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Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ)
How Clean is the Air You Breathe?
How Clean is the Air You Breathe?
Indoor air pollution is a serious health hazard affecting millions of Americans. Researchers claim it contributes to more than half of all illnesses, including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma and more. A surprising number of contaminant sources thrive in the indoor environment. Common household pollutants include dust, mold, pollen, and insect remains. Air conditioning and heating systems are perfect collection points for airborne pollutants like dust and mold spores. The moist, temperate environment is an ideal habitat for fungi and bacteria to flourish.Reducing the sources of contaminants that may trigger adverse health reactions is an important part of keeping indoor air clean. Cleaning the air conditioning and heating system will remove allergens like dust and mold from the air distribution system that serves the indoor environment. But doing the job effectively requires the right combination of superior technology and attention to workmanship. That's why you need the experts at Air Systems, Inc.
Why should air ducts be cleaned?
Studies have shown that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times MORE polluted than outside air.Most disposable filters remove about 10% of these pollutants allowing 90% to enter theair system, even during the construction of a new home. The pollutants contain dust, pollen,mold spores, animal dander and much more. These materials collect in the furnace, air conditioner and duct surfaces, just as they do on the furniture and floor surfaces. The furniture and floor arecleaned regularly but the duct surfaces are hidden from view and can only be reached by specialized duct cleaning equipment. These pollutants can migrate out into the room again, or become a food source for mold and bacteria, which can thrive in this dark comfortable environment from high humidity or moisture from the air conditioner or humidifiers. Biological growth can release mold spores or toxins into the air system.
How can mold grow in a duct system and what problems can it cause?
Mold spores require a stable temperature, a food source and moisture to live and reproduce. Dust and dirt that go through the filter are a good food source. The furnace/air conditioner is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature, and moisture is available from humid conditions in the environment, the humidifier in the furnace or the cooling coils in an air conditioner. Live molds can release spores that will trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions, sometimes severe, in about 10% of the population. Mold both living and dead can produce toxins that may cause short term allergic reactions. Long term exposures to low levels of some mold toxins can result in permanent chemical sensitivity to common compounds in the environment.
Will a dirty air system result in higher energy costs?
Depending on the amount of contamination and its location, energy consumption could be increased. If the fan blades, evaporator coil or other control components of the system are heavily contaminated, the system may have to run much longer to cool or heat the occupied space, wasting a lot of energy.
Which parts of the air system should be cleaned?
There are three major parts to an air system:1. The supply and return grills;
2. The interior surfaces of
the supply and return vents; and
3. The furnace/air conditioner air handler. All 3 components must be cleaned. If only one or two of the components are cleaned, the contaminates from the 3rd component will rapidly contaminate the ones that were cleaned.
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Once an air system is thoroughly cleaned, it should remain clean for 3 to 7 years if properly maintained and a high arrestance filter is installed. A standard disposable filter only stops about 10% of the airborne contaminates, allowing 90% of the dust in the room to flow back into the air system. To maintain protection against biological growth, an EPA registered biocide should be applied every 6 to 12 months by a qualified Duct Cleaning Professional.
What are the sources of air duct contamination?
All inside air was once outside air, so all of the dust, chemicals, pollen, insects and mold spores in the ouside air can be pulled into the air system. People shed millions of tiny dead skin cells every hour. Cooking smoke, household insect sprays, personal care products are also a source of pollutants. Many construction materials, carpets, wood products and plastics give off pollutants as well. During construction or remodeling activities, many types of dust are produced and find their way into the duct work. If the duct components were stored outside prior to construction, they may have collected dust, rain water and even mold before they were installed in a system.
Are you breathing dander, dust, pollen, mold and mildew?
The EPA has determined that indoor air can be 70% more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, one of out six people suffering from allergies does so as a direct result of the fungi and bacteria in their air duct systems. Air duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality and reduce respiratory suffering; it improves system efficiency and reduces energy costs. A clean HVAC system has a longer life span and works more efficiently, resulting in lower energy bills with savings of up to 30%. Cleaning improves airflow, helping to maintain a consistently comfortable environment. Following are several of the questions Alliance customers ask about air duct cleaning…
What are the health benefits of HVAC system cleaning?
Removing contaminants such as bacteria, mold, fungi and small dust particles from your home can greatly increase the quality of air that you and your family are exposed to, reducing symptoms of allergies.
Can it reduce my energy bills?
Research has shown that HVAC cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently. Therefore, by removing debris, you will extend the life span of your system, reduce the risk of having your system break down, and allow your system to operate more effectively.
How often should I have my home HVAC system cleaned?
Factors that affect the frequency with which you choose to clean include:
How do I choose an HVAC system cleaner?
The company you choose should be a certified member in good standing with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Ask for references and proof that the company you are choosing is properly licensed and adequately insured. Determine how long the company has been in business to ensure that they have adequate experience.
