Whether you’re moving into a new home, have a family member with allergies or recently did some home remodeling, you should consider getting your air ducts cleaned.
Experts can tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide or sealant inside your ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold), and prevent future biological growth.
The EPA has ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five risks to public health, and the millions of particles of debris and other allergens that accumulate in your home’s HVAC system is no help.
Even when you take great care to dust and clean your home, dirt and other contaminants spread faster in a house with dirty air ducts. Dirty ducts are also a breeding ground for allergens and bacteria, which can lead to respiratory issues and worsen existing allergies.
During construction, sawdust, wood and metal scraps, empty bottles and wrappers often get brushed aside and end up in the ducts before your new home is complete. These clogged ducts can be difficult to clear without professional cleaning, as well as a specialized cleaning tool.
Your ducts are also a common area for small animals to build nests and leave droppings that contaminate the air. These tiny fecal spores can cause infections, allergic reactions and other respiratory issues that affect the health of your family.
As a result, it’s essential to have your ducts professionally cleaned at least once per year. Your duct cleaning service will be able to identify any leaks that need to be sealed to improve your home’s air quality and remove other potential contaminants.
You should also replace your air filters regularly to keep them aerated and prevent any additional contaminant buildup. This is especially important if you have a family member with asthma or other allergies to dust or pet dander.
The EPA recommends changing your filters every 90 days, but it’s important to change them more frequently if you have asthma or allergies because clogged filters can cause your furnace to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and reduced efficiency.
Having a professional duct cleaning service can help you keep your home free of these contaminants and ensure that your heating and cooling system functions at its best. In addition to cleaning your ducts, these professionals can provide additional services that will benefit your home, such as identifying leaks and seals for better performance and removing components made from asbestos-containing materials to avoid exposure.
Every time a building gets renovated, there is construction dust that enters the air ducts and can be dangerous to your health. The ductwork needs to be cleaned after the construction is complete to keep the air quality high in the home or office.
In addition to accumulated particles of dust, the air ducts also contain harmful contaminants and microorganisms. These include pet dander, bacteria, pollen, mildew, mold spores, and other similar toxins that can trigger allergic reactions in those who suffer from allergies or respiratory problems.
Fortunately, air duct cleaning is an inexpensive and effective way to get rid of these particles. The service provider will clean the ducts with specialized equipment that will allow the professional to extract these contaminants from the duct surfaces.
These contaminants are usually not noticeable when they are being removed by a skilled professional. However, after the cleaning process is completed, you will be able to notice that the air in your home is cleaner and healthier.
Another reason that you should have your ducts cleaned is because of pest infestation in your home or office. The pests and their droppings can carry a variety of viruses and bacteria that can cause health issues in the people in your home or workplace.
The fungi and bacteria that are present in your ducts can also be a source of mold growth and other pollutants. The best way to get rid of these contaminants is by having them cleaned regularly.
A recent study looked at the effectiveness of different sanitation processes. The study evaluated particle count readings and bioaerosol concentrations in eight homes before, during and after duct cleaning with three different methods. The results showed that particulate and bioaerosol concentrations increased during the cleaning process, but decreased significantly a day or two after the cleaning.
