Most are unaware that they breathe in more than just air. For example, according to the National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association (NADCA), through everyday living a standard six-room home creates over 40 pounds of dust annually. Dust is not the only element in air ducts. The typical family generates a great deal of contaminants, air pollutants, dander, dirt and chemicals. On average, these contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 50 to 70 times per day. As these substances re-circulate, eventually the contaminants, dust and debris all build up, restricting the airflow more and more everyday in addition to contaminating the air you breathe. Today, at Sterling Environmental Airduct Cleaning would like to talk more about what is in your airducts.
Dust, Mold & Other Pollutants in Air Ducts
Dust, Dirt and Debris: Noticing the buildup of dirt on your bookshelves and fixtures may not occur until it becomes significant. A rather telling indicator of excessive dirt and debris in airducts is seeing the excessive dust collect on the surfaces quickly. Keep in mind that the dust and dirt is also being tracked in and if the home isn’t properly sealed, the soil can get inside as well, but it will all circulate in the airducts.
Bugs, Rodents & Pests: Insects and rodents, or other wildlife to access your home with a breach in the airducts. Dander and droppings can infiltrate your airstream as the critters use your ducts as a pathway as rats notorious for gnawing their way through heavy materials infiltrate your system. Additionally, the insects, like cockroaches, dust mites, and other pests that get into the ducts will all contribute to the risk of spreading diseases and increasing the allergic reactions.
Indoor Pollutants: Only about 25% of indoor pollutants are traced to outdoor sources. The majority of the indoor pollutants circulating inside your home through the airducts are from cooking sprays and other ingredients, cooking emissions, greasy buildup and cleaning chemical fumes.
Mold: The presence of mold should be a serious concern for all homeowners. Mold exposure contribute to chronic allergic reactions and long-term exposure, depending on the sensitivity, to mold can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. If you suspect mold in the air ducts, not only should you get them cleaned, but testing should be done to ensure the mold-like substance is mold.
How to Keep Air Ducts Clean
To better keep your air ducts clean and free from most contaminants, the EPA recommends the following steps:
1) Invest in high-efficient air filters.
2) Regularly change or clean the filters (depending on the type).
3) Ensure the filters are always in place and if any are missing you get new ones installed as soon as possible and make sure they are correct size.
4) Clean the air conditioner coils and drain pan routinely.
5) Seal off supply and return registers during dust-producing construction or renovation work and avoid utilizing the HVAC system until the dust has been cleanup.
6) Dust and vacuum/sweep your home often.
Air Duct Cleaning & More in Oak Park, Madison Heights, Warren, Sterling Heights, Detroit & Southeast Michigan
Consider a professional air duct cleaning with Sterling Environmental Air Duct Cleaning if you can visibly see dirt and debris build up on the registers, the ducts have never been cleaned or it has been more than five years, dust is blowing from the vents, you notice odors but can’t find the source, the heating or cooling units run longer than usual, coils on the A/C ices up, you have indoor pets or people smoke inside, family members suffer from excessive allergies or asthma attacks or you have recently remodeled your home. Contact us today!
