Your home’s air ducts play a vital role in moving air throughout your house through cooling or heating systems. Over time, however, they may become dirty or contaminated with dust and mold, putting those who suffer from environmental sensitivities or allergies at risk for health issues associated with dirty air ducts. At Better Air, Duct Cleaning take great pride in offering top-notch HVAC Duct cleaning services for your residence or office. Our trained and certified professionals adhere to the standards set by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), offering HVAC Cleaning of Air Ducts that exceed industry standards.
Visit the Environmental Protection Agency website for an in-depth examination of the benefits and potential hazards of cleaning air ducts. Although they do not recommend it, you will gain valuable information that can help you decide if you should clean your ducts.
What is the purpose of air duct cleaning?
As its name implies, “air duct cleaning” is the process of clearing air ducts that circulate cool and warm air throughout your house. It may also involve cleansing other components of your home’s cooling and heating system such as furnace fan coils, heat exchangers, coils and more.
Are you ready to tackle air duct cleaning with confidence? Learn five tricks for successful completion of your cleaning project.
Assess For Mold
Mold development occurs when there is an accumulation of moisture due to inadequate ventilation. If mold forms within your air ducts, it could create a septic indoor environment as spores are released into the air and then enter living spaces. You may notice areas that look like they have mold but the only way to be certain if you are suffering from it is through lab analysis using samples taken from the air ducts themselves; without this sample you won’t know for certain whether there is an issue with mold growth.
If air ducts that have been insulated are susceptible to mold growth and have moisture and moldy insulation, the best course of action is to repair any damage before replacing it with a new one.
Verify for Clogs and Debris
Clogs in air ducts can occur due to debris and even rodents or insects. If this occurs in a significant way, particles released into the air through your vents could pose an immediate danger; mildew and mold growth from decayed organic material in your home are potential risks from such particles blown in.
Get A Cleaning Estimate
Because the air duct system in your home can be expansive and difficult to access, hiring an expert air duct cleaner is often recommended. Be sure to observe the estimate process so you can observe how they inspect and measure the ducts in order to arrive at their estimate. If they indicate mold is present within them, insist on testing by a laboratory before beginning removal of mold.
EPA Recommendations
When getting rid of mold or replacing insulation that has been affected by mold, part of the restoration process must involve addressing the environment that allowed it to grow in the first place. Without addressing these issues, further growth may occur.
Selecting a Professional
Before hiring anyone to clean your air ducts, do your due diligence and research any businesses you might consider hiring. Ask for referrals or testimonials from satisfied customers and check the Better Business Bureau to see if other customers have filed complaints against the business. Request an estimate beforehand and ensure you sign a contract outlining pricing details, services provided, and any guarantees for service quality.