Air ducts contain harmful contaminants and micro-organisms including pet dander, bacteria, pollen, mildew & mold spores. Regular duct cleaning reduces these contaminants & improves the health of a home’s occupants especially those suffering from respiratory ailments.

First, the technician will examine your ductwork visually. Then they will start the vacuuming process vent by vent. Contact Air Duct Cleaning Utah for professional help.

Dust can collect in air ducts due to a number of reasons, including insufficient filtration, rodent infestation and water damage. It can also be caused by pet hair, dander and pollen. Dusty ducts are one of the major triggers of year-round allergies like hay fever. In addition, they can be contaminated with bacteria and viruses such as the influenza virus.

While the EPA does recommend air duct cleaning on a regular basis, it is important to remember that dusty ducts are not necessarily unhealthy. Most of the debris in air ducts sticks to the duct surfaces and doesn’t actually end up in living spaces. However, it is recommended that ducts are cleaned every few years if your heating source is coal, oil or natural gas; and a minimum of once per decade for households using electricity for heating.

The main indicators that your ducts need to be cleaned include a visible layer of dust on the air vent or register covers, a musty odor, clogged air filters and poor air flow through the house. It is also important to be aware of any health issues within the household, especially if anyone suffers from asthma or other respiratory conditions.

When hiring an air duct cleaner, be sure to check their credentials and licences. Beware of any that promise to kill bacteria, fungi and mould with chemical biocides or sealants. While these products may be necessary in certain circumstances, research has not shown them to reduce airborne contaminants. In fact, the use of biocides and sealants can create harmful fumes that contaminate the home’s indoor air. It is best to opt for a more natural alternative such as sanitizing with vinegar or baking soda.

Allergens

Allergies affect 25 million Americans with asthma and 50 million with allergic rhinitis (hay fever). If you suffer from allergies, you know the symptoms are miserable. Itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion and respiratory distress can make it difficult to find relief at home. The solution may seem obvious: air duct cleaning promises to reduce allergens inside your home, providing allergy sufferers with an opportunity for a more comfortable life. However, is it really effective, or is it merely a marketing ploy?

Dust mites, animal dander, mold spores and a variety of other pollutants are known to cause allergic reactions. These allergens can enter your home on your clothes or shoes, or be brought in by your pets. Once inside your home, they can settle on surfaces and become airborne, causing your immune system to react by releasing histamines into the body. The symptoms of this reaction include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, and congestion.

Dirty air ducts can be a breeding ground for these allergens, as they are constantly circulated throughout your living spaces. The heating and air conditioning system acts like your homes’ lungs, pulling in outdoor air and pushing it through the ductwork. Over time, the ductwork can become clogged with allergens, which are then released into your living space, exacerbating allergy symptoms.

Regular maintenance practices, such as changing air filters and vacuuming, can help keep your ductwork clean between professional cleanings. A routine maintenance schedule will also help keep your lungs clear of contaminants and lessen the amount of dust on furniture and other areas of your home. But nothing is foolproof, and even the most meticulous of home maintenance cannot eliminate all pollutants from your home.

Bacteria

Over time, dirt, dust and other debris builds up in air ducts. This build up provides a perfect home for bacteria, which can cause and exacerbate allergies, asthma, sinus problems and respiratory ailments. Dirty ducts are also breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which produce spores that spread through the entire house when the HVAC system is activated. These spores can degrade indoor air quality and make family members ill.

These contaminants can be especially harmful to children and elderly family members who may have weakened immune systems, as well as people with chronic illnesses and breathing issues. Symptoms of these conditions include sinus congestion, nose and throat irritation, itchy eyes and a general feeling of unwellness.

The dark environment in air ducts provides ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria, which often starts in the shadow of debris, but will expand quickly once it has a foothold. Bacteria are known to trigger or aggravate allergies and respiratory problems, but they can also cause skin irritation, sore throats, coughing and infections.

Biological Matter

Animal fur, pet dander, hair, dead skin cells and the residue from household cleaning agents, paint fumes, tobacco smoke and food preparation can all contribute to a musty smell in the air ducts. Detailed duct cleaning removes these odor trapping materials, leaving the air in the home fresher and healthier.

In addition to removing the actual biological matter, professional duct cleaners will use a biocide to kill existing bacteria (germs) and fungi, as well as to prevent their future growth in the air. It is important to fully understand the pros and cons of this type of treatment before hiring a duct cleaner, as there are other methods available that do not involve chemicals.

Mold

Mold is an issue that affects the air quality in homes and should be addressed right away. If you notice any visible mold growth on the surfaces of your vents, evaporator coil, or drip pan it is a good idea to have a professional inspection and cleaning done to protect your family from the harmful effects of toxic mold.

Visible mold is a sign of a larger problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Since mold spreads through spores, by the time you can see it there is likely already a large infestation that will only get worse if left untreated.

In addition to causing a musty smell and making the ductwork itself look dirty, mold can cause health problems for anyone in your home, especially if they are elderly, young children, or have respiratory issues. Exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions in many people including rashes, runny noses, and watery eyes. It can also trigger and exacerbate asthma.

If you have pets in the house dander can build up inside of your vents, and over time can turn into an optimal breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and mold. If you are a smoker or there are previous smokers in the home cigarette odor can also build up in your vents and circulate throughout your home.

If you are noticing any unexplained allergies, asthma symptoms or a musty odor in your home it is a good idea to have the air ducts inspected by a professional to determine whether or not there may be a problem with your HVAC system or duct work. A professional duct cleaner can use the best tools and cleaners to ensure that all mold is removed from both metal and sheet rock ducts.

Odors

When odors waft into the home, it can be a sign that air ducts need cleaning. Dusty ductwork can trap and hold odors, and it may also be the source of bad smells in other parts of the house.

Mold and mildew are another cause of odors in homes with dirty air ducts. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and produce musty smells as they grow. Mold and mildew can spread throughout the house through vents, and they can aggravate respiratory conditions and allergies. Air duct cleaning eliminates odors and prevents mold and mildew growth.

Air duct cleaning can also help remove bad smells caused by pets or cooking. Many people have pet dander in their homes, and the shedding process can leave fur and dander behind in air ducts. The dander can be sucked into the air system and recirculated around the house, leaving an unpleasant smell.

Dirty air ducts can also trap odors from the kitchen. Foods that are fried or cooked often release strong fragrances, and these smells can be sucked into the air ducts and recirculated around the house. Stale odors can produce strong, unpleasant smells that may linger even after a thorough cleaning.

Rodents are notorious for crawling into ductwork, where they can leave droppings and die. A dead rodent in the ductwork can release an unpleasant, rancid smell. If you notice an odor like this, it’s best to get the problem dealt with as soon as possible.