It has been a long time since the first air conditioner was launched on the market and since then, many things have changed. For example, many of us are aware that indoor air pollution is a thing, and is a concern related to our health and the air we breathe.
When we talk about duct cleaning we refer to the cleaning of heating and cooling system components of forced air systems. If the system was not properly installed and maintained, these components may become contaminated with many different types of particles, such as pollen or dust, which may lead to some health issues due to the microbiological growth of these components.
The result? Our indoor air, the air that is supposed to be ‘safe’ and ‘pollution-free’ is now contaminated and is preventing us from having clean air. Some of the consequences may include severe allergies and many problems to breath.
Is air duct cleaning worth it?
A 100% yes.
First, as any other household appliance, air ducts must be cleaned simply because they get dirty over time. The dirty may prevent your air duct from working well, so when it starts to malfunction, instead of changing it, first try to clean it. Yet, cleaning your air duct is not as easy as it may seem. Only professionals are truly able to do it correctly.
Most importantly, only professionals who are experienced and trained to perform this task should do it. The service provider that you contract must be qualified and should apply the appropriate methods. Plus, something really important is for you to verify that the duct cleaning company that you chose follows the process of air duct cleaning proposed by the NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association) and that it is a licensed commercial dryer vent air duct cleaning service.
It is key to hire the best service possible, as your health is involved. There are some things to be careful when hiring this service, as for instance the cleaning products that are going to be used and the components that are going to be cleaned. Make sure that the service provider cleans all and each component of the system.
Typically, a service provider will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris in ducts, then vacuum them out with a high-powered vacuum cleaner. Also, be careful with the products used.
Chemical biocides (designed to kill microbiological contaminants) are safe, but chemical treatments that have not been approved yet should be avoided. Before deciding to allow the use of this type of products, ask for more information about them and their use.
Benefits of getting your air ducts cleaned
Knowledge about the potential benefits of air duct cleaning is wide. It is impossible to generalize about air duct cleaning -since conditions in every home are different-, but the benefits of doing so are shared. Even though, duct cleaning has never been shown to prevent health problems, it was proved that it does help alleviate pre-existing health conditions, as asthma or severe allergies. It is clear that the cleaner the air, the healthier the indoor environment.
Much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and may enter the living space. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes.
Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause also a great exposure to contaminants such as dirty air ducts.
If you are wondering whether you need to have your air ducts cleaned, contact a professional. They will surely be the most reliable source of advice and will indicate you if duct cleaning is indeed necessary. However, all these benefits may not be possible if you choose the wrong company. As said before, only qualified professionals are capable of fully clean your air ducts correctly.
The most important part of getting your air ducts cleaned is looking for the ideal company to make the right decision and get the best results. Investigating and asking all the questions you may have is always welcome and more than allowed if you want to find the best air duct cleaning services
