2 Big Reasons to Add Your Air Ducts to Your Spring Cleaning List

3/14/2012

The first day of spring, March 20, is quickly approaching. Soon the grass will be turning green. The trees will start to bud and the flowers will start blooming. 

It is also time to start thinking about spring cleaning. If you Google "Spring Cleaning List" you will get hundreds of thousands of results. You can find list detailing all sorts of tasks for both inside and outside the home. I encourage you to add air duct cleaning to the list. Here's why:

1. Potential energy savings.

Research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that clean air ducts can enable heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to run more efficiently. Clean systems are less likely to break down and more likely to have a longer life span. You may experience lower energy bills.

2. Cleaner air.

Clean air ducts can improve the air you breathe. Excessive amounts of dirt and dust particles are normally released into the air from your supply registers. Our high-powered HEPA vacuums and other specialized tools dislodge and remove contaminants such as, dust, debris, pet hair, dander and vermin.

See Air Duct Cleaning for more information.

Do Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning?

11/1/2011

Change your furnace filter every two months. That’s all most people think is necessary to maintain their home air conditioners and heaters. Though filters are important, cleaning the air ducts can enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system — and may improve the quality of the air you breathe.

We want you to know what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says about the value of cleaning your air ducts:

• The EPA reports that the evidence tying air duct cleaning to improved efficiency is at this time inconclusive. Click the image to the right or here to read the EPA report.
• However, the EPA acknowledges other research that suggests cleaning heating and cooling system components (cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers, e.g.) may improve the operating life of your system, save energy and reduce maintenance costs.

Ask your air duct cleaning provider precisely what they intend to do. For example, Advanced Restoration Services (ARS) uses compressed air and specialized tools to clear air duct passageways while high volume HEPA vacuum units collect resulting dust and dirt. Our technicians hand-clean all other accessible HVAC system areas. However, ARS does not offer to take apart any HVAC system components. System components should only be disassembled and cleaned by a qualified HVAC technician. An air duct cleaning company should not tell you otherwise.

Why Ducts Should be Cleaned

Dust and dirt accumulate in air ducts through regular everyday activities around the home. These “normal” accumulations of dust and dirt can be exacerbated by indoor pets, cigarette or cigar smoke, fireplace usage and home renovations, among other things. It stands to reason that the HVAC system distributing conditioned air throughout the home can also distribute dust and other pollutants, including biological contaminants throughout the home.

Consider cleaning your air ducts if:

• Mold growth is visibly present inside the ducts,
• Ducts are infested with vermin, or
• Ducts seem to be clogged with debris.

A thorough inspection will determine if a cleaning is necessary. HVAC duct cleaning requires a dual process: (1) Dislodging duct-laden dirt and debris with special tools. (2) Removing contaminants by high-powered vacuum cleaners.

Make sure the company you use keeps abreast of technology. Inadequate vacuum collection can release dust and dirt into the home. Ask the company’s representative what steps they have taken to stay current and whether or not they have recently received some training certificates.

After a Flood

Of particular concern is an HVAC system that has been contaminated by flood water. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all surfaces and components of an HVAC system submerged during a flood are potential reservoirs for dirt, debris and microorganisms, including bacteria and mold. Moisture can also collect in non-submerged areas of the system such as air supply ducts and lead to microorganism growth. See the CDC article, “Mold Prevention Strategies and Possible Health Effects in the Aftermath of Hurricanes and Major Floods.”

The CDC recommends the HVAC system be thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and disinfected by a qualified professional. A qualified professional will:

• Remove and discard flood-contaminated filter and all flood-contaminated insulation within and surrounding the HVAC system.
• Clean all contaminated surfaces with a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner.
• Disinfect all contaminated surfaces.
• Replace insulation.

Simple Step

This is a good time to consider upgrading to the highest-efficiency filter practical for your system. Check your HVAC system manual for guidance. Read EPA guidelines on indoor air quality to learn more.

It Feels Good to Have Fresh, Clean Air — Save $25 Today

5/12/2011

Get $25 off Advanced Restoration Services' residential air duct cleaning. Call (712) 523-2057 now to schedule.

• Our equipment is state of the art. We use special tools to dislodge duct-laden dirt and debris and high-powered HEPA vacuum cleaners to remove the contaminants.
• Our goal is to eliminate dust and debris. Pollutants can enter air ducts through cooking, cleaning and smoking—and even by moving about the home.

Your HVAC system may run more efficiently! Learn more about residential airduct cleaning.