If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy, it can't be cleaned effectively and must be removed and replaced. If any of the conditions identified above exist, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. Before Duct Cleaning near Springfield GA, modernizing, or replacing ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected, or the problem is likely to reappear. Some research suggests that cleaning the components of the heating and cooling system (e.g.However, there is little evidence that cleaning just the Duct Cleaning near Springfield GA will improve system efficiency. You may consider cleaning the air ducts simply because it seems logical that the air ducts would get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time.
As long as the cleaning is done properly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful. The EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. However, the EPA recommends that if you have an oven, stove or fireplace that burns fuel, that you inspect it for proper operation and be serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. If you decide to clean the air ducts, take the same precautions as you would normally take to evaluate the competence and reliability of the service provider. If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to ensure that the service provider is committed to cleaning all components of the system and that they are qualified to do so.
In addition, the service provider may propose the application of chemical biocides, designed to eliminate microbiological contaminants, inside the ducts and in other components of the system. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the interior surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. These practices have not yet been thoroughly researched and you should be well informed before deciding to allow the use of biocides or chemical treatments in air ducts. If they are applied, they should only be applied after the system has been properly cleaned of all visible dust or dirt.
Knowledge about the potential benefits and potential problems of cleaning air ducts is limited. Since the conditions in each home are different, it's impossible to generalize about whether cleaning your home's air ducts would be beneficial or not. On the other hand, if family members have unusual or unexplained symptoms or illnesses that you think could be related to your home environment, you should discuss the situation with your doctor. The EPA has published the following publications as guidance on how to identify potential indoor air quality problems and ways to prevent or address them. On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt and other contaminants than if it had left the ducts alone.
A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your heating and cooling system or ducts, which could increase heating and air conditioning costs or force you to perform difficult and costly repairs or replacements. The EPA does not recommend cleaning air ducts, except when necessary, because of ongoing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning in most cases. However, the EPA recommends that if you have an oven, stove, or fireplace that burns fuel, you inspect them for proper operation and that you check them before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.
However, there is little evidence to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase system efficiency. If you think duct cleaning might be a good idea for your home, but you're not sure, talk to a professional. The company that services your heating and cooling system can be a good source of advice. You can also contact professional duct cleaning service providers and ask them about the services they provide. Remember that they are trying to sell you a service, so ask questions and insist on getting complete and well-informed answers.
A thorough visual inspection is the best way to verify the cleanliness of your heating and cooling system. Some service providers use remote photography to document conditions inside pipelines. All parts of the system must be visibly clean; you should not be able to detect any debris with the naked eye. Show the service provider the consumer checklist after cleaning before work begins. After completing the work, ask the service provider to show you each component of your system to verify that the work was done in a satisfactory manner.
If you answer no to any of the questions on the checklist, this may indicate a problem with work. Ask your service provider to correct any deficiencies until you can answer yes to all the questions on the checklist. You may be familiar with air ducts that are made of metal sheets. However, many modern residential air duct systems are built with fiberglass or sheet metal ducts lined inside with a fiberglass coating.
Since the early 1970s, there has been a significant increase in the use of flexible conduits, which are generally internally lined with plastic or some other type of material. Experts agree that moisture should not be present in the ducts and, if there is moisture and dirt, there is a possibility that biological contaminants can grow and be distributed throughout the house. Controlling humidity is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in all types of air ducts. Illness: Poor air duct maintenance can easily lead to illness; not cleaning air ducts is basically an invitation to let viruses into your home. Dirty air ducts can also cause asthma and allergies in household members, especially children and the elderly. Your heating and cooling system can generate condensation that causes mold to grow in your ducts (especially if you live in a humid climate).
You might see mold around the vent covers, but unfortunately, many components of the heating and cooling system aren't easily accessible or visible, so mold in air ducts is especially difficult to detect. However, while mold can be difficult to see, it usually comes in the form of a musty smell. Knowing when to clean air ducts and implementing preventive measures, such as regularly changing filters, regular inspections and hiring professionals, are critical to a healthy living environment and good domestic infrastructure. Air duct cleaning service providers can tell you that they must apply a chemical biocide inside the ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth.
These products are specifically designed for use in ducts or as ducts themselves, and are tested according to standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Air duct cleaning professionals are also trained to detect other problems in an HVAC system that the average homeowner may not know how to detect. An air duct cleaning technician will be able to identify and fix any mold problem, and also help prevent his reappearance. Whether you decide to clean your home's air ducts or not, it's essential to commit to a good preventive maintenance program to minimize duct contamination.
A service provider must show you tangible evidence of microbial growth in air ducts before applying any chemical biocide. Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles inside air ducts from being released into the air. When service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would justify cleaning the ducts. Most organizations that deal with duct cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA, NAIMA, and the National Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors (SMACNA), do not currently recommend the routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct.
Beware of air duct cleaning companies that offer unusually low rates or promise superfast service.
