July 15, 2013
You may have heard about the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality to lessen allergies and asthma attacks. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified indoor air pollution as one of today’s top five health concerns. The top techniques for improving indoor air quality include changing the air filter monthly, scheduling annual preventative maintenance, ensuring good ventilation and keeping moisture at bay.
Another technique for improving indoor air quality is duct cleaning. While there’s limited scientific evidence that routine duct cleaning improves indoor air quality, countless cases of improved allergy and asthma symptoms make it clear that this procedure definitely has the potential to help you breathe easier.
What duct cleaning entails
Before the process begins, an HVAC technician creates an access point to see into the interior of the ductwork. This visual inspection helps the technician assess the contamination level. The easiest way for a technician to get a look inside the ductwork is to use a handheld mirror, video camera or direct-view periscope.
The best cleaning approach is determined by the visual inspection, and the technician then seals off the air duct system by covering supply and return registers with a special tape. Duct cleaning methods vary, but in general, the process refers to cleaning various HVAC system components, including:
An HVAC contractor typically uses special tools, such as a mechanical brush or compressed air whip, to dislodge dirt and debris stuck to the interior ductwork surface. Then, the technician uses a high-powered vacuum to suction up and remove the loosened debris from the system.
In addition to these methods, the contactor may suggest applying chemicals to kill mold and other fungi inside the ductwork and on other parts of the HVAC system. After the chemicals are applied, a sealant kills off any remaining microorganisms and prevents future colonies from establishing themselves there.
Benefits of duct cleaning
When to have duct cleaning performed
The Environmental Protection Agency suggests scheduling duct cleaning only as needed, rather than as part of a routine maintenance agreement. Consider having your ducts cleaned every three to five years or any time serious problems develop. If any of the following conditions occur, there’s usually one or more underlying causes that you need to address or the situation is likely to occur again:
To learn more about duct cleaning, please contact Meyer’s Company, Inc. in Griffith today.
Please fill out the form below to request an estimate or schedule service.