Most Americans spend over 90 percent of their time indoors. Dirty ducts can make the indoor environment stuffy and unpleasant to breathe.
Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City involves agitating dust and dirt with tools and then vacuuming the ducts with a truck-powered vacuum system. Homeowners can do the process, but a professional typically does it.
Dust and debris can clog air ducts, causing problems with both heating and cooling. Over time, this can result in the buildup of allergens and contaminants like pollen, pet dander, bacteria, chemicals, and tobacco smoke. These pollutants can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and other symptoms. Dirty air ducts can also reduce indoor air quality and increase energy costs. Duct cleaning can help remove dust and other debris from the ductwork, improving airflow and reducing the likelihood of blockages.
Air ducts are a system of interconnected pipes that carry air from outdoors into various areas of the building. They heat, cool, ventilate, and distribute conditioned air throughout the building. Ducts are usually located inside walls, ceilings, and under floors. They can also be found in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. In some buildings, ducts are located on the roof.
During duct cleaning, contractors use long vacuum tubes to suck up dust and other debris in the ductwork. The process can be messy, but the contractors must keep any ductwork components intact during the cleanup. This can be done by ensuring the area is cleared of furniture, covering vents and registers, and using a powerful vacuum cleaner with an extendable hose.
Some duct cleaning services may recommend applying chemical biocides or other encapsulants to the ductwork and equipment housings. These practices have yet to be thoroughly researched, and there is no guarantee they will be effective. Besides, they can cause damage to the ductwork, requiring expensive repairs in the future.
If you have recently built or remodeled your home, consider having the air ducts cleaned. Construction is messy, and even if the contractor diligently cleans up and closes off work areas, debris will enter the ductwork system. Having it cleaned will ensure that any dust and other irritants are not circulated throughout your house and trigger allergy or asthma symptoms in people living in the home. This will prevent these symptoms from worsening and make it easier for homeowners to maintain healthy breathing.
Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms that live in huge numbers virtually everywhere on Earth, including inside the human body. Their small size, simple design, and broad metabolic capabilities allow them to survive and thrive in nearly any environment. Bacteria have been essential in developing many of life’s systems, from helping digest food to preventing disease. However, bacterial infections can also cause devastating diseases such as the bubonic plague and dysentery.
Animal dander can collect in air ducts and, over time, become the optimal breeding ground for bacteria and other types of fungus. Tobacco smoke can also accumulate in ductwork and circulate throughout the house, causing unpleasant odors. Duct cleaning is an important first step in removing these contaminants from your home. Still, if the problem persists, consider adding or upgrading your home air purification system.
Some duct cleaners recommend that chemical biocides be applied to the interior of your home’s air ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth. They may also propose introducing ozone to the system to kill biological contaminants and seal air leaks. There is considerable controversy over the necessity and wisdom of presenting these products into the home’s ductwork and their potential adverse health effects.
Generally speaking, research has not shown that dirt buildup in air ducts significantly affects indoor air quality or increases health problems. However, improper duct cleaning procedures can increase particle levels in the living space or damage the heating and cooling system.
Dust mites are microscopic creatures that are responsible for many allergic reactions. They thrive in warm and humid environments where they can live off the sloughed skin cells of humans and animals. These tiny creatures do not bite or sting, but inhaling the proteins found in their urine, feces, and decaying bodies can cause major allergy symptoms in people with asthma.
Although these mites cannot be eliminated from a home, performing regular duct cleaning helps to keep them in check. The ducts and vents are scrubbed down and vacuumed during the cleaning process. Then, the ducts are washed with an antimicrobial solution to kill any remaining bacteria and mold.
If a clog occurs in the vent, it may attract mold and other allergens to the ducts. The spores from this mold will then be blown into the house by the air conditioner and can cause respiratory problems for those with asthma or allergies. Clogged ducts also cause the air conditioner to work harder, which can result in higher energy bills.
Many people are shocked that their homes have millions of dust mites in beds, pillows, carpets, and furniture. These little creatures do not carry diseases and do not survive on blood, but they do rely on sloughed skin to stay alive. They are also fond of warm and humid areas where they can live for years.
While having a house full of dust mites is skin-crawling, it is important to know that they are not responsible for most allergy and asthma symptoms. It is the feces of these mites that trigger the reactions in the majority of people who suffer from them.
The best way to reduce the number of dust mites in a home is to keep humidity below 50% by using air conditioning and dehumidifiers, as well as opening windows on dry days and covering mattresses, box springs, and pillows with zippered allergy and dustproof covers. All bedding materials should be washed in hot water (at least 130 degrees) every other week to kill and wash away living mites. Also, reducing the number of knick-knacks and fabric wall hangings can help.
Mold in your air ducts is a serious problem because it can cause respiratory issues. This is especially true if you have a compromised immune system or pre-existing lung conditions. Mold spores can also trigger other health problems, such as skin and nail infections.
The moisture inside ductwork can create the perfect conditions for mold to grow. This fungus is very difficult to remove, so it is essential to get professional help. A good duct cleaning company should be able to use antimicrobial solutions and techniques that will kill any present mold and prevent future growth.
If you notice a musty or mildew-like smell when the furnace or air conditioner is running, this could be a sign of mold in your ductwork. Similarly, you may notice that the scent is stronger near the vent where the mold is growing.
Another sign of mold in your ductwork is if you see a buildup of dirt or dust around the vents and air conditioning unit. The fungus has been using these substances as a food source.
Mold can also be found in the ductwork if there is a leak or water damage in your home. Certain strains of mold, such as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) and dark gray mold (Ulocladium), are more hazardous to human health than others.
One way to determine if you have mold in your ductwork is to open the vent and use a flashlight to peer inside. Look for splotches or colored spotting that indicate the presence of the fungus.
Ducts can become infested with various pests, including rodents and insects. These creatures often seek shelter in the dark, damp areas of ductwork and then spread their fecal matter throughout your house. This can significantly aggravate allergies and asthma and create an overall unhealthy environment for you and your family members.
Rodents can also chew through ductwork and enter your living spaces. This leaves behind droppings, gnawed materials, and unpleasant odors. A duct cleaning company can use a disinfectant to safely remove the rodents and any other contaminants they have come into contact with.
