Regular
HVAC cleaning can contribute tremendously to our health. Heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning can collect fungi, mold, bacteria and several other
contaminants that decrease their efficiently. An unclean air duct can also
contribute towards poor indoor air quality and affect the health of the
residents.
The
main aim of residential
air duct cleaning is to get rid of these contaminants from the HVAC system
to achieve best indoor air quality.
Vacuum:
One of the most effective ways of cleaning
ventilation/air duct systems is to make use of a powerful vacuum that puts
negative pressure on the ventilation/air ducts. The devices help in dislodging
contaminants and debris from the interior surfaces, moving the pollutants from
the machine into the vacuum.
Sanitizers:
Experts
advise homeowners to use sanitizers on the surface of their HVAC air ducts to
constrain microbial contamination. However, all anti-microbial sanitizers that
are applied should be EPA registered for use in heat ventilation air
conditioning systems. Sanitizing air ducts through registered products ensures
there are no damaging dermal (skin), inhalation (breathing), ocular (eyes), or
ingestion (swallowing) effects from the items. It is best to get in touch with
an expert when buying these items to avoid any mishaps.
Vacuum
and sanitization alone cannot clean the HVAC system. Air whips, brushes,
"skipper balls" and other tools are also used to shake the debris and
contaminants by scrubbing the surfaces inside the air duct system and forcing
the fragments into the vacuum collection devices.
Seek professional help
When
it comes to air duct cleaning, it is best to leave the job to a professional.
Experienced providers know the right way to clean the ventilation as well as
use the right sanitizers.
How to narrow your list of possible Contractors
1. Ask for how
long the provider has been in business and if the experience is satisfactory.
2. Find out if
the company has the correct equipment to perform cleaning, and if the provider
has performed similar work like yours. You can also ask for references from
friends, family and neighbors.
3. Find out if
the company has a good repute with the local Better Business Bureau (BBB).
4. Get proof that
the provider is adequately insured and properly licensed.
5. Make sure that
the provider will clean and inspect all the air ducts and linked system
components.
Apart
from this, it is also important to beware of air duct cleaning providers that
charge a very low fee and clean the cooling and heating system poorly. These
companies are also known to coax consumers into unnecessary services. Contact
the BBB and federal, local, and state elected officials in case you suffer from
such deceit.
We
breathe in millions of germs from air ducts that can cause asthma, allergies
and even chronic illnesses. In every house, the air ducts collect dirt, dust,
pet dander and human skin flakes, becoming the holding cells for mold spores,
allergens, germs and other such contaminants. This problem begins long before
we move into a new construction, with the accumulation of sawdust, drywall
dust, and other fragments in ducts that create a perfect environment for the
development of allergens and germs. To avoid problems caused by unclean ducts,
make sure you’re regular with the cleanings. Also, make it a point to get your
HVAC checked and sanitized frequently by a professional duct cleaning company
for best results.
