The technician uses specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris from the system, followed by a thorough disinfection process to effectively “remove the mess”. Then, they will do an air filter change and a final test of the system operation to ensure that everything runs smoothly again. Air ducts contain many contaminants, including dust, dust mites, dirt, pollen and other allergens. They tend to settle on the walls of the air ducts and then spread out in the house.
Cleaning the air ducts will remove all these pollutants, improve indoor air quality, and improve your life with allergies or asthma. Once everything is out of the ducts, the technician will check and disinfect every corner of your system. This will remove any remaining dust, allergens or bacteria. It will also create a healthier environment inside the ducts, meaning there will be no more mold growth and better air quality.
Cleaning your ducts every three to five years is one of the best ways to ensure that your system continues to function and keeps the air you breathe healthy inside your home. We compiled a list of questions you may have about air duct cleaning and spoke to Jack White, Vice President of Technical Services at Rainbow International. These practices have not yet been fully investigated and you should be fully informed before deciding to allow the use of biocidal products or chemical treatments in your air ducts. Ducts are usually cleaned after a residential fire when the ducts are filled with smoke residue, which is why Rainbow International offers the service and some HVAC companies do not.
Companies that perform duct cleaning often advertise health benefits or suggest that duct cleaning will lower your energy bills by improving the efficiency of your system. Cases where the use of sealants to encapsulate duct surfaces may be appropriate include repair of damaged fiberglass insulation or when combating fire damage within ducts. While many of these products can legally be used inside unlined ducts if all directions on the label are followed, some of the instructions on the label may be inappropriate for use in ducts. This is because much of the dirt that can accumulate inside the air ducts adheres to the surfaces of the ducts and does not necessarily enter the living space.
However, many modern residential air duct systems are constructed of fiberglass panels or sheet metal ducts that are lined on the inside with a fiberglass duct liner. Start by identifying if your ducts are part of the problem (they probably aren't) and whether cleaning them will help (probably isn't). Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles inside air ducts from being released into the air. However, there is little evidence that cleaning just the ducts will improve system efficiency.
A professional air duct cleaning service will know how to use negative air pressure, seal problem areas and grills, and ensure that your air duct is totally clean with the least hassle to you and your family. Other reasons to get your ducts cleaned regularly are when you notice dirty or dusty air, someone in your family has severe allergies, you have recently moved to a new home, or if there are odors, pet hair, smoke or other pollutants present.
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