Besides removing dust, debris and allergens from air ducts, professional duct cleaning services can help eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants that contribute to poor indoor air quality and potential health risks. This process creates a healthier environment in your home.
Identifying Sources of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Contaminants that negatively impact indoor air quality and health originate from multiple sources:
- VOCs: Chemicals emitted from products like cleaning solutions, paints, furnishings and building materials. Prolonged exposure can cause symptoms like headaches and irritation.
- Dust mites: Tiny insects that feed on skin cells and feed allergens into the air through waste and decomposition. They thrive in dust and debris.
- Mold: Spores from mold growth in ducts can trigger asthma attacks or allergy flare-ups when circulated through HVAC systems.
- Pet dander: Shed skin cells and saliva from pets contain allergens that circulate through ducts.
- Chemical residues: Ducts can accumulate residues from pollutants like cigarette smoke, combustion gases, and chemicals from industrial facilities.
How Duct Cleaning Removes Contaminants
Professional duct cleaning services use specialized equipment to thoroughly remove these common indoor air contaminants:
- Mechanical brushes: Bristled brushes loosen and remove surface dust, dander and debris trapped in ducts.
- HEPA vacuums: High-efficiency vacuums capture 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, removing microscopic allergens and contaminants.
- Anti-microbial treatment: Chemical sprays contain agents that kill mold, bacteria and viruses residing in condensation pans and coils.
- Air purging: Technicians flush ducts with purified air to remove residual contaminants trapped inside walls.
Results of a Proper Duct Cleaning
A thorough duct cleaning with vacuuming, brushing, treatment and purging can:
- Remove dust and debris: Dust and dirt accumulation is cleared from all duct surfaces and components.
- Eliminate mold and mildew: Cleaning agents remove mold and organic material that harbors indoor allergens.
- Neutralize residual chemicals: Purging ducts with fresh outside air helps flush out residual VOCs and pollutant residues.
- Improve ventilation: After a professional cleaning, your HVAC system distributes fresher, cleaner air throughout your home.
In summary, duct cleaning thoroughly removes dust, allergens, mold, residues and other indoor pollutants trapped inside your HVAC system. By eliminating these sources of poor indoor air quality, duct cleaning creates a healthier home environment and reduces exposure to potential health risks from contaminated air circulating through ducts. Comprehensive cleaning should be part of regular HVAC system maintenance to maintain optimal air quality long-term.