Air Duct Cleaning Utah involves cleaning components of forced air heating and cooling systems including supply and return air ducts, registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchange coils and condensate drain pans.
Be wary of duct cleaners who propose the application of chemical biocides or sealants. If used in ducts lined with fiberglass duct board, they may promote future mold contamination.
Airborne Particles
The air we breathe carries more than just oxygen. It also carries hazardous airborne particles that can harm you and the environment, especially if you have a breathing condition like asthma. Those tiny specks of dust, smoke and chemicals floating in the air are called particulate matter. They can be natural or man-made. Particulate matter is divided into two categories based on their size: coarse particles and fine particles. The smaller the particles, the more hazardous they are to your health.
Coarse particles, such as those from tailpipe exhaust and wildfire smoke, are the type of pollutants you can see. These particles have a diameter of 10 microns or more. They can be inhaled into the lungs and cause respiratory symptoms and heart problems. Fine particles are too small to see and have a diameter of 2.5 microns or less. They can lodge deep into your lungs and cause respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and emphysema.
Many sources of particle pollution occur in homes. These include burning oil, gas, kerosene, wood and coal; using unvented stoves, furnaces and space heaters; smoking; painting or staining; using paint strippers or other solvents in hobbies and home redecorating; and cleaning products and pesticides. Air quality problems are aggravated when your indoor air isn’t well-ventilated.
Scents can be another major problem when it comes to indoor air quality. Scents from scented candles, potpourri, perfumes and air fresheners can trigger asthma and other respiratory conditions. In addition, some household items, such as vinyl flooring, pressed wood furniture and some types of carpeting release gases called volatile organic compounds into the air. These VOCs can have short-term adverse health effects, but scientists aren’t sure about long-term exposure.
Mould can also affect air quality. It grows best in damp, humid environments and is a common allergen that can trigger respiratory problems, including hay fever and asthma attacks. It can also exacerbate these symptoms in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Pet dander, another common allergen that can lead to allergies and asthma, can also negatively impact air quality when it becomes airborne.
Mold
A common myth that air ducts must be cleaned because of visible mold growth is false. It is a fact that spores from indoor and outdoor sources are naturally present in the air. The spores settle on moist spots and begin growing, digesting whatever they are on, and spreading their reproductive cells (hyphae) into the surrounding air. The hyphae are invisible to the naked eye, but they can be seen under a microscope as fine, branching filaments. Mold spores waft through the air and may land on a person’s skin, lungs, or eyes. If they are inhaled, the spores can cause allergic reactions including hay fever and sinus irritation. They can also cause a serious infection called aspergillosis. The most severe form of aspergillosis is invasive aspergillosis, which causes inflammation in the lungs and spreads to other organs such as the kidneys, liver, brain, or eyes. The more mild form of aspergillosis is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or ABPA, which causes coughing and wheezing in individuals with respiratory problems like cystic fibrosis, chronic lung diseases, or asthma.
However, if the mold is simply an accumulation of dust particles, it is not a health risk and air duct cleaning would not be beneficial. Similarly, no studies demonstrate that particle levels in homes increase as a result of dirty air ducts or go down after the cleaning. Most of the dirt that collects in air ducts adheres to the surface and does not circulate throughout the house.
Some service providers claim that duct cleaning can eliminate biological contaminants such as bacteria, fungi and mold by applying a chemical biocide to the interior of air ducts. Such products can be used safely and effectively only after a thorough inspection and cleaning according to the NADCA ACR Standard. If such a product is used, its biocide label should describe its range of approved uses.
Service providers should explain to customers that air ducts must be inspected and cleaned regularly to maintain optimal IAQ. They should also point out that moisture is the leading cause of microbial growth, and that control can be achieved by properly maintaining HVAC systems and controlling water leaks in buildings and homes.
Insects
Air ducts are cozy hiding spots for a variety of uninvited house guests. These include rodents, cockroaches, dust mites and even fleas. Each of these pests creates a number of allergens and bacteria that contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Mice, rats and roaches leave behind saliva, droppings and decomposing body parts that become airborne. These particles are a major asthma trigger and can carry diseases like hantavirus and salmonella. Cockroach allergens also trigger respiratory conditions. Meanwhile, dust mites eat dead skin cells and produce waste products that are potent allergy triggers. These mites thrive in bedding and upholstered furniture, contributing to poor indoor air quality even in clean homes.
Insects are disproportionately affected by air pollution. A new study finds that pollinators, such as bees and some moths and butterflies, are harmed by ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. The pollutants can alter the chemical signals these insects use to locate flowers and find food. This makes it harder for them to reproduce or to hunt and gather nectar. The study has important implications for global agriculture and food security.
The good news is that duct cleaning can help with these problems. Clean ducts reduce the amount of dust that floats around and helps people with allergies breathe easier. In addition, many cleaners sanitize the entire duct system, eliminating bacteria and removing odors that attract pests. Some companies even seal entry points to prevent pests from re-entering the home.
When selecting an air duct cleaning company, look for ones with high customer ratings and experience in your area. You want a service that understands the seasonal changes that affect pest activity, and can deal with local humidity issues. Look for a firm that uses inspection cameras to check the condition of all the components, not just the air vents themselves. Ask about their equipment, and whether it’s truck-mounted or portable.
While the EPA discourages routine duct cleaning, this service can improve indoor air quality. However, it’s important to use a reputable company that uses high-quality cleaning methods and professional-grade equipment. Using low-quality tools can release contaminants and damage the ductwork and HVAC system.
Dust
Dust is an ever-present nuisance in most homes. It can contain a combination of different allergens, including pet dander and skin cells. It also can include textile fibres, pollen, smoke particles and outdoor air pollution. These substances can irritate those who have allergies and asthma, contributing to poor indoor air quality.
Biological contaminants are another important factor in indoor air quality. These may include mold spores, bacteria and other microorganisms. They can promote poor indoor air quality by triggering allergic reactions and causing other health issues, such as watery eyes, nose or throat, itchy skin, runny nose or coughing. In order to reduce exposure to biological contaminants, homeowners can take various steps, such as opening windows during high-pollen days, vacuuming and sweeping regularly with a HEPA cleaner, and dusting frequently using a damp cloth.
Air duct cleaning is the process of systematically cleaning components of forced air heating and cooling systems, such as supply and return ducts, vents, registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers and coils, and condensate drain pans. The process can improve system efficiency and air quality by removing dirt and debris that accumulates over time. It can also help prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms in ductwork.
When hiring an air duct cleaning service provider, make sure the company is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Check online reviews and request references. Ask for a quote in writing that outlines the scope of work to be performed. If the service provider uses a chemical biocide to kill microbial growth, request a copy of the product label and a description of its intended use.
The EPA states that air duct cleaning is generally not necessary for most homes, and it can be expensive. However, if a homeowner’s home has been affected by a serious problem such as a leaky roof or pest infestation, a professional should be consulted. It is important for homeowners to consider all possible factors that affect indoor air quality and their health before deciding on whether or not to have their ducts cleaned.