Air Duct Cleaning – 4 DO’s and DON’Ts
How often do you think about air duct cleaning? Don’t feel bad, because most people don’t think about this space in their home too often. Usually if it is out of sight it is out of mind! However, this is space that we shouldn’t overlook.
Indoor air quality, or IAQ, is a significant contributor to our health and wellness. With the amount of time that we spend indoors, the indoor air we breathe is a vital component of our home life. Many people forget to keep up with regular maintenance of their HVAC units. While we mostly focus on mold and water damage, we specialize in a plethora of other services that go hand in hand. One of these services is air duct cleaning. We believe that a home environment should be healthy, and that begins within our walls and vents!
To test your home’s air quality, consult an inspector that specializes in this field, such as iMold. Testing for pollutants and airborne molds is essential in finding out if you have an IAQ issue. Mold will hide in the ventilation system out of sight, so you won’t be able to see it. But it will cause health complications by those breathing in contaminated air. Let’s take a look at some Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to cleaning your air ducts!
The DO’s Of Air Duct Cleaning
1. Know When To Clean Your Air Ducts
The state of your air duct system will greatly impact the health of the residents. As well as the overall house cleanliness. Poor air quality could be to blame for constant build-up of dust or grime along the vent grills or furniture. If you have chronic illnesses such as chronic headaches or fatigue, this could be due to poor IAQ. You could also experience burning eyes and a runny nose. If any of these symptoms are chronic for you, it’s definately time to get your ducts cleaned.
2. Test For Mold In Your Air Ducts
At iMold, we not only test, treat, and remove mold but we also clean upholstery, tile & grout, and air duct systems! Mold is easily overlooked during a visual inspection. Without a professional’s knowledge and tools to test the system, you may wind up not catching mold. Air ducts are especially prone to mold growth due to condensation. Should we test and find mold, our techs will perform a detailed cleaning and treatment for your air ducts. This ensures your IAQ will be cleaner than you imagined after our services are complete!
3. Prevention Before Cleaning
Believe it or not appliances in your home cause natural air pollutants. Devices such as stoves and fireplaces contribute to contaminants in your air ducts. Regular filter changes and home cleaning is super beneficial. It lessens the amount of dirt and water that collects in your air ducts. Prevention is always considered a best practice!
4. Be Aware Of “Blow And Go”
Some air duct “cleaning” services may have low prices; however, this comes with a catch. These companies tend to perform “blow and go” or blowing and vacuuming the dust out of the vent system. This leaves dust particles within the air of your home. The mess they leave behind can cause more harm than good. Avoid services that use harsh chemicals, such as insecticides or biocides as well. These chemicals will only worsen the air quality of your home!
The DON’Ts of Air Duct Cleaning
1. Don’t Clean Air Ducts Too Often
While the dangers of dirty vent systems may seem scary, don’t let the dangers scare you into over doing it. While it may seem to be an impossible thing to do, overzealous cleaning can do more harm than good. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns against constant HVAC cleaning. They recommend air duct cleaning every three years. This maximizes heating and cooling efficiency. If you smell mold or have chronic health issues, test your home for mold. And obtain an air quality test by a trusted professional. These tests will determine if your home needs further treatments.
2. Don’t Use Sprays In Your Air Ducts
While most reputable companies avoid using sprays, some companies do use them. Sprays such as disinfectants, biocides, and sealants can affect your health negatively. This also decreases your indoor air quality. There are no registered chemicals approved by the EPA for use within air ducts. You should never use pollutants when your goal is to clean your air.
3. Don’t Try to Clean Air Ducts Yourself
While it may seem like a good idea to vacuum and clean your air ducts yourself, you shouldn’t. The HVAC system is a complicated aspect of your home. Use only certified professionals, such as iMold, to remove problematic particles. Only trained professionals know how to do this without causing more harm. Allow iMold to take this complicated task off your hands and give you peace of mind.
4. Don’t Wait to Clean Your Air Ducts
While air duct cleaning may not seem too important, it can be vital to maintaining proper IAQ. Long term exposure to air pollutants in the home can cause serious health risks. Staying on top of the air quality in your home will reap benefits for your health and home functionality. Give us a call at iMold today and experience the iMold difference for yourself!
Why Choose iMold?
With iMold’s HVAC and Duct Cleaning Services you’ll experience better indoor air quality! This equals better health for all who live in your home. Our air duct cleaning service lasts for 3 to 7 years as long as your HVAC receives proper maintenance.
iMold offers our professional cleaning services throughout Southwest Florida. this includes Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral. Additionally, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte and all the islands.
Call us at (239) 208-6572 or reach us through our online contact form today!
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