On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause problems with indoor air. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if the ducts had been left intact. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage ducts or the heating and cooling system, which could increase heating and air conditioning costs or force you to make expensive and difficult repairs or replacements. In some cases, construction material waste can also act as a type of pollutant found in air ducts.
Some examples include asbestos and small pieces of drywall. These types of particles are more common in homes near ongoing construction sites. The deterioration of internal pipes and air conditioning parts can also leave waste. It's important to quickly remove debris from buildings when you notice it, as it can be very harmful when inhaled.
Asbestos particles, for example, can leave scars on lung tissue. As an expert in air duct cleaning, I understand the importance of using the right tools and techniques to remove harmful contaminants from your ducts. At HomeWiz, our specialists are trained in professional air duct cleaning services that use the latest modern tools and techniques to expertly remove dust, mold, and bacteria from your ducts. We offer first-class customer service and detail-oriented cleaning that brings you total and complete satisfaction.
Experts agree that there should be no moisture in the ducts, and if there is moisture and dirt, there is a chance that biological contaminants will grow and be distributed throughout the house. Some companies apply antimicrobial chemicals to the inner surface of air ducts to treat microbial contamination caused by fungi (mold), viruses, or bacteria. Dust and dirt tend to accumulate on almost any interior surface, and this also happens in air ducts. Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with air duct cleaning have established standards.
When service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would warrant cleaning your ducts. Some research also suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans, and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. However, there is little evidence to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system increases system efficiency. If no one in your home has allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses, and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no evidence that the air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (there is no musty smell or visible mold growth), you probably don't need to clean them.
Typically, a duct cleaning service provider will use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and other debris from the ducts and then vacuum them with a high-powered vacuum. Keeping the house tidy can decrease the amount of particles that end up in the ducts, but dust and dirt will eventually get inside because of the way the air moves through the ducts. Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of the ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold) and prevent future biological growth. You can also use the Homeowners Guide to Air Duct Cleaning as part of the contractor selection process.
Controlling humidity is the most effective way to prevent biological growth in all types of air ducts.
