Enhancing Airflow and Indoor Air Quality With Duct Cleaning

Dusty air ducts can trap pet dander, bacteria, mold spores and other harmful micro-organisms. These contaminants are then re-circulated throughout your home.

These pollutants can aggravate existing health problems and increase sick time, medical bills and discomfort. Cleaning your ducts prevents these toxins from being circulated and provides healthier living conditions.

Allergens

Dirty ducts can harbor a variety of allergens including dust, pet dander and mold. These contaminants can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Duct cleaning removes these pollutants from the system, which can greatly improve a person’s comfort and overall health.

If someone in the home has persistent respiratory issues or a large deposit of dust on their vents, it may be time to have their air ducts cleaned. A qualified professional will use a truck-powered vacuum to suck the dust from hard-to-reach places in the ductwork.

Some duct cleaners will recommend the application of chemical biocides or ozone to the inside surfaces of a ductwork system in order to kill bacteria, fungus and other organisms. However, no research has been done to demonstrate the effectiveness of such methods in a running ductwork system, and they should be used sparingly, if at all. If applied improperly, these substances can be transported throughout the house and into other areas where they may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

Stale Smells

Over time, the air in your home can take on a stale smell. Stale air is a result of certain chemicals and pollutants tainting fresh air that circulates throughout your home. This tainting can result in the production of odors and lead to breathing difficulties for those in your home.

Duct cleaning can help stale odors. This is because when a professional cleans your ducts, they will use a truck-powered vacuum to remove the debris in far-ranging areas of your home’s ductwork system. This step will eliminate stale smells and ensure your family has the best possible air quality in your home.

If you have a stale odor problem, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce humidity in your home. This will also prevent stale odors from re-emerging in your home. Also, be sure to keep furniture and drapes away from vents to promote good airflow. This will also help avoid stale odors caused by dust and other debris.

Mold

If a home or commercial building has mold growth it can cause many problems including respiratory issues in humans and animals. When mold spores become airborne they can trigger allergies and asthma. Mold can also contaminate surfaces and furniture. Mold spores are very tiny and can easily travel through the HVAC system, where they can be recirculated throughout the home or office.

Some duct cleaning companies offer to spray the interior of air ducts with biocides or other chemical treatments that they claim will control mold and other contaminants. These practices have not been well researched and should be avoided.

The most important thing to remember is that dirt in ducts does not necessarily enter the living spaces of homes and businesses. Dirty ducts can simply become a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. In addition, if the conditions that encourage mold growth are not corrected then the problem will recur even after cleaning.

Dust

Home builders have long tried to make homes as airtight as possible in order to conserve energy. However, when hot or cold air is pulled into a home, it also traps dust, harmful contaminants and mold spores inside. These are re-circulated several times throughout the day, causing them to build up and triggering allergies and respiratory illnesses.

If your allergies are triggered by pet dander or other irritants, having the air ducts cleaned can help. Dirty ducts can spread allergens around the house, making them even more irritating to your family members who are suffering from allergies or respiratory conditions.

If you have a scheduled duct cleaning, remove clutter from the room where the vents are located to make it easier for the cleaner to access them. It’s also a good idea to clean any surfaces in the room that are near the vents before they arrive. Lastly, change your air filter after the cleaning to keep the air in the room even cleaner!