Duct cleaning may not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your home, but the potential benefits of this service can be invaluable to your health. It can improve the quality of life for anyone who lives in the home.
When it comes to professional air duct cleaning, Pittsburgh is home to companies offering services that can make a tremendous difference in the health and efficiency of your home. If you are thinking about hiring a company to clean your ducts, take a few minutes to review these commonly asked questions.
What is the purpose of air duct cleaning?
According to the EPA, the air inside a home or building can have as much as 2 to 5 times more contaminants than outside air. You may think that the air filters in your air system are enough to protect you from this pollution, but the reality is these disposable filters are only effective at removing approximately 10 percent of the pollutants and contaminants that move through it. Regular air duct maintenance gets rid of common pollutants and other contaminants in your home’s cooling and heating systems so you can breathe cleaner air.
Can mold and bacteria grow in ducts?
When contaminants and debris enter your duct system, it can become a food source for a variety of organic contamination. The dark and often humid environment of the duct system is perfect for the growth of mold, bacteria, fungi and viruses. These contaminants can then become part of the air and lead to a variety of respiratory symptoms.
How are duct systems cleaned?
A cleaning professional will use a variety of specialized tools and techniques to prevent lingering contamination and safely clean your air duct system. The cleaning generally begins with a careful examination to determine the extent of the contamination. The technician will then use special tools to loosen the buildup of debris and a high-powered vacuum to remove the buildup. The components will then be thoroughly cleaned and potentially protected with the use of a sanitizing solution.
How often do air ducts need to be cleaned?
A properly maintained system that has been thoroughly cleaned by an air duct cleaning professional, will only need to be cleaned between three and seven years. It is important that you continue to maintain the system by having it checked and repaired once or twice a year.
Professional cleaning is ideal for homeowners who prefer to maintain healthy air and a better quality of life for all who live in the home. When your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned, you will surely experience the benefits of a health and a more efficient home.
