Duct Cleaning Is Part Of Air Quality Annual Periodic Testing

Poor indoor air quality may not be noticeable. The contaminants are microbial and invisible. At other times, poor indoor air quality produces telltale signs. Signs include odd smells in the air or occupants becoming ill. Air quality annual periodic testing prevents contamination and illness. Duct cleaning is an important part of this process.

Duct cleaning prevents the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. The Canadian Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Foundation has data suggesting that the condition afflicts twenty-five percent of Canadians. Conditions that aggravate the problem include outdoor and indoor contaminants, contamination of building fabric, and poor ventilation. Clean ducts prevent all of those conditions.

Several pollutants can collect inside ducts. Mold is the most common. It grows within ducts or on heating and cooling system parts. It may grow on insulation that surrounds ducts. Removing mold from ducts will help, but mold will recur if the cause of growth is never eradicated.

Ducts can also be clogged by other pollutants. They can become infested by rodents or vermin. They can be clogged with dirt and debris released into the home from supply registers. They may be clogged by pet hair or outdoor allergens.

A duct cleaning involves more than just duct work. It may include the cleaning of any HVAC component in a forced air system. These components include supply and return ducts. They may include diffusers, cooling and heating coils, and grilles. They may include fans, air handling units, and drip pans.

Technicians use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris. They vacuum with a high-powered machine. They may apply chemical biocides to the insides of ducts. They may apply chemical biocide to other heating components. They might apply encapsulants that inhibit mold growth. They may apply sealants that prevent the release of dirt or fiber particles.

Look at several factors when choosing a technician. Look for NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification. Check technician references. Check the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer affairs office. Make sure technicians have appropriate licenses. Good technicians should provide an estimate, especially if they charge an hourly rate.

It is important to ask technicians some specific questions. Technicians should be asked about their experience on the home’s particular HVAC system. They should be asked how they plan to prevent contamination of homes, people, and pets during cleaning. They should be asked if they voluntarily adhere to NADCA cleaning standards.

Technicians should also be monitored as they work. Owners should make sure they protect duct work by sealing and reinsulating holes. Owners should insure that technicians use soft-bristle brushes on fiberglass. Owners should see to the protection of carpet and furniture. Owners should check to see that technicians use either outdoor exhaust or HEPA vacuums. Technicians must inspect for asbestos before starting work, and they should open all access ports for system visibility.

Air quality annual periodic testing should include an annual duct cleaning. Clean ducts prevent the release of mold or other allergens into the home. Clean ducts prevent rodent or insect infestations. The best technicians follow established air duct cleaning standards.

Duct cleaning in Lindsay company offering residential, commercial and industrial duct cleaning since 1980. Also serving the areas of Burlington, Hamilton duct cleaning, Brampton, Etobicoke, Oakville