Your HVAC system is a circular system, meaning air is blown into rooms through ducts, then pulled back into the system through a filter. This air exchange is important for maintaining favorable indoor air quality (IAQ), and when the HVAC system is neglected, it opens the door for air pollution and potential health concerns.
Health Hazards of Dirty Ducts
Although homes and businesses may be cleaned regularly, there is always a chance for allergens, dust, pet dander, microbial growth and other bacteria to sneak through and negatively impact the indoor air quality. Some of these pollutants can cause allergic reactions and other adverse health effects, including asthma.
Residential and commercial HVAC systems are designed to remove these pollutants by drawing the air through a HEPA filter with interlaced fibers that trap the particles. However, even the best air filtration systems are not 100% successful, and particles can build up in the ducts. If the ducts are not properly cleaned and maintained, they can actually become breeding grounds for pollutants. For example, if moisture becomes present, mold can grow and release spores into the rooms through the ducts.
What is Duct Cleaning?
Duct cleaning refers to the thorough cleaning of the HVAC system and its parts. One method of duct cleaning uses negative pressure from a vacuum to suck out the contaminants. Air whips may also be used. These specially-designed brushes have flexible arms or legs that scrub the side of the duct to help remove stuck on dust and other materials. Once the ducts have been thoroughly cleaned out, they are fogged to deodorize and sealed to restore proper airflow.
How Often Should Ducts be Cleaned?
Duct cleaning is recommended every three to five years, but the frequency depends on various factors, including climate, air conditions and HVAC use. With pets, smoking, or high dust levels, filters should be changed more often to keep the level of pollution down, and may also require more frequent duct cleaning. Asthma and allergy sufferers, or those with chronic breathing conditions, may benefit from more frequent duct cleaning, as well. And lingering colds, sinus infections and other respiratory symptoms could also be a sign that your ducts need to be cleaned more often.
Professional Duct Cleaning in Albany, Saratoga, Glens Falls & Beyond
MacFawn Fire & Flood Restoration provides specialty cleaning services, including both residential and commercial duct cleaning in Albany, Saratoga, Glens Falls and throughout the Capital Region and Adirondacks, as well as Worcester MA, Media PA and Tampa FL.
Our professional cleaning technicians will look for signs of damage or blockages in your air ducts, then remove contaminants with our state of the art equipment, deodorize, and seal your ducts to restore proper airflow.
We also offer Facilities Maintenance Programs for all of your commercial cleaning and maintenance needs. Contact us online or call 877-MACFAWN to schedule a duct cleaning.