subject: Keeping Air Ducts Clean Is Important [print this page] The air we breathe is a big mix of many different particles, many of which are too small to be seen with the naked eye. These include dust, pollen, bacteria, mold spores, mineral dust, animal hair, and dander.
These particles are everywhere and work their way into our clothes, furniture, computers, and lungs. The average person breathes about two gallons of air per minute.
Particles can act as carriers for viruses, bacteria, and other harmful pollutants. There are ways to minimize breathing in harmful particles.
A healthy air duct cleaning gets rid of any particulate matter, pollutants, and indoor air contaminants. It will also get rid of dust and debris that can cause respiratory issues and allergic reactions of your family members.
The best time to get an air duct cleaning is just before the winter season arrives. This is because many people start using their heat systems throughout the winter. When the heat is turned on it forces a lot of heated air through the ductwork.
Using your ductwork when it needs a thorough cleaning can push the air contaminants into the air and scatter them throughout the house. It is better to have the heat traveling through clean ducts instead of through contaminated or clogged ducts.
Getting air ducts cleaned also helps your heating system to run more efficiently. Hiring a specialist is definitely recommended to ensure that your ducts are thoroughly and properly cleaned.
You may want to be aware that a thorough and full ductwork cleaning may take several hours. This is because it should involve preparation to make certain that mold spores are not being released into the home while the ducts are being cleaned.
There are slight differences in how companies and specialists go about performing an overall duct cleaning. However, most companies follow the same basic procedures.
Here is a guideline to layout the basic procedures for a healthy duct cleaning, so that you will know what to look out for when a professional is working on your ductwork.
First, be aware of the basic tools that are used to clean out an air duct. Since most of these air ducts are very small, it can be a real challenge to clean them out, particularly when things are stuck to the sides.
That's why a company that has the right air duct equipment is preferred. The following tools are things that the cleaner will use to make sure everything is out of your air system.
An air compressor is necessary for just about every step of the process. It might be noisy, but the compressed air will help dislodge everything that is in the air ducts.
An attachment for the air compressor is called a whip. Whips are attached to the end of the air compressor hose and then whipped around wildly while inside the air duct. The cleaner can push these through the air duct and the tentacles on the whip will bang against the edges of the tube and loosen any buildup so it can be easily removed.
An air hose is a definite necessity because it is used to clear out debris. There are a number of attachments that can be put on the air hose. These attachments work with the compressed air to remove any extra debris from the pipes.
A brush is commonly used to sweep any dirt, mold, and bugs out of the tubes. It usually comes with an extendable handle to reach further in, so that no space in the vents is left unswept.
A vacuum will suck out clogs and any other items that might be stuck in the air duct. The vacuum that the cleaner uses will be very strong and with a long hose so it can reach all areas of the air ducts and remove clogs or insects that might be nesting in there.
Second, they will use some of these tools to clean the furnace and air conditioner.
Before beginning, the specialist will test the systems to ensure that they are properly working. If there are any problems, they will let you know.
Then they will disconnect the power of the furnace and air conditioner so that they can proceed safely with the rest of the cleaning. In this step, there should be cleaning that involves vacuuming the interior of the furnace and the air conditioner and cleaning the cooling coils and blower unit.
This cleaning will help these heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently. This will help to deliver heat and cold better throughout your home.
Third, the professional will clean the supply and return register and grills. They will remove all of the registers to be able to properly clean them.
Then, they will wash them with a cleanser and rinse them at the sink. In preparation for the next step, they will put foam register plugs in the duct openings and will block the return with a bagged filter.
Fourth, the supply and return ducts will need a proper cleaning. At this point the specialist will get out a large negative air machine and attach it to the floor duct.
The compressor directs brushes to clean the insides of the ducts. This cleaning will make the biggest difference in enhancing the air quality inside your home by decreasing dust particles. The specialist may then decontaminate the ducts, as well as apply sealant.
Fifth, an electrostatic filter will be installed. These air filters can remove up to 95.3% of products found in the air.
The professional may also install a solid odor remover in the return of the filter. After all these processes are finished, then the air duct cleaning is complete leaving you with cleaner and safer air.
Having your air ducts cleaned greatly enhances the air quality in your home. That means that those with asthma, allergies, and other respiratory problems will be able to breathe better, making your home a more comfortable place.
