How to select an air duct cleaning company?
There are health benefits for all residents from regularly cleaning the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System.
A dirty air duct contributions to poor indoor air quality and affects the health of people (HVAC) systems collect mold, fungi, bacteria and a variety of contaminants that reduce the quality of the air residents and visitors breathe. in the residence.
The purpose of residential air duct cleaning is to remove These contaminants from a home & # 39; s HVAC system to get the best indoor air quality.
While the vacuum draws the air duct / ventilation system under negative pressure. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge contaminants and debris from the interior surfaces, moving the contaminants / debris from the home & # 39; s air ducts and ventilation systems into the vacuum.
Vacuum collection alone does not clean the HVAC system. Brushes, air whips, "skipper balls" and other tools that agitate contaminants and debris scrub the devices within the air duct system and propels contaminants and debris into the vacuum collection device (s).
Anti-microbial chemical sanitizers are applied to the interior surface of the air ducts to control microbial contamination ... but ... before sanitizers are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. All anti-microbial chemicals used must be EPA registered for use If you are still concerned, call the EPA at 1-800-438-4318. There are no EPA registered anti-microbial products for use on porous system surfaces - such as fiberglass surfaces.
When sanitizing air ducts you want to make sure the air duct cleaning company uses safe; effective EPA approved products that are safe for people, pets, and the environment. An atomizer fogs the sanitizing product through the entire ventilation system.
Allergic people, infections and older are susceptible to the microbes that cause respiratory problems such as bacteria, mildew, fungi algae and dust mites which require a highly-effective sanitizer to eliminate odor-causing microorganisms as well contaminants associated with allergies, mildew and bacterial Sanitizing air ducts means toxicity and safety safeguards that establish and ensured there are no harmful dermal (skin), ocular (eyes), inhalation ( breathing) or ingestion (swallowing) effects from the products.
There are two popular types of vacuum collection systems. Truck / trailer mounted equipment is generally more powerful than portable equipment. Contrast, portable equipment frequently be can brought directly into a facility, locating A vacuum collection device which exhausts indoors must be HEPA (high efficiency particulate arrestance) filtered.
The frequency of air duct (HVAC) cleaning depends on several factors:
* before occupying a new home.
* afterhome renovations or remodeling.
* number of smokers in the household.
* Pets that shed hair and dander.
* Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
* Residents with allergies or asthma benefit from better indoor air quality.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that "duct cleaning services" generally range in cost from $ 450 to $ 1000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region, level of pollution "and type of duct material.
Consumers should beware of air duct cleaning companies making sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning - such claims are unsubstantiated.
These companies also try to persuade consumers into unneeded services or provide a service without the consumer & # 39; s permission. Contact the Better Business Bureau and local, federal, and state elected officials to report the company.
Interview at least 3 local air duct and HVAC cleaning contractors and to perform a free system inspection and to provide a price to clean the HVAC system.
Narrow your list of potential contractors:
o Make sure the company is a member in good standing of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
o Verify that the company is certified by NADCA to perform HVAC system cleaning.
o Ask how long the company has been in business and determine if that experience is adequate.
Ask for the company has the right equipment to effectively perform the cleaning, and if the company has done work in homes similar to yours. Ask for references from neighbors.
o Inquire if the company is in good standing with the local Better Business Bureau.
o Get proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured.
o Make sure that the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components.
o Avoid advertisements for "$ 99 whole house specials" and other sales gimmicks.
All members must have certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff (ASCS) on staff , NADCA certification status current. NADCA certification status current. NADCA Certification Examination. Passing the exam demonstrations extensive knowledge in HVAC design and cleaning methodologies.
Find out as much as you can about the air duct cleaning company before you hire the company.
* Ask the company to display proof of NADCA membership and certification?
* Ask how long the has been contracted in in the residential HVAC system cleaning business?
* Ask the contractor offer you with evidence of the current Worker & # 39; s Compensation and General Liability Insurance coverage (Ask for Certificate of Insurance)
(Not all cities or states require licenses) by the contractor to display the proper licenses required by your city and state to perform the work they are proposing.
* Ask the contractor offer you with 3 to 5 customer references with phone numbers from air duct services provided in the last 30 days?
* This is required to work on to your own POROR to conduct any work and alert. NADCA Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems (ACR) Standard.
(Mirror and flashlight, camera or other remote visual systems.)
* Ask the contractor if it will be cleaning the complete system, including coils and fans?
* Ask the company if it actually is the work? (Some companies subcontract the work to independent contractors; apply the same tough guidelines for subcontractors as well.)
* This questionable contractor to give you a guaranteed price before the inspection, damaged fiberglass insulation, cleaning or treating cooling coils may become add-on costs.
The amount of time it takes an air duct cleaning company to clean a residential HVAC system depends on:
* the size of the home
* the number of systems
* the extent of the contamination
* the number of HVAC cleaners performing the job
Ask the 3 HVAC contractors you trust the most to inspect your system and how long the job should take; as well as all of the steps each contractor plans to implement during the job.
Remember, we are breathing millions of germ-carrying dust and mold particles from air ducts that cause allergies, asthma - even terminal illnesses. In all homes, the air ducts gather dust, dirt, human skin flakes and pet dander, becoming holding cells for allergens, mold spores, germs and other contaminants. The problem begins even before you move move to a newly-built home, with the buildup of drywall dust, sawdust and other debris in ducts that provide a perfect environment for the growth of germs and allergens. Every day, families breathe air that is continued circulated through contaminated ductwork by your HVAC system. This problem worsened in the 1970 & # 39;
In addition, keep a copy of this article and using a copy of this article and use it as a post-clearing check list to help you ensure a top Using any inspect system components; using specialized inspection tools When necessary. You can perform your own visual inspection using a flash light and mirror.
The best air duct (HVAC) cleaning companies offer a 100% guarantee and will not make you pay for the air duct cleaning service until you see the proven results with a Duct-Camera. Now you can actually see the dust and allergens free air ducts after professionals clean the HVAC system. The guarantee promises that all the visible loose particulate will be removed from the system. The company must must guarantee 100% customer satisfaction and happily go back and redo the work if required.
These air duct companies are courteous, certified technicians who strictly adhere to to NADCA processes. You will know a thorough job such as dirty ducts, mold, chimneys, unhealthy carpets, unsafe dryer vents, humidity and other problems.
Companies that perform the best work do not off incredible low $ 79 whole house prices and coupons. To make matters worse ... improper air "the the cheapest price can be very expensive in the long run." that price is too good to be true; that price is probably being offered by a predatory business owner looking for an easy mark.
You can hire an air duct cleaning company with confidence now that you know how to get your air ducts properly cleaned and enjoy these benefits:
Health according to to the EPA, air duct cleaning removes airborne contaminates such as bacteria, fungus, mold spores, pet dander & pollen which may help to alleviate allergy & asthma symptoms .
Accumulated dirt and debris Accumulated dirt and debris can reduce the CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) as much as 50%! This is the most common cause of cracks in heat exchangers. Having your HVAC system cleaned can prevent pre-mature breakdown & aging of your heating and cooling system.
Reduce Dusting Air duct cleaning helps to reduce household dust by removing the dust where it travels most - through your air duct system.
A clean air transmission system may help to increase efficiency and may maybe help reduce reduction and cooling of the EPA, a buildup of only 0.042 inches of dirt on a heating coil costs.
