The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Air duct cleaning services can be beneficial to your home. The EPA recommends regular cleanings of your ducts. Learn more about the process, inspection, and cost of air duct cleaning. When choosing the right air duct cleaning company, make sure you do your research. Make sure you hire a professional company that has the proper training to clean your ducts properly.

EPA recommends air duct cleaning

According to the EPA, air duct cleaning is a crucial part of indoor air quality. It helps to reduce dust and other contaminants that can linger in the air for long periods of time. These contaminants can cause respiratory illnesses and other illnesses. Moreover, clean air ducts will also help to prevent the growth of mold and keep your home dry.

If your ducts are dirty or contaminated, you should consider having them cleaned by a professional. The EPA recommends duct cleaning for some situations, and the best time to clean them is when you suspect that the indoor air quality is not as good as you’d like it to be. When your air ducts have been uncleaned for a long time, it is possible for mold and bacteria to grow, releasing spores into the air. Moreover, your air ducts can be a breeding ground for vermin and insects.

Cost

Air duct cleaning costs vary based on the size of your air duct system and the number of vents. A small home with few vents may cost less than $200, while a large home with many ducts could cost more than a thousand dollars. Some ducts are located in hard-to-reach areas, such as a crawlspace, and can be difficult to access.

If you suspect that your ducts are contaminated with mold or mildew, you may need to hire a professional to remove the growth. Mold can cause serious health problems and can also be hazardous. Mold remediation requires a special contractor and may cost $2,000 to $6,000.

Process

Air duct cleaning companies use high-pressure air to clean your ducts. They also use air-powered cleaning tools to remove contaminants. The process begins by bringing hoses from the truck into your home. The air hose is usually brought in through a window in the basement, but it can also be brought in through your front door or down basement stairs. Air hoses are then run to the highest level of your duct system, and the technician then inserts the hose directly into the ductwork.

Air ducts collect pollutants from outside air, including smoke, dirt, pollen, mold, and bacteria. As a result, they can carry allergens throughout your home. Getting your ducts cleaned is crucial if you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home. This is especially important if you have small children, because their immune systems are developing.

Inspection

When inspecting a home, one of the things a home inspector should consider is air duct cleaning. While home inspectors are not required to look for airborne hazards, such as rodents or insects, they should consider this type of cleaning to maintain good air quality. An inspection camera can visually view ductwork and determine if it needs to be cleaned.

A camera can also help the cleaning technician determine the exact amount of dust or debris within the ductwork. A video feed can also be helpful in comparing before and after pictures.

Rodents

Despite their small size, rodents can cause serious damage to your ductwork, so if you suspect that there are rodents in your air ducts, it is important to get them removed promptly. The most common signs of a rodent infestation include nests and loose materials, including insulation. In addition, they may leave feces, which are tiny brown pellets.

Rodents often gain access to air ducts through holes or cracks. Once inside, rodents can begin chewing on HVAC components and electrical wiring. This can affect the performance of your HVAC system, which can lead to higher energy bills.

Insects

Insects in air ducts can be a major problem because they can squeeze through the smallest openings. These creatures often produce a musty odor. Stink bugs and cockroaches are also a major source of odor, especially in winter. Some insects can also cause allergies due to their feces and saliva.

Cockroaches can also cause health problems because they can spread diseases and infest homes. In order to prevent infestations, it is important to regularly clean your air ducts.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that can affect homes. Some types are more dangerous than others. Some are toxic and should be eliminated completely from a home. Toxic black mold is called Stachybotrys chartarum and is more commonly found in homes that have experienced flooding. It produces mycotoxins and can cause skin and nail infections.

If you suspect you have a mold problem, you should contact a professional remediation service for assistance. These professionals use special equipment and solutions to effectively eliminate mold. For instance, a professional service will use a high-powered cleaning vacuum and motorized brushes.