Air ducts are an essential part of a home since they conduct air from the HVAC system, regulate indoor temperature, and maintain good ventilation. It is a house component that ensures utmost comfort. Like other house components, air ducts also get dirty, and cleaning them is recommended now and then.
Air duct cleaning eliminates dust and other contaminants that accumulate in the ducts over time. It may also involve the elimination of pests and odors that are caused by bacteria and mold build-up. Since air ducts are often hidden in-wall or ceilings, they can often be easily forgotten or neglected, and this can cause too much trouble both in your health and pocket in the long run.
To understand its importance, it is crucial to know how air duct cleaning works, its benefits and what to expect in hiring an air duct cleaning service provider in your area.
Air duct cleaning is not just a simple job that anyone can do since it may involve special techniques to clean all duct areas thoroughly. It starts with an inspection conducted by a duct technician. During the inspection, the degree and urgency of cleaning are evaluated. The inspection will focus on the amount of dust accumulation, the severity of the infestation, if there is, the build-up of mold and bacteria, and the condition of the duct.
When the inspection is done, an air duct cleaning can be scheduled immediately, and all the needed materials will be ready for the process. The company brings in certified duct cleaners to do the job. Heavy-duty vacuums are used in collecting all the dirt in the ducts. For large buildings, truck-mounted vacuums are used.
For duct parts that will be hard to reach, a special camera and the right tools such as rotary brushes will be used to wipe them clean. Leaks can also be checked during duct cleaning, which can be included in the company’s service.
Using the right tools and chemicals in duct cleaning is very important. A trained duct cleaner knows when to use and apply them depending on the ducts' material, making it essential to have the ductwork done only by a licensed company.
Air duct cleaning is recommended for three to seven years by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). However, regular maintenance checks should be done in the ductwork, such as filter replacement.
Only have the air duct cleaned when necessary. Also, air duct cleaning should not be done regularly since it can be costly and may damage the ductworks if not done properly, as stated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To know when you need cleaning, here are some circumstances that you should observe.
Clean air ducts come with many benefits, and you can always maintain them tidy with air duct cleaning. Yes, it can cost you a considerable amount of money, but it will be worth it with all the benefits.
The primary benefit of air duct cleaning is the reduction of air contaminants in your place. Some particles are suspended naturally in the air, and we cannot avoid this even if we want to. The only thing you can do is minimize or keep their amount at safe levels.
Some air pollutants removed by duct cleaning are pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander which are common causes of respiratory allergies. These can pose a risk to people in the room with respiratory problems. These particles will not be removed and will only recirculate if proper measures are not taken. When these particles are removed, unpleasant smells from ducts can be avoided.
At the same time, gasses such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide from common appliances can also be present in high levels, and prolonged exposure to these can cause serious health problems such as dizziness and nausea. Keeping the ducts clean and proper exhaust systems keeps harmful gas amounts minimum. This way you are sure that you live in a cleaner and fresher space.
It can also lower the utility cost in the establishments. Dirty air ducts may cause the HVAC to work harder, resulting in higher energy bills. It can also lower the utility cost in the establishments. Up-to-date air duct cleaning can save you from expensive repair jobs of the ductwork since some particles such as mold, bacteria, and gasses can corrode the ducts. They can require expensive repairs if not addressed immediately.
When the need arises, you should remember to look for a trusted cleaning company, and when looking for one, here are some things you need to consider.
First is the years of experience a company has. There is a high chance that companies that have stayed in the industry for many years offer a good service. Of course, it should be supplemented by their registration in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that sets duct cleaning standards. You can find this information on their websites.
Second, they have certified duct cleaners and technicians. Registered companies hire professional workers and ensure that they undergo proper training before ductwork.
Third, it is important to examine the cleaning methods they use. The use of chemical biocides or treatments to your ductwork should only be done when needed, and only a certified company has trained workers on how to use them.
Fourth, they have good reviews, fewer complaints, and good recommendations. It is wise to check with your consumer affairs office, their site, or check reviews that can reflect the good customer service they can provide. It is also good if the company is recommended by your common friends to know that someone you know already tried their service.
Fifth, they provide a timeline and cost. Always ask for an estimate of the length of the job, how much it will cost, and the possible additional fees you may pay. This way you will be prepared, and you can choose another company that can offer you the best deal. Choosing a company with many hidden charges will be sad, especially if on a tight budget.
Sixth, proximity to your area. It is not necessary but ideal to choose an air duct cleaning company nearest to your location. It will be advantageous because you can contact them easily and go to their physical office for a consultation or concerns.
Lastly, good customer service and aftercare services. Whenever you need air duct cleaning service, a company that willingly assists you and has good customer service, preferably 24/7, will be a lifesaver. Also, good aftercare services will come in handy if problems may arise later on. Some companies offer this for free to their customers, and you have to choose a trusted company to share your duct problems and get the right assistance you need.
Air duct cleaning can be costly, especially if you let them sit for a while without getting inspected and having them cleaned with untrained workers that may cause harm to the ductwork. To avoid this, we at Remediate Renovation aim to provide you with the highest quality of air duct cleaning. With years of experience in the industry, we take satisfaction in providing our customers with the best customer service. We utilize the right cleaning methods in cleaning the air ducts, and we offer services that will surely be worthy of your money. Aside from air duct cleaning, we have other services you can avail of to check on our site anytime. Next time you have air duct cleaning concerns, call us, and we will help you with it.
