How clean your air ducts are can have an impact on the efficiency of your cooling and heating systems. Indoor pollutants such as mold, mildew and airborne allergens like viruses and bacteria can all take up residence in air ducts. This article will discuss the six key dos and don’ts of a regular duct cleaning service. Both commercial buildings and homeowners need a healthy and sanitary indoor environment, which can be improved through regular air duct maintenance.
Regular cleaning of air ducts by an HVAC technician can improve airflow, sanitation, indoor air quality, and lower HVAC system costs. It also makes the interior environment more pleasant to live in. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association, (NADCA) states that dirty air ducts can circulate pollen, dust, and dander five to seven times per hour. These contaminants don’t necessarily indicate unhealthy indoor air. However, they can contribute to or aggravate serious health problems. Dirty air can also cause unpleasant odors and reduce HVAC system efficiency.
A professional duct cleaning service in Arlington, TX, will help get rid of any contaminants or air pollutants that have built up in your ductwork. Here are some dos and don’ts you should expect from a professional service:
1. Recognize the Signs and Remediate Them Quickly
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air ducts should be cleaned as often as possible. A professional cleaning service technician should be capable of screening for indoor air quality, noting any imperfections, and remediating the most common signs that indicate a full air duct cleaning service is required.
Registers, which are the vents or grilles that cover the opening in your ceiling/wall that connects to your ductwork, can become clogged with too much dust or debris. Additionally, they can become infested with rodents and insects looking for a warm, secure space to breed.
Visible mold growth may be evident in your HVAC system’s ducts and other components. Cleaning alone won’t suffice if the insulation in your ducts becomes moldy or wet. To prevent mold-related health issues, a professional should be capable of removing and then replacing any necessary insulation that has been damaged due to the lack of a regular duct cleaning service.
2. Guarantee a Reliable Service
If ducts aren’t properly installed and maintained by an experienced and qualified HVAC company, ducts can become contaminated. Some providers may not have the appropriate training or experience and their work could lead to re-contamination. This can reverse any potential benefits that you might be able to reap from duct cleaning.
There are some important things to consider when looking for the best service provider:
Avoid providers who make broad generalizations about the advantages of their duct cleaning service. Do not trust a provider that claims to be certified by the EPA. The EPA does not endorse, approve or certify air duct cleaning companies.
All air duct cleaners in Arlington, TX, must be licensed to carry out cleaning services. A reliable service provider will happily provide their credentials to potential clients, and will often advertise if they meet NADCA cleaning standards. Plus, work often comes with a guarantee.
3. Perform Preventative Measures
The state of your HVAC system and air ducts can have an impact on indoor air quality. Your home can be contaminated by smoking, cleaning, and even moving furniture about. Regular cleaning of all areas in your home will ensure that you are always able to breathe clean, healthy air.
Your HVAC system will also benefit if you’re dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping your home at least once per week. Dust and dirt can build up on floors, ceilings, and furniture and become airborne, which could cause them to be pulled into the HVAC system and ducts. Qualified professionals can recommend and complete preventative maintenance measures during an air duct cleaning service when necessary.
4. Don’t Disregard Safety
Do-it-yourself cleaning is an option if you are looking to save money. However, a licensed technician will have all of the necessary safety equipment, tools, and be familiar with the protocols of air duct cleaning. Deep cleaning registers can result in injuries and accidents, if the right tools aren’t used. Additionally, exposure to animal dropping and mold may cause health concerns if not properly addressed. Without the designated safety equipment, there is a risk that more contaminants will be released into the air if a duct cleaning service is performed incorrectly. Inadvertent damage to HVAC systems is also a risk.
5. Avoid Using Chemical Cleaners
The use of biocides to clean air ducts is discouraged by the EPA. Professional air duct cleaners will avoid these types of cleaners. Biocide sprays are intended to prevent future growth of mold and bacteria. While these sprays can be helpful in some cases, there is not enough research to prove their effectiveness or enough information about their potential side effects to warrant widespread use in air duct cleaning.
These biocides might seem like a quick fix to clean your ducts of contaminants, but they can have serious side effects that could be harmful to your health or the health of your family members. A professional air duct technician will be able to recommend the right measures for your home and comprehensively detail their planned duct cleaning service methods, so that you can make the right choice when hiring.
6. Complete Post-Cleaning Examinations
After duct cleaning, a reputable provider should check over their work to ensure that work is satisfactory. You may also be asked to confirm the outcome of their cleaning service, and agree to the quality before proceeding towards payment. Ideally, a professional duct cleaner will:
- Ensure all visible registers are clean
- Ensure all vent covers and grilles are securely re-attached to ceilings or walls
- Confirm that all duct surfaces are free of dust and debris
- Provide photograph or video evidence of hard-to-reach areas
- Confirm that fiberglass insulation and ductwork is in good condition
For a reliable, professional duct cleaning service, call a Minuteman Heating & Air technician in Arlington, TX today.