The What
What is Air Duct Cleaning?
Basically, air duct cleaning refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system parts of air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, including heat exchangers in heating and cooling. When you neglect this part of your home, the dust bunnies have free reign to clog up your air vents. And not just dust…debris and mold can also accumulate.
The Why
When these culprits build up in your air vents, it can cause problems for the air you breathe. The EPA recommends that if you share a household with anyone who suffers from allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, you should ensure your ducts are cleaned. Indoor air pollution is real and can have real consequences for your health. And in these cold months — it is critical to maintain good air quality inside.
If you are fortunate enough not to have breathing difficulties, there is another reason for getting the ducts cleaned — efficiency. If you have a fireplace, wood stove, or fuel-burning furnace, it is recommended you maintain clean ducts in order to increase the performance of heating and cooling systems. Beyond making sure you are getting the most from your system, technicians can also make sure you aren’t unduly at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Here are the signs that a cleaning is due:
- There is visible dust and debris
- There is visible mold
- There is an infestation of house rodents and insects
The How
Certified technicians will open doors and access points to get a look at the air flow in your home. They will inspect to make sure there are no asbestos-like substances. Then, they will use vacuum equipment that shoots particles outside of the home or use only high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuuming. Brushes will be used, in conjunction with the vacuum to clean out the air vents. The technician will also make sure everything is sealed where it is supposed to be. They should also protect your furnishings and carpet. The EPA has also developed this handy checklist for homeowners to make sure the technician did the job thoroughly.
The Who
Maybe you are a customer whose chimney we also take care or maybe you are a new customer looking for someone reliable and meticulous to help improve the air quality in your home. Either way, here at Total Chimney, we’ve been building relationships in this area since 1996. Let us help make your indoor air as pristine as we can.