Duct Cleaning - General Information People are becoming aware of the problems of indoor air pollution, thus many heating and cooling companies are now providing duct cleaning as an additional service that they offer. Duct cleaning refers to the cleaning of the heating and cooling components of forced air systems. This includes the supply and return air ducts and registers, grills and diffusers, heat exchangers and heating and cooling coils, condensate drains (drip pans), fan motor and housing and the air handling unit housing. When Should Ducts be Cleaned? - Water in ducts. If you have the presence of any water in your ducts, mold growth may become a health issue. The first thing to do is solve the water problem by determining how it is getting into the system, and fixing that problem. Clean and disinfect the affected area and then clean the rest of the system.
- Construction. If you are moving into a new home, or have recently remodeled, sawdust, drywall dust and other construction debris collects in the ducting and should be removed before operating the system.
- Visual inspection. If you can visually see debris or accumulated dust buildup in the ducts, then it is time to have them cleaned. Also, pets that shed hair regularly can contribute to this problem.
- Pests. If ducts become infested with rodents or insects, they should be cleaned and disinfected to remove the bacterial hazards caused by this infestation.
What Are the Benefits of Duct Cleaning?
- A thorough duct and system cleaning will remove the dust, debris, paperclips, toys, pet hair and whatever else has gotten into the system, thus providing much cleaner air circulating in your home.
- A sanitizer is also available, which can kill the bacteria, mold and mildew that may be growing in your ducts.
How to Maintain Clean Ducts:
- High efficiency filter. Prevent dirt from entering your system. Use the highest efficiency filter recommended by the furnace manufacturer and change it regularly. Check it monthly for dust build-up.
- Avoid moisture. Prevent ducts from getting wet. Controlling moisture in the ducts is the best way to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Condensation caused by poorly insulated heating ducts is a primary contributor to moisture in the system. Make sure ducts are sealed and insulated in all the non-heated spaces they cross through such as attics and crawl spaces.
- Check for leaks. Repair any water leaks or water damage at the cooling coils and drip pan.
Information provided by: Westin See example of company promoting ductwork cleaning: |
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