|
Concerns about indoor air quality (IAQ) have
risen dramatically since energy conservation measures were instituted
back during the Carter administration in the late seventies. Better
quality insulation and better insulating methods reduce the amount of
energy necessary for heating and cooling but the process also restricts
ventilation. Once inside, pollutants such as dust, pollen, mold spores
and pet dander are trapped until they’re physically removed.
|
 |
We’re led to believe that simple vacuuming
will remove most of the harmful pollutants that enter our homes and
solve the problem but it’s not all that simple. While we’re
working away with the vacuum cleaner, another vacuum is silently
operating in the same area - all around us. The other vacuum I’m
referring to is a forced-air heating and air conditioning system.
In a perfect world, dust, pollen, mold
spores, pet dander, dust mites and a host of other pollutants would be
trapped by the system’s filter – end of story. But, that’s not
actually the way it happens. Some of those pollutants pass right
on |
|
through or bypass the filter altogether and reenter the living space through the
registers. Others are trapped inside the ductwork where they start
to build up and accumulate over a period of time.
Without a camera, you can’t really see
what’s inside the ductwork and for most people that’s a good thing –
those creepy crawlers down there, working away on their webs, would
scare you to death. Over a period of time, those webs start acting as
filters, trapping and holding even more particles and pollutants. And, over a period
of years, this network of spider webs, dust, pet dander, pollen, mold
spores, hair, dead and living insects, lint and “other stuff” starts
restricting air flow and diminishing the system’s ability to move air.
At that point, your home may have what’s commonly referred to as “sick
house syndrome”.
The absolute very best way to prevent this
scenario from happening is proper filter maintenance and routine
vacuuming but we’ve all been guilty of neglect at one time or another.
I know I’m guilty of procrastinating when it comes to vacuuming and it’s
not at all uncommon for me to find clogged HVAC system filters, filters
that aren’t fitted correctly or, no filters at all. Owing to the fact
that most modern-day homes are all but air-tight, I’m not so sure that
around-the-clock cleaning with daily filter-changes would work to
totally eliminate the problem.
If you’ve noticed
carpet discoloration around your registers or if your allergies seem to
be kicking into high gear, duct cleaning may be your answer but first, a
word of caution: Do your homework before you choose a duct cleaning
service. A simple canister shop vacuum, no matter how powerful it is,
will not sufficiently dislodge and remove trapped particles. Specialty
vacuuming machines with rotating brushes must be used and the person
doing the work must be adequately trained to use the machine. It’s
highly possible that improper equipment will dislodge pollutants without
removing them, allowing them to reenter your living space and attack you
with a vengeance. It’s also highly possible an untrained person can
damage your ductwork and do more actual harm than good.
|
|
Although I am not personally offering duct
cleaning service at the present time, I felt it necessary to
publish this page for the benefit of my heating and air
conditioning customers. I do know several well qualified, highly reputable
people here in Union, Mecklenburg, and Cabarrus Counties who do specialize in
duct cleaning and possess the necessary skills and equipment to do the
job right. I’d be more than happy to recommend the one
that best suits your needs. Just give me a call or
send me an
email from this web page by clicking on the button below.
If you
decide not to call me and move forward on your own, here's some things
you should be aware of... When choosing an air duct cleaning
service, always avoid making your decision solely on the basis of
price. The quality of the service should be your highest priority
because an unqualified person using the wrong equipment can leave behind more collateral damage
to your ductwork system than you want to deal with and he can also dislodge pollutants and other
materials you don't want blown all over the interior of your home.
Click here to view a "buyer beware video" on the subject of air duct
cleaning -
a perfect example of what you don't
want!
If you feel that your
existing ductwork system is inadequate or damaged and needs to be
repaired or replaced, I am well qualified and equipped to do that.
Please click here or on the ductwork button
below. |
