All About Duct Cleaning
The quality of indoor air should be a concern of every homeowner. People are spending more time indoors than ever, so that means they are constantly being exposed to air that is much more polluted than outdoor air. In most homes, low-quality air is constantly circulated using air ducts that are part of a central heating and cooling system. Despite the best efforts of air filters to clean up the air, it will still harbor plenty of pollutants that can harm health.
As dirty air circulates through air ducts, it can deposit dust, allergens, and pollutants onto the internal walls of ductwork. When humidity hits these pockets of grime, it can spur the growth of bacteria and mold that quickly worsen low-quality air. Cleaning up this mess with air duct cleaning is easy, but too many people don't understand the process. Here is a quick guide from local duct cleaning services to help owners better protect their homes from poor indoor air quality.
Why Do Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
To understand why air ducts need to be cleaned, it must first be understood why indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. The main reason is that the indoor air is sequestered inside and never gets refreshed. This means that once something is in the air in the home, it won't leave. Common indoor air pollutants include:
- Cooking oils, odors, and residues
- VOCs from propellants and beauty products
- Bacteria and viruses
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Mold and mildew
Air filters help to remove some of the larger contaminants like dust, but since it is constantly being added, the filters just keep up.
All of these pollutants circulate through air ducts multiple times daily. In a moist, dark environment, they can collect together, harboring mold growth that continuously leaches into the air. Duct cleaning removes all of this buildup to deep clean the air in a home.
Signs That Homeowners Should Schedule Duct Cleaning
Knowing the state of their air ducts can send some people into a spiral. To determine if ductwork needs to be cleaned, look out for signs like:
- The ducts haven't been cleaned in three to five years
- Musty odors hang in the air
- Visible dust in the air and on surfaces
- Dirty air filters
- Mold growth
- Grime on air vents
Tips to Keep Air Ducts Clean
Cleaning up the air in the home takes more than duct cleaning. While duct cleaning is the best first step, other actions will not only protect the air in the home but also keep the ducts clean for longer.
When it comes to keeping air ducts clean, it's all about housekeeping. Try adopting habits like:
- Sweeping and vacuuming every few days
Dusting weekly - Reducing clutter to make cleaning easier
- Dealing with sources of moisture like indoor plants or humid bathrooms
- Changing air filters at least every three months
- Launder towels, bedding, and curtains at the recommended intervals
About AAA Modern Air
AAA Modern Air keeps the air clean in local homes. With a full line of duct cleaning services, they also handle comfort issues like AC repair. Call today for HVAC service in Dania Beach, FL.
