If you're looking to improve the air quality in your home, professional duct cleaning is a great way to go. It can help reduce the need for dust removal, reduce reactions to environmental allergies, and reduce the amount of bacteria, dust, dust mites, and other debris circulating throughout your home. The process involves a technician thoroughly inspecting and disinfecting every corner of the system to remove any remaining dust, allergens or bacteria. This will create a healthier environment inside the ducts and prevent mold growth, ultimately improving air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only when necessary.
If you have an oven, stove, or chimney that burns fuel, they should be inspected to make sure they are working properly and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. When it comes to cleaning air ducts, knowledge is still in its early stages. As such, there is no general consensus as to whether air ducts in the house should be cleaned. However, industry associations that deal with air duct cleaning have established standards for cleaning methods.
Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles inside air ducts from being released into the air. While many of these products can legally be used inside uncoated ducts if all instructions on the label are followed, some of the instructions on the label may not be suitable for use on ducts. Most organizations that deal with pipeline cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association), NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association), and SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association), do not currently recommend the routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct. Providers of air duct cleaning services may suggest applying chemical biocides inside the ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent biological growth in the future. These products are specifically designed for use in ducts or as ducts themselves, and are tested in accordance with standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, it can cause problems with indoor air quality. As such, it's important to make sure you hire a reputable service provider who follows all safety protocols. Ultimately, keeping water and dirt out of your system is the most effective way to prevent pollution.
Much of the dirt that can accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space. It's important to understand what you can expect after professional duct cleaning so you can make an informed decision about whether or not it's right for your home. Professional duct cleaning can help improve indoor air quality by removing dust, allergens, bacteria, mold spores, and other debris from your system. It can also help reduce energy costs by improving airflow throughout your home. Additionally, it can help reduce odors caused by mold or mildew buildup in your system. When it comes to professional duct cleaning services, it's important to do your research before hiring a company.
Make sure they are certified by NADCA or another reputable organization and that they follow all safety protocols. Additionally, ask them about their experience with similar projects and what kind of results you can expect.
