Duct cleaning can be a messy job. If you have children or pets make sure they are safely away from the area when your technician arrives. Show him or her where all the vents are located and clear a path to your HVAC equipment. Discover more at duct cleaning Coquitlam.
Environmental indicators that it’s time for a duct cleaning include unexplained symptoms, respiratory problems or excessive dust build-up around air vents and registers. Ducts should be cleaned using NADCA-approved methods.
Allergens
Dirty air ducts can harbor allergens, which cause respiratory problems like sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. These allergens include dust mites, mold spores and pet dander. Over time, these allergens can be blown into living spaces by HVAC systems.
Duct cleaning minimizes the amount of dust in homes. This is because dust settles on duct surfaces and is then blown into living spaces by the HVAC system. Duct cleaning eliminates this problem by thoroughly cleaning ducts and vents.
Air duct cleaning can reduce the level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in living spaces. VOCs are harmful chemicals that can trigger reactions in people with sensitive lungs and immune systems. These chemical reactions can lead to headaches, itchy eyes and noses, coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, these VOCs can cause a buildup in the lungs of aging adults and can be toxic to infants. During duct cleaning, professionals sterilize the air ducts to remove VOCs.
Dust
Whenever indoor air circulates, it picks up dust, dander and other particulate matter that may be lining the walls of the ductwork. When these particles escape from the supply registers, they blow into your living space and can trigger respiratory irritation.
Duct cleaning removes this debris, ensuring that only clean air gets circulated throughout your home. This can ease the symptoms of allergies and asthma, allowing you to get your breathing under control.
Before your technician arrives, it’s a good idea to clear the path they’ll need to access your heating and cooling equipment. This may involve moving furniture or relocating vent openings. Also, make sure you’re home to greet them when they arrive and show them all the rooms in your house and where the vents are located. If you have children, arrange for them to be at school or daycare the day of the appointment. The noise and movement from the cleaning process can disturb them.
Mold
Mold can be a serious problem that affects the indoor air quality of your home. If you suspect that there is a mold infestation in your ductwork, it’s best to consult with an experienced professional to find the source of the problem and address it accordingly.
Leaky ducts, oversize AC units and poor ventilation can all introduce moisture to the air ducts and create the perfect breeding ground for mold. If there is visible mold present, the spores will likely be spread throughout the home when the HVAC system runs, which can aggravate respiratory symptoms and make you feel sick.
Visible mold should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further growth and health problems. Professionals can use EPA-registered disinfectant foggers to kill the spores and prevent them from returning. They will also clean the vents to remove any traces of mold. This will eliminate the musty smell and provide fresh air in your home.
Odors
Foul odors emanating from your air vents may signify that your ductwork harbors bacteria, mold, vermin or other spores. This can occur due to a number of factors including food preparation, pets, smoking and even the natural decay of dead animals.
Dirty ducts can also become musty and smelly when moisture accumulates within them. This is especially true when fungi like mildew and mold form. These spores thrive in warm and damp environments, so if your ducts are dirty, they could be spreading these unpleasant odors to every room of the home.
A thorough air duct cleaning can help combat odors. Professional cleaning services often use a dry method to clean out nooks and crannies in ductwork where odors can become trapped. This involves blowing bursts of compressed air into sections of ductwork to dislodge odor-causing debris. They can also apply antimicrobial solutions that can kill odor-causing microorganisms and prevent future growth.