WHY CLEAN YOUR DUCTS

When considering whether or not to get your air ducts cleaned, compare your indoor environment to the respiratory system of the human body. Air is circulated through hidden ducts, with the air conditioning system pumping hot air heated in the furnace in the winter, and cold air generated by the cooling device of the air conditioner in the summer. Contaminants such as dust, pollen, hair, dead insects, dust mites, pet hair, animal dander and other allergens and impurities are brought into the system through the return air vents. These contaminants deposit in the air ducts and may produce mildew and germs that may jeopardize our health. Professional air duct cleaning is necessary in order to reach deep inside of the ducts, which requires very powerful machinery.

The growth of mould in an air duct system can cause serious problems that can trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions. Mould spores require a stable temperature, a food source and moisture to live and reproduce. The furnace and air conditioner provide a comfortable temperature for the growth of mould and moisture is available from humid conditions in the environment. Professional air duct cleaning every three years rids the duct system of such mould contamination, allowing for healthier indoor air quality (IAQ).

Studies have shown that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times MORE polluted than outside air, which can be particularly detrimental to children. Children breathe at a faster rate than adults, inhale more air per unit of body weight and are closer to the ground, where concentrations of contaminants in the air are higher (Department of Consumer Affairs). In addition to children, the elderly, asthmatics and the chronically ill, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular disease are likely to be more sensitive to indoor pollutants.

There are certain cases in which professional air duct cleaning becomes a particularly important factor in achieving and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. If you fall into one of the following scenarios, air duct cleaning becomes of great importance:

a) If you have a problem with water in your ducts, mould may grow as a result. In this situation, the water problem should be dealt with first, the ducts should be cleaned and disinfected where the mould growth has occurred, and the entire duct system should be professionally cleaned.

b) If you are moving into a newly constructed house, duct cleaning is very important. Materials such as drywall dust, fiberglass pieces, sawdust and fecal matter have no place in the duct system. Professional duct cleaning will also catch materials such as lunch bags or soft drink cans that have fallen or been swept into the air ducts.

c) If major renovations have been made, professional air duct cleaning will remove any materials that have collected in the duct system, similar to those that are found after the construction of a new home.

d) If you are having trouble with furnace airflow, blockages can be fixed through air duct cleaning. It is a good idea to have the ducts professionally cleaned before embarking on more expensive methods of dealing with airflow problems such as duct replacement or rerouting.

Summary: Why Clean Your Ducts?
* Provide you with better indoor air quality (IAQ)
* Reduce the presence of house moulds and allergens
* Get rid of house dust
* Improve airflow and potentially reduce energy costs