ac duct cleaning spray
(Have you ever heard a smile?) What is "duct cleaning"? Ductwork sometimes can become both the source and the pathway for dirt, dust, and biological contaminants to spread through your home. In this case, duct cleaning usually means the removal of dirt, slime, mold, debris and other materials found in ductwork and other HVAC components (e.g., cooling coil, drain pan). When should duct cleaning be performed? Supplier Schedules HVAC equipment suppliers and manufacturers sometimes provide instructions on when and how cleaning should be performed. Cleaning schedules typically depend on equipment operating schedules, climate, filtration used, air contaminants, costs and home occupant expectations. New Ductwork When new systems are being installed or when older systems are being updated, suppliers should provide access for cleaning system components that are cleanable or replaceable when they become contaminated. New equipment should be kept sealed until installed. If not, new construction or updating of older equipment should always include duct cleaning.
New ductwork often contains oil, tools, construction debris, and dirt sometimes even discarded lunch bags, drink cups, etc. These must be cleaned from the ductwork before connection to the air handling system. Older Ductwork As time passes, ductwork can become contaminated with dust, dirt, debris, mold, slime, dead rodents, dead bugs as well as other contaminants. The presence of these materials does not necessarily mean IAQ problems or complaints will occur. Most ducts have small amounts of dry dust collected on their surfaces ... a common occurrence that occasionally requires duct cleaning. You definitely would want to provide cleaning (or possible duct replacement) if: A duct cleaning professional says we need our ducts cleaned but how can we know this is true? (Remember ... duct cleaning is a competitive business. You have probably seen their advertisements ... don't be taken in by extreme claims.) Will the cleaning process protect your HVAC equipment and the occupants of the space during the cleaning?
What actually happens during duct cleaning? Duct cleaning typically consists of contaminant removal (e.g., through brushing/vibration plus extreme negative pressure). If duct cleaning is performed by contractor personnel, ask them about the following typical good practices:
vacuum cleaner reviews good housekeeping A duct cleaning firm says it wants to use sealants, encapsulants, disinfectants, biocides or other chemicals in the ductwork. Remember, you are cleaning the Air Ducts. You do not want to re-introduce other sources of "debris" into your system. Any additives are simply a tool to take more of your money. It is not necessary, once air ducts are completely evacuated, to "disinfect" them in any way. Any thing that you spray into your system will only "coat" it and make it a more adhesive and inviting environment for the very contaminants you just paid to get rid of.
What can we do to avoid the need for duct and system cleaning? Dirt, debris and microbiological growths can be minimized by: What Would Bob Do? Dust is everywhere—even in your house's ductwork. But is it really necessary to clean out your air ducts? Let's look at the pros and cons. I am moving into a new home. The previous owners had a dog. I am wondering if cleaning the air ducts is worthwhile. Anyone had it done? Cleaning air ducts makes a lot of sense, at least in theory. Because dust gradually accumulates on virtually every surface, doesn’t it stand to reason that it would build up to an intolerable degree in the mostly untended HVAC ductwork that runs throughout your home? Yes, air ducts get dusty. But while air duct cleaning doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t always help either. There are certainly occasions when it’s appropriate, but there are a lot of times when it’s simply not necessary. 1. In most homes, dust collects within a safe range. Your furnace or air conditioning filters trap a high percentage of particles in the air, preventing them from entering the ductwork.
Surely, that’s a reason to clean or replace your HVAC filters on a regular basis, but it’s not a strong argument for taking any further action. 2. Cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job. Even if you were inclined to do it, chances are good that you wouldn’t own the right tools, such as special rotary brushes and a high-powered vacuum. You’ll need to hire professionals, and the cost isn’t low. You could end up paying $500 for work that didn’t need to be done in the first place. 3. In the course of cleaning nonmetal ducts, there’s a risk of dislodging vital connections or tearing walls. If undetected, such damage could seriously impact the efficiency of your heating and cooling appliances and let particle-laden air from the basement, crawl space, or attic enter the system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that no evidence exists to suggest that any health hazards stem from light dust accumulation in ducts. In fact, shuffling across a carpet exposes a person to more contaminants.
That said, the EPA does recommend cleaning air ducts if there is mold growth visible or if evidence points to an infestation by insects or rodents. Also, air duct cleaning may help to alleviate lingering odors caused by cigarettes or other sources. Before you contact a duct-cleaning professional for a consultation and estimate, it’s smart to do a little investigating on your own. (That way, you don’t have to take the contractor’s word for it.) Start by having a look at the duct registers or grilles: Are they discolored and coated with a fine, dark dust? If you remove the cover, reach into the duct, and wipe its sides with a damp rag, does it come out filthy? Go ahead and call the local service, if you discover that a seemingly excessive amount of dust is present. Alternatively, try limiting dust accumulation in your ductwork by using one or all of the following methods: • Install filters over each of your hot air supply registers, following the manufacturer’s instructions so as not to restrict airflow.