Check customer satisfaction ratings and upfront pricing before hiring an air duct cleaning service. Also, watch out for companies that suggest using chemical biocides or other toxic treatments to encapsulate or cover the inside surface of ducts. These practices have yet to be scientifically demonstrated to prevent mold growth or improve indoor air quality. Contact Air Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City now!
If you have family members suffering from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, dirty ducts can worsen the situation. The dander, dust, mold spores, and other particles that build up in your air ducts circulate throughout the entire home. They can irritate your throat, nose, eyes, and sinuses. You may also experience a runny nose, coughing, or itchy skin.
Dirty ducts can also make your home more susceptible to infestation by rodents and pests. The pests will leave droppings and urine in the ductwork, contaminating the air with bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms. The pollutants will then be distributed throughout your home, causing health issues like eye irritation and sinus infections.
It’s important to have your air ducts cleaned regularly to prevent this problem. If you notice a bad odor in your home, or if there are signs of mold growth, it’s time to call for help. A state-licensed mold assessor will be able to test your ductwork for the presence of mold and other substances that look like mold. If the tests come back positive, your ducts will need to be cleaned and the moldy insulation will need to be removed.
The spores of mold and mildew that grow in your air ducts can cause numerous skin problems. These include rashes, hives, and itching. They can also aggravate existing skin conditions, like psoriasis and dermatitis. These spores can also cause serious respiratory problems like lung inflammation, making it difficult to breathe.
If your family member has a chronic pulmonary condition, such as COPD or asthma, they will experience heightened symptoms when the spores of mold and mildew circulate in their home. This can lead to more frequent and longer attacks, which can make the condition worse over time.
Dirty ducts can also cause breathing problems in infants and elderly people. The allergens, germs, and other debris in the ductwork can irritate the throat, nose, and sinuses of these people, leading to serious medical problems. If you have a baby or elderly family member who is suffering from respiratory problems, it’s important to have your ducts cleaned as soon as possible.
Dirty Ducts Can Lead to Higher Energy Bills
When ductwork is dirty, your HVAC system has to work overtime to push air through the grime. This eats into your energy budget and can contribute to higher energy bills.
If you notice your home’s air quality declining and see unexplained energy bills rising, it may be time to get your ducts cleaned. Dirty ducts can be the culprit of poor indoor air quality that leads to respiratory complications like sneezing and running noses.
Persistent unpleasant odors can also be a sign that your ductwork needs cleaning. These smells might be due to mold, mildew, pet dander, or rodent droppings. If you have pets, smoke or have allergy sufferers in your home, ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years to prevent dirt buildup.
During the cleaning process, you should clear a path for your technician to access all rooms in your house. You’ll want to shut off your furnace, and you’ll need to move any furniture that might be in the way of the ductwork. It’s also a good idea to close off the kitchen, bathroom, or any other areas where you don’t want dust blowing around.
Duct cleaners use vacuums, rotating brushes, and air-whipping tools to dislodge dirt from the inside of your ducts. It’s important that you choose a service provider who uses only approved cleaning products and equipment. Chemicals and other unapproved cleaners can damage your ductwork or release dangerous contaminants into your home.
It’s also important to select a service provider who is insured and bonded. This way, you’ll be covered if a contractor is injured on the job or if any damage is done to your property.
When choosing an air duct cleaning company, look for one with a strong track record and a history of customer satisfaction. You should also find out whether or not a company is certified by a respected organization, like the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). If you have any questions about hiring a service provider, don’t hesitate to ask. A knowledgeable representative will be able to answer your questions and help you determine if duct cleaning is the best option for your home.
Dirty Ducts Can Lead to Indoor Air Quality Issues
Ducts play a critical role in delivering heated or cooled air to different parts of the home. But when the ductwork becomes dirty, it can spread pollutants throughout the entire house. This can lead to many health issues, especially for people with respiratory problems or auto-immune conditions.
Dirty ducts are often filled with dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens. These airborne contaminants can cause a variety of symptoms, including irritation of the eyes and throat, itchy skin, nose and throat, and sneezing.
If you or someone in your family suffers from asthma, the airborne particles circulating through the dirty ducts can trigger asthma attacks. Regular cleaning can eliminate the allergens and help alleviate symptoms for sufferers.
When air ducts become dirty, they may also be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. These can cause a host of problems, from irritated eyes and throat to low-grade fevers.
The moisture in dirty ducts can provide a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Once again, the growth of these fungi can create a variety of respiratory problems. If you have family members who suffer from allergies, mold spores can be a major problem.
Ductwork that’s been infested with rodents or insects will need to be professionally cleaned before it can be considered clean. Once the infestation is gone, regular cleanings can prevent these unwanted critters from entering your home again.
Dirty Ducts Can Lead to Damage to Your HVAC System
A dirty air duct can become a breeding ground for rodents, insects, and mold. This debris can clog the HVAC system and make it less efficient. This will increase the wear and tear on the system, which can lead to expensive repairs down the line. Keeping your air ducts clean can help to prevent these problems from occurring.
Dirty ducts are also a perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. These organisms can contaminate the air supply, causing respiratory issues for people with allergies and asthma. This is especially true in humid climates like Orlando. Mold spores can be blown into the air by the air conditioning unit, leading to sneezing, itching, and congestion. Regular duct cleaning and the use of high-efficiency air filters can reduce the amount of allergens and other airborne pollutants in the home, helping to alleviate these symptoms.
In addition to biological contaminants, dirty ducts can harbor volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are chemicals that are emitted from various household products, including paints and cleaning supplies. They can cause a wide range of health problems, including headaches, nausea, and damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Dirty ducts can trap these harmful chemicals and circulate them throughout the house, exposing everyone to them.
Duct cleaning can be a messy process, but it’s worth the effort to protect your health and your system. It’s best to hire a reputable company that follows NADCA’s standards for cleaning. Be sure to show the technician around your home, pointing out all the vents and letting them know about any items that need special attention or should be covered. The technician will need to have access to your air handler and plenum, so be sure to clear a path to this equipment in the attic, basement, or garage.
It’s also important to make sure that you have the air conditioner running during the duct cleaning process. This will help to loosen up the dirt so it can be removed more easily. It’s a good idea to cover the supply registers with a piece of cardboard or a sheet, as well.