The quality of the air our families breathe is of high importance to most of us. Studies show most that most people spend over 70% of their time indoors. As a result more people are looking at duct cleaning as one way to solve indoor air quality problems.
If not properly maintained, the components of your air ducts along with your heating and cooling system may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen, or other debris. If moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (i.e. mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home’s living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people who are exposed to them.
What Exactly is Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning is the physical cleaning of heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system components including ducts, air terminals (supply and return), heat exchangers (heating and cooling coils), condensate drains and pans, fan motors and housings, system filters, and air handling unit housing. Methods of duct cleaning may vary, although typically, a service provider will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris in ducts, and then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner.
When having your air ducts cleaned make sure that your service provider cleans the whole air handling system not just the ducts. Failure to clean a component of a contaminated system can result in re-contamination of the entire system, thus negating any potential benefits.
Health and Environmental Effects of Poor Air Quality
• Asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergic respiratory disease
• Excessive mold, bacteria, dust, dirt, and smoke
• Increased utility bills (decreased air flow)
• Unpleasant fumes and odors
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
• Kills germs and bacteria
• Helps remove dust in your home
• Improves your system’s efficiency
• Makes your home smell clean and fresh
• Recommended by doctors and allergists
Cleaning your air ducts improves the quality of the indoor air you and your family breathe while contributing to better performance and efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Contact a Lindstrom Air Conditioning professional today to have your air ducts cleaned.
Have more questions? Contact us on our Ask An Expert page.
Sources:
www.epa.gov