You can find mold spores in almost every home, but they usually don't reach hazardous levels. However, when there is condensation in the ducts due to inadequate insulation, mold colonies can form and contaminate indoor air every time the HVAC system is run. Its ductwork is a conduit for cold air in summer and warm air in winter, making it an ideal nesting place for some insects, rodents and other pests that could spread diseases or cause damage. With regular duct cleaning, you can remove contaminants and pests from ductwork to make your home safer and your HVAC more efficient.
Like many homeowners, you may think that the air filters you change every month are enough to prevent dust and dirt from entering your air ducts. While these devices are good at trapping larger particles, they are far from 100% effective. Over time, small pieces of dust and dirt will accumulate in the air ducts. This waste will adhere to the inner walls of the ducts and will gradually seep into your home.
To make matters worse, dust and dirt will eventually find their way to the vital components of your air conditioning system. While it may seem like no big deal at first, dust and dirt can greatly reduce the efficiency of your unit and even reduce its overall lifespan, costing you thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement costs. If you or a member of your family has seasonal allergies, then you know all too well how frustrating pollen can be. While you'll be exposed to this irritant when you go outdoors, you can also get stuck in air ducts.
As with dirt and dust, pollen particles are too small to be blocked by a traditional air filter. Unfortunately, pollen that has been trapped in the ductwork will affect your home long after allergy season ends. Small amounts of pollen will be pumped into your home on an ongoing basis. This isn't the only allergen you need to worry about either.
If you're a pet owner, dander can also reach the ducts and cause prolonged episodes of respiratory irritation. When that happens, a few days of high pollen levels can cause you to burn tissue boxes for weeks or even months. While dust and pollen can certainly have a negative impact on your home's indoor air quality, they're not the worst offenders. That title belongs to mold, which can grow deep in your home's ductwork.
Even if you live in a relatively dry climate, your HVAC system works by using moisture as part of the cooling process. Naturally, some of this moisture will be trapped inside the ducts. When combined with other bacteria in the air and a lack of natural light, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mold. Once mold has taken over the ducts of your HVAC system, indoor air quality will be drastically affected.
Mold has been attributed to numerous diseases and respiratory problems. It will not only aggravate existing conditions such as asthma but it can also lead to the development of additional diseases. Treating mold at its source is essential if you want to improve the air quality inside your home and breathe better all year round. A popular method for improving indoor air quality is to install a UV light.
There are several models and styles available but most of them are installed just after the vents. UV light emits special “C” waves designed to kill airborne bacteria and pollen, purifying the air and helping to prevent mold growth. As noted earlier, mold is one of the worst contaminants found in duct systems. If you suspect that mold has taken over your system, you may also need to disinfect the ducts.
This process is designed to kill harmful mold and other bacteria and can be performed in conjunction with standard duct cleaning. Dirty air ducts are one of the most common causes of reduced airflow. When air ducts are clogged with dirt and debris, it becomes more difficult for air to flow through them causing less air to come out through the ventilation ducts. This can cause discomfort to those inside the building and affect energy efficiency.
Unfortunately, contaminants can accumulate in air ducts over time especially if residential or commercial ducts are not cleaned regularly. By taking preventive measures and following recommended cleaning techniques regularly homeowners can ensure that their HVAC system operates efficiently while avoiding common signs of air duct contamination such as visible mold growth. The best way to eradicate these contaminants and improve health and air quality is to clean air ducts at least once every two years. Duct cleaning removes these contaminants from the ducts before they have a chance to spread throughout the house and infect you.
This is where air duct cleaning comes in to remove these irritants and help create cleaner indoor air. In addition clean air ducts can improve energy efficiency by allowing heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently reducing energy waste and reducing utility bills. Cleaning your air ducts will not only increase the longevity of your HVAC system but it will also improve efficiency.
