Duct cleaning has gained popularity recently, with commercial cleaning services popping up everywhere. However, is the service worth the cost, or is it untrue? Here’s some info to help you determine whether or not your house might benefit from having HVAC ducts inside your house cleaned. This article explores why hospitals need to clean their air ducts, exploring the debate surrounding this issue. From infection control and indoor air quality to operational disruption prevention, join us as we uncover why clean air ducts are invaluable – not only valuable – to both patients and healthcare facilities alike.
The significance of air Duct Cleaning
Most people need to be made aware of the significance of proper air duct cleaning. They live their lives without even an extra thought. The reality is that air ducts play an essential part in our overall health and well-being. Here is a brief explanation of how air duct cleaning is crucial in commercial and residential properties.
Maintain a healthy air quality.
Air ducts are typically located throughout the home and are often an unnoticed space for allergens such as pollen and pet dander that can re-enter the living space through registers. Although these particles aren’t dangerous to health, they could cause asthma and other respiratory problems. Cleaning your air duct will improve the air quality and ensure it is free of airborne contaminants.
It will shield your cooling and heating equipment.
You are aware that a dirty HVAC system is harmful to your HVAC. It could lead to blocked air conditioner coils, a dirty blower wheel, and other problems that can lead to expensive repairs. If you’re looking to extend its lifespan, make sure that you clean your ducts often.
Increase efficiency of energy.
One of the major reasons why cleaning your air ducts is crucial is that it helps improve energy efficiency. If your ducts are clogged with debris and dirt, they can impede air circulation and make the HVAC system struggle to keep your temperature at a reasonable level. This could result in increased energy costs and decreased efficiency. By cleaning your ducts often, you can keep them clean and increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Duct Cleaning Services
Professional duct cleaning services employ special blowers, vacuums, and brushes to scrub your home’s intake, supply, and return ducts. Duct cleaning also requires an extensive cleaning of the registers, air handlers, and grilles, as well as the housings, motors fans, and coils that comprise your HVAC system.
No research shows that regular cleaning of ducts improves air quality or helps reduce dust within your home. There is evidence to suggest that clogged heat and cooling motors, as well as air handlers, may cause your HVAC system to be less efficient.
While duct cleaning on its own may not be necessary, there are instances when it is necessary to clean the HVAC device as well as the ductwork can be beneficial.
The importance of cleaning hospital duct standards
The National Association of Air Duct Specialists UK (NAADUK) advises that each air duct system is regularly cleaned and maintained to avoid the accumulation of contaminants.
The advantages of regular exhaust duct cleaning comprise the following:
- Reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections
- Improves the quality of indoor air
- Helps prolong the life of HVAC equipment
- Helps prevent fires
- Reduces utility costs
The frequency of cleaning hospital ducts must be based on an assessment of risk for the facility. The factors to be considered when evaluating risk include:
- Patients who are treated in the facility
- Staff members, number of visitors
- The types of procedures that are performed
- The level of cleanliness needed
After the risk assessment has been completed, a determination can be taken on the frequency at which the ductwork must be cleaned.
How to Avoid Duct Cleaning Scams?
Although there are legitimate expert HVAC cleaning services on the market, there are also scams. Beware of emptying your wallet when a company declares your home to be “unhealthy,”
Here are some helpful tips to stay clear of scams if you choose to consider cleaning the HVAC and duct system of your home:
Full Service:
Don’t settle for merely cleaning ducts — you should get a complete cleaning of your heating and cooling unit.
References:
Check for references in your region to determine what services were included in the price. Find out whether the customers were satisfied with the result.
Estimates:
Request estimated costs in written reports from at least three HVAC cleaning services. A reputable business should offer free estimates and inspections.
Beware of gimmicks:
Advertisements for “$79 house-wide specials” are frauds. Most likely, just a handful of vents will receive a superficial vacuum. In the worst case, you’ll get enticed to buy a more expensive service. A high-quality HVAC and duct cleaning will cost you upwards of $500, take a few hours using sophisticated equipment, and require multiple employees.
Certificates of Certification:
Your cleaning firm must be accredited through the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, which establishes standards for HVAC cleaning of HVAC systems. The EPA is not a certifying body for cleaning ducts, so be wary of any claim that makes such a claim. Be sure to check for the relevant licenses and insurance. Some states require licenses for cleaning ducts, while other states don’t.
Standard of Check:
A organization must follow the guidelines from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.
Verify the Results:
A good firm will comprehensively audit HVAC systems and the ductwork. This can be done in person or via remote cameras. Before you pay, ensure that all ducts are clean and insist on a visual inspection of the interior of the HVAC unit.
Don’t get fooled:
Intake ducts (room ducts that bring air to the cooling or heating unit) are more likely to be soiled than supply ducts (which transport conditioned air to the HVAC unit) as they usually do not contain filters. Check that all “before-and-after” photographs are taken from the supply ducts, which is crucial to ensure the air is clean.
Avoid sprays and sealants.
It is the case that both the EPA and the NADCA are against spraying sealants or other hazardous chemicals in air ducts. Anti-microbial and biocides aren’t as safe, as these chemicals can do damage that is more harmful than beneficial for your health. The chemicals currently are not licensed by the EPA to be used inside the ductwork. It is best to avoid steam cleaning ducts because it uses moisture and steam.
