read reviews and ask friends for referrals. Also, keep in mind that duct cleaners will need to access your furnace and air handler, which can be found in the attic or in a utility closet near the furnace. So be sure to clear a path before scheduling your appointment.
Mold
Mold spores are everywhere, and they can spread quickly when conditions are right. They love warm, damp areas and can thrive in air ducts that aren’t properly cleaned or ventilated. If you suspect that mold is in your ductwork, the first sign to look for is discoloration around vent openings. This may be an early indication of isolated mold growth, but it could also indicate that a more extensive infestation has already started to take hold.
If you do notice discoloration around your vent openings, you’ll want to schedule an appointment with a professional duct cleaning service to eliminate the problem before it grows. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to eliminate, and it can even pose serious health risks if it is not addressed promptly.
Professional duct cleaning companies use mechanical brushes, blowguns and air whips to remove the dirt, dust and debris that are hiding in your ductwork. They are also knowledgeable about the kinds of antimicrobial or biocide cleaners that can be safely introduced into your ventilation system without posing a health risk to you and your family members.
The professionals will also find and address the source of the mold so that it doesn’t grow back. Moisture is one of the most common causes of mold growth, and the professionals will work to control moisture in your ductwork by sealing leaks, and they will also ensure that the ventilation system is running properly to dehumidify the area.
In the meantime, there are some DIY steps you can take to reduce the amount of mold in your ducts. A simple mix of baking soda and water can be an effective mold killer. Use a brush to apply the solution to any visible mold growth on accessible duct surfaces, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it away. You can also purchase a commercially-prepared mold killer and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In both cases, it is important to use personal protection equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mask to protect yourself from any health concerns that may arise.