We wipe dust off picture frames and countertops, but a layer of it constantly collects in the ductwork, where it can aggravate allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues. Regular duct cleaning prevents the buildup and provides healthier indoor air.
Rotating brushes, compressed air nozzles, and other methods physically agitate and dislodge contaminants in ductwork. Then, high-suction vacuums remove the debris. Contact Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City for professional help.
Even the most vigilant home cleaners are often surprised to learn how much dust can accumulate in their ductwork over time. The average household generates up to 40 pounds of dust each year, and it can clog HVAC filters and restrict airflow. Regular cleaning can eliminate these problems, improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and help prevent allergies and respiratory issues.
In addition to dust, dirty ducts are often breeding grounds for mold and other contaminants. The spores from these organisms can circulate throughout the home and trigger asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses. Often, dirty ducts can also contain excess water, which can contribute to the growth of mold, and clog HVAC systems.
If a homeowner notices visible dust buildup around their supply registers or reduced airflow, it is a good indication that it’s time to clean their ductwork. Professionals will usually use a vacuum and brush to suck up dust and debris from inside the ductwork and then wipe down the walls with a damp cloth. They will also reattach the vent covers, making sure they are secure.
The EPA considers indoor air pollution one of the top five public health risks, and contaminants in dirty ducts are an important factor. An IAQ test can measure carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants in the home. The results will provide a snapshot of the overall health of the indoor environment and identify areas where duct cleaning or other improvements may be necessary.
Many reputable duct cleaning companies follow strict safety protocols to ensure that both the duct cleaning team and the residents of the home remain safe during the process. They will often advise that families vacate the premises while the ducts are cleaned to avoid stress and disruption.
Once the ducts have been cleaned, they can be sealed using a chemical biocide to kill bacteria and fungi and prevent future biological growth. It is important for a home owner to fully understand the pros and cons of this method before permitting it to be used in their ducts.
Allergens
The HVAC system in your home can harbor a variety of allergens over time, making it difficult for allergy sufferers to enjoy a comfortable environment. Dirty ducts often collect dust mite waste, pet dander, mold spores, and other airborne irritants that can trigger runny noses, sneezing, eye itching, and respiratory discomfort. Cleaning your ducts regularly helps to reduce these allergens and improves indoor air quality, which is especially helpful for allergy sufferers.
The cleaning process begins with a technician performing a walk-around to understand the layout of your home and the condition of your ducts. Then, they attach a vacuum with a HEPA filter to the ducts and begin the cleanout. They use rotating brushes or air whips to dislodge clinging debris and then vacuum it up. If they notice any microorganisms, they apply antimicrobial treatments to sanitize the ductwork and inhibit future growth. This meticulous method prevents the recirculation of allergens into your home, improving indoor air quality and alleviating allergy symptoms.
During the cleaning, experts seal off the air vents to ensure contaminants don’t escape during the cleaning process. They then connect a high-powered vacuum to the ducts and use powerful suction to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. They also utilize special tools to remove clinging debris and break down odors. Finally, they apply an antimicrobial treatment to sanitize the ducts and inhibit future growth.
When the technicians are finished, they re-attach the air vent covers and conduct another inspection to make sure all debris has been removed from the ductwork. They then vacuum up the remaining debris and run a camera through your ducts to confirm they have cleaned them all. If the ducts are still dirty, they recommend a follow-up appointment to ensure your allergy symptoms disappear for good and the air quality remains healthy. This is particularly important for families with asthma or other respiratory conditions, as regular duct cleaning can help alleviate their symptoms and lead to a more enjoyable lifestyle.
Odors
Air duct cleaning removes odors that collect in the system and circulate throughout the house. Deodorizers used during the cleaning process neutralize these odors, leaving your home with fresh, clean air. Odors from pets, smoking, household cleaning products, food preparation, vermin and paint fumes can all get trapped in ductwork and be blown into the home each time the furnace or AC runs. This stale smell is especially offensive in pre-owned homes, where the owner may not know of the source of the problem until a professional duct cleaner locates and eliminates the cause.
Keeping air filters fresh can help to reduce the amount of dust that accumulates in ducts, but that is not a complete solution. Dust will eventually collect no matter how frequently you replace your air filter, and a dirty filter can actually block proper airflow through the system. Dirt can also build up in ductwork and clog vents and registers, causing them to malfunction or even blow dirt out of the ducts. Duct cleaning is the best way to prevent this and ensure that the ventilation system works properly.
If you notice dust blowing out of your vents, it’s a sure sign that the system is overdue for a cleaning. This is one of the most common reasons that our customers call us – and it’s a sign that they haven’t been replacing their air filters as often as they should, or that the previous homeowner was not meticulous about cleaning the air filters.
In addition, construction debris (drywall dust, sawdust and more) can make its way into ventilation systems if the ducts were not properly sealed. These contaminants can be very difficult to remove and should be removed during a professional duct cleaning.
Some service providers will offer to apply chemical biocides or sealants to ductwork as a means of killing bacteria, fungus and mold and sealing leaky joints. While this may be appropriate in certain circumstances, it is not an effective solution and could have hazardous health consequences.
Health
Clean air ducts provide healthier, more comfortable living spaces by minimizing respiratory problems and other health issues that are linked to subpar indoor air quality. Dirty air ducts can harbor a variety of harmful pathogens and contaminants, including bacteria, mold, dust mites, and pollen, which are continuously circulated and recirculated throughout your home by the HVAC system.
If your family suffers from allergies or respiratory conditions, these irritants are particularly dangerous. When left untreated, they can trigger allergic reactions such as hay fever, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung issues. Regular duct cleanings eliminate these allergens and ensure that the fresh, uncontaminated air is flowing through your home.
Moisture also accumulates in ductwork, creating a perfect environment for mildew and mold to thrive. These microorganisms, when exposed to household cleaners and other pollutants, release spores and cellular material into the air and can cause skin irritation, throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, wheezing, coughing, itching, and other symptoms. Mold growth is especially troubling for vulnerable individuals with mold allergies, such as those with rashes and other skin issues. Duct cleaning removes the moisture and spores that promote mold, mildew, and fungi growth, making your ductwork a healthier environment for your family.
The process of duct cleaning uses specialized tools to agitate and loosen accumulated dust, dirt, and other debris from duct walls and surfaces. High-powered vacuums then collect the particles and pollutants, preventing them from being blown back into your living space during the cleaning process. After cleaning, a final inspection is conducted to verify the quality of the work and that the contaminants have been effectively eliminated from the ductwork.
The filtration systems in your ductwork work hard to maintain a balanced level of humidity, but when these components become overly dirty and clogged, they may not be able to keep up. This is when odors are most likely to occur, as the vaporized byproducts of household chemicals and other volatile organic compounds cling to surfaces in your ductwork and begin to permeate your living spaces. Duct cleaning services eliminate these odors and restore the air to its original, fresh state, leaving your living areas smelling much better and providing you with a healthier environment.
