Every renovation creates dust, whether sanding walls, removing windows or installing new floors. This dust is sucked into ventilation systems and circulated throughout the home whenever the HVAC system turns on.
Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City uses professional-grade vacuum equipment with rotary brushes or air whips, and cleaning contractors remove accumulated dust from the entire ductwork. This process also kills rodents and eliminates musty odors.
Dust and Debris
Home renovation projects stir up a lot of dust and debris. This buildup can wreak havoc on your indoor air quality, worsen allergies, and cause other health problems. If your renovation project includes remodeling the kitchen, bathroom, or another area, you may need to clean up construction waste daily to keep dust levels low. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, some dust will escape into the HVAC system and settle in your ductwork. Cleaning your ductwork removes this dust and restores healthy airflow in the entire house.
Dirty ducts can be the source of odors, poor indoor air quality, and even mold and mildew. In addition to dust, ductwork can collect pet dander, rodent droppings, and other allergens. Allergens trapped in ductwork can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions. The buildup can also restrict a HVAC system’s performance, causing it to work harder to maintain indoor temperatures.
During a duct cleaning, professionals use specialized equipment to agitate the surfaces inside your ductwork and create reverse pressure. The resulting suction sucks away the dirt and debris from your ducts, leaving behind a clean system. After the ductwork is cleaned, professionals seal all access ports and doors to prevent contaminant from entering your living spaces.
Some duct cleaners may recommend applying chemical biocides to the interior of your ductwork to kill bacteria (germs) and fungus. They may also suggest using a “sealant” to encapsulate or cover the interior of your ductwork and other equipment components in order to prevent future biological growth or leaks. It’s important to fully understand the pros and cons of these practices before permitting them in your home. The use of biocides or sealants in your ductwork has never been proven to prevent health problems or improve indoor air quality. In fact, research has shown that these treatments may even be harmful. This is why it’s essential to choose a professional duct cleaning company, like Stanley Steemer, that follows industry best practices and only uses environmentally friendly biocides and sealants.
Mold
The primary function of ductwork is to provide air ventilation, which it can’t do effectively if it contains mold or other biological growth. Duct cleaning companies must be careful not to damage or disperse spores of mold, which can cause illness in susceptible people. Mold spores can also trigger allergies, which may lead to asthma or other respiratory conditions.
The presence of mold doesn’t necessarily require immediate alarm, but it should be addressed quickly before it spreads throughout a property. Mold feeds on the materials it grows on, resulting in structural damage and deterioration. It also releases tiny spores and byproducts into the air that can irritate or cause illnesses in humans, including allergic reactions and the potentially deadly fungus called Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mold.
Black mold thrives in damp conditions. It can grow in ducts and vents as well as other building components such as attics, basements and crawl spaces. If black mold is detected in any of these areas, a thorough visual inspection and possibly laboratory analysis must be done to determine the cause of the problem.
Some duct cleaners claim to identify mold in ductwork by demonstrating that microorganisms grown on a petri dish are the same as those found in contaminated ductwork. This method of detection is unreliable because some microorganisms are always present in the air. Only an experienced, trained lab can positively confirm the presence of microbial growth.
Anyone who spends a significant amount of time cleaning moldy surfaces should wear a face mask with an N95 rating and work in a well-ventilated area. Porous materials should be discarded if they are moldy, but non-porous surfaces such as hard plastics, glass and metal can be cleaned using a detergent that does not contain ammonia.
Some duct cleaners will recommend the use of chemical biocides or sealants in a duct system to kill bacteria and fungi and prevent future growth. However, research shows that these chemicals are not effective and may not be safe for humans to breathe in. In addition, they can disrupt the natural insulating properties of the ductwork and may lead to leaks.
Allergens
Even in a spotless home, microscopic allergens like dust mite droppings and fragments of skin can linger in air ducts. The particles are then recirculated, triggering allergy symptoms and other respiratory problems in those living in the home. Duct cleaning can remove these harmful substances and improve indoor air quality.
In addition to reducing the buildup of dust and debris, a professional air duct cleaning service can also get rid of contaminants like smoke, mold spores, pet dander, and more. For those with allergies or asthma, these substances can trigger severe symptoms and exacerbate existing conditions. In fact, studies show that poor indoor air quality can contribute to increased sick days and long-term health issues.
A professional duct cleaning company will use high-powered vacuums and other tools to clear out the entire duct system. They may also seal the system to prevent contaminants from escaping during and after the cleaning process.
They’ll also check for signs of moisture or fungus, such as mildew growth on vent covers. If they find these or other signs, they’ll address the underlying issue before proceeding to air duct cleaning.
Once the professionals seal the system, they’ll use high-powered vacuum cleaners to create negative pressure in the ducts. They may also use specialized brushes and jackets to loosen dirt from duct surfaces. Then they’ll use inspection cameras to verify the results of their work.
Using the right chemicals is essential during the cleaning process, says Zarzeczny. Any chemicals used should be EPA-registered and free of health risks, such as odorizers that contain degreasers and fragrances that can cause headaches and allergies. Additionally, any companies that claim to use “green” or “eco-friendly” cleaning products should be fully vetted by consumers to ensure that they are truly safe and effective.
Regular duct cleaning is important for anyone, especially those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. It’s also an excellent idea after a renovation project to make sure that debris and other contaminants don’t become trapped inside the air ducts and then recirculated. This can lead to poor indoor air quality and expensive repair or medical bills down the road.
Efficiency
The dust, debris, and other contaminants that commonly result from renovations can quickly enter your home’s ventilation system. This is problematic because the contaminants then circulate throughout your home, causing problems like sneezing and itchy eyes. Cleaning your ducts ensures that these contaminants are removed from the indoor air, providing relief for people suffering from allergies or respiratory issues.
Additionally, duct cleaning after renovations can improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Dirty ducts can cause the blower motor to work harder, using more energy and creating unnecessary wear and tear. Duct cleaning removes these obstructions and reduces the strain on your system, extending its lifespan.
Finally, a duct cleaning after a renovation is necessary to prevent the spread of germs and allergens. Construction dust, mold spores, and other allergens can easily clog filters and lead to overworking your system. Over time, this can result in expensive repairs and even shorten your unit’s lifespan. Regular duct cleaning helps your system maintain its health and extends its lifespan, keeping your family healthy and comfortable.
When hiring a company to perform air duct cleaning, be sure to understand how pricing structures vary. Some companies may charge per vent, while others offer per-square-foot pricing. It is also advisable to evaluate the company’s experience and qualifications. A reputable company will employ certified professionals who adhere to strict industry standards, ensuring safe and effective cleaning.
Another factor that influences duct cleaning cost is the level of contamination present in your home’s ductwork. Severe build-ups require more intense cleaning, resulting in higher costs. In addition, if the ducts have signs of pest infestation or asbestos, this requires a thorough sanitization procedure that increases costs.
While DIY duct cleaning can seem tempting, it is best left to the professionals. Attempting to clean your own ducts can damage the system by tearing flexible ductwork or damaging connections. It is also possible to contaminate the air by stirring up settled dust, mold spores, and allergens without properly containment. Instead, find a company that offers competitive pricing and specializes in the type of ductwork found in your North Central Florida home.