Air Duct Cleaning Utah is important for families with respiratory issues like asthma, auto-immune disorders, and allergies. Dirty ducts can aggravate these conditions and lead to sneezing and difficulty breathing.
Paint fumes, tobacco smoke, mildew, bacteria, and odors are just some of the pollutants that accumulate on or in ductwork systems. These contaminants are then repeatedly recirculated throughout your home.
Reduces Allergens
Our home’s air ducts act as the “lungs” of our homes and over time they can become breeding grounds for various types of allergens. From dust mites and pet dander to fungi, mold spores, and even bits of bug exoskeletons dirty ductwork can cause major health issues, especially for those who suffer from respiratory conditions or auto-immune disorders like asthma or allergies. These indoor air pollutants can lead to irritated eyes, nose, and throat as well as headaches and dizziness.
Allergens are microscopic particles that can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people. These substances can be found in a wide range of environments and may include pollen, pet dander, cigarette smoke, mildew spores, other fungi, mold spores, bacteria, and insect droppings. Even in the cleanest of homes, these allergens can settle inside your air ducts and continually cycle into your living spaces.
Keeping your air ducts clean can help reduce these allergens and provide some allergy relief for you and your family. Air duct cleaning involves the removal of dust, dirt, animal dander, mold, smog, and other contaminants that are trapped in your air ducts and continuously circulated throughout your home. This can significantly decrease the number of allergy-producing atoms in your air and create a healthier environment for your family to breathe.
Allergies are triggered when your immune system overreacts to a substance that’s not naturally part of your body. Allergens are a combination of chemicals that your body perceives as harmful. If you have allergies, your immune system will produce antibodies to fight these foreign substances and as a result, you will experience symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy watery eyes, coughing, and sneezing. Air duct cleaning can drastically reduce the amount of allergens in your air and may relieve the symptoms of those with allergies or respiratory conditions. This can be particularly helpful if you have an allergy to dust mites, pets, or other common household allergens. It can also benefit those who suffer from autoimmune disorders, auto-immune diseases, and other chronic health issues. This is because the cleaner your home’s air ducts are, the less your immune system will have to work to combat them.
Reduces Energy Bills
The buildup of dirt in ductwork can cause airflow problems, which forces your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Cleaning removes these obstructions, allowing the air to flow freely and efficiently. This makes your HVAC system more efficient, which can help to reduce your energy bills.
You can also save on repair and replacement costs by making your system last longer. However, you should note that research shows that it isn’t the dust alone that affects your energy costs – the main reason for high bills is often related to a poor working HVAC system. It is important to find a qualified contractor that follows the NADCA guidelines, which will ensure that your system is cleaned properly and will not be damaged during the process.
Depending on the size of your home and type of ductwork, you may need more than just cleaning to make your ducts energy efficient again. Many professional services offer initial inspections, which can identify any blockages or damage that could be affecting airflow. They can then recommend the best methods of removing the dirt and debris from your ductwork. This can include the use of specialized tools, as well as high-powered vacuum cleaners to remove all the trapped debris.
After the ductwork is clean, it can be sanitized, using chemicals to kill any bacteria or mold that might be growing in the ducts. This can further improve the quality of your indoor air, which will benefit anyone with respiratory conditions or auto-immune disorders.
The sanitization process is usually only recommended for rigid or semi-rigid ductwork, as flexible ductwork can be easily damaged by the chemicals used. Some service providers might even propose the application of chemical biocides to encapsulate or seal the ductwork, which is controversial and not proven to be effective.
Duct cleaning can be a worthwhile investment, especially for homes with flex ducts or older systems that are not as energy-efficient as newer ones. While duct cleaning can be done by homeowners, it is important to choose a professional service that adheres to the NADCA guidelines and has the proper tools and equipment to perform the job safely.
Reduces Stale Smells
While it does not eliminate all odors, air duct cleaning helps reduce stale smells from a variety of sources. Paint fumes, cigarette smoke, cooking odors, and pet dander can all lead to musty-smelling air. Air duct cleaning removes these odor-trapping particles, leaving your home with fresher, cleaner-smelling air.
Air duct cleaning also reduces dust accumulation, which in turn reduces the number of allergens and other pollutants that circulate throughout your home. This helps lower the risk of respiratory illnesses such as sneezing, coughing, and sinus or bronchial congestion.
The dirty air that blows out of your vents can carry harmful substances like mold spores, pet dander, volatile chemicals, and pollen that contribute to poor indoor air quality. These contaminants get pulled into the HVAC system and recirculate around your home, triggering health issues in those who live there. Air duct cleaning sanitizes and deodorizes the entire ductwork system to improve indoor air quality and protect your family’s health.
If you have young children, elderly family members, or people with chronic health conditions living in your home, it is especially important to keep your air ducts clean. These individuals may be more sensitive to the irritants that circulate in their homes’ air systems, which could cause or exacerbate their symptoms.
While air duct cleaning does not remove the need to dust and clean your home, it can significantly decrease the frequency of these tasks. It can also help prolong the lifespan of your furnace and other heating and cooling units by reducing strain and improving airflow.
Reduces Fire Risks
Air quality is an important consideration after a fire, particularly in densely populated areas. Residual smoke and ash residue can cling to surfaces in the home and settle inside ventilation systems. These particles then recirculate and contribute to poor indoor air quality, leading to respiratory problems and allergies.
Cleaning ductwork removes these contaminants and improves air circulation, making the home more comfortable. It also maximizes the efficiency of the heating and cooling system, resulting in energy savings of up to 20%.
Dirty ducts pose a fire risk because debris such as lint and dust can ignite when heated. This is especially dangerous if the house has an older HVAC unit or uses combustible fuel such as propane for heating. Cleaning ductwork regularly reduces fire risks and keeps family members safe from harm.
Smoke and soot residue can also contaminate the interiors of ductwork, which leads to a host of health concerns. These include respiratory conditions, allergies, and other health issues. Cleaning the ductwork removes these contaminants, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks.
Air ducts also often contain harmful contaminants and micro-organisms such as pet dander, bacteria, mildew, and mold spores. These particles are particularly hazardous to people with respiratory problems and allergies. A periodic air duct cleaning eliminates these toxins from the home, keeping the living environment clean and healthy.
While air duct cleaning has not been proven to prevent health problems, it is a good practice to have them cleaned regularly. However, if the cause of the problem is not addressed, it will most likely recur.
Some duct cleaning service providers recommend applying chemical biocide to the inside of air ducts to kill bacteria and fungi and prevent future biological growth. There is significant controversy over the necessity and wisdom of doing so. The CDC reports that biocides can be released into the home, and ozone may be introduced to the indoor space as well, which is a lung irritant. As a result, it is critical to find a service provider that understands and takes into account the pros and cons of using biocides and other biological agents.