Why Should I get My Air Ducts Cleaned?
When is the last time you had the air ducts in your home or business cleaned? If you’re like most people, the answer is never—and that’s a big mistake. Even the EPA recommends routine air duct cleaning, though there’s no standardized recommendations for this spring-cleaning task (yet). A lot of the dirt in air ducts stick to the duct surfaces, but some of this dirt and debris can make its way into your home. Dirty air ducts are often part of a more complex problem when it comes to keeping a home safe, clean, and allergen-free. Pollutants can enter the home many ways, but most people overlook the air ducts. Fortunately, pro cleaning for this tough-to-reach space is available. Add professional carpet cleaning and tile cleaning for a comprehensive solution to keeping your family more safe.
If you peek into your air ducts, you might notice visible dust or even mold on the sheet metal. If you see mold or a substantial buildup, that’s a sign that you need immediate air duct cleaning. Keep in mind that most of your air ducts aren’t going to be accessible to the average person (and it’s dangerous enough to see the first few feet of an air duct for many people). It’s not necessary to check air ducts before scheduling an air duct cleaning. You can rest assured that if you’ve never had your air ducts cleaned or if it’s been a long time, there will be some amount of material to be removed.
Why Air Duct Cleaning Matters
Only a professional can determine if an air duct has mold or not, and this requires special testing. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned provides instant peace of mind because you know they have been fully and properly cleaned. For those who have insulated air ducts, there’s a risk of the insultation becoming wet and growing mold. This requires special cleaning that no non-professional should attempt. And mold is just one problem you might find in your air ducts.
It’s not uncommon to find air ducts with vermin like rodents or insects, and in some cases even an infestation. Air ducts can host excessive debris and dust that is being slowly released into the air you and your loved ones breathe. The EPA recommends cleaning air ducts “as needed,” and this will vary from home to home. However, the EPA stresses that for those with a fuel burning furnace, fireplace, or stove, air ducts may collect carbon monoxide and should receive special ongoing attention.
Extra Air Duct Precautions
In some cases, you may want to apply a chemical biocide to air ducts to kill germs and mold and to prevent future problems. Sealants can also help to discourage dust and dirt from being leaked into the air. There are benefits to these additions in some cases, and this will vary from building to building. When scheduling a consultation or appointment, the exact method of cleaning and protecting your air ducts will depend on several factors including the size of the system, your location, the level of contamination, and how accessible the air ducts are. It’s critical that all components are properly cleaned and that you only trust a certified air duct cleaning professional with this task. Call Pristine Carpet Cleaning today.