Four Essential Steps To Take When Cleaning Your Air Ducts To Improve Indoor Air Quality
Professional duct cleaning is a crucial maintenance step for better air quality and improved comfort. It involves using tools and equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, rotating brushes, and air compressors, to dislodge dirt and debris from inside the ductwork. However, there is more to this process than cleaning the ductwork. Other crucial steps are necessary to improve air quality and prevent dust accumulation inside the system. Here are four things you should do during duct cleaning to improve the air quality in your home.
Inspect the Air Ducts
A pre-cleaning air duct check allows the contractor to establish the severity of dust accumulation in the system. The inspection also reveals signs of damage to your ductwork. For example, holes in the air ducts can allow dust and debris into the system, causing your indoor air to become dusty. Also, kinks in the ductwork can restrict airflow and strain the heating and cooling equipment. If these problems exist in your system, you can fix them to improve airflow and air quality in your home.
Clean External and Internal Components
Air ducts are connected to various components that facilitate the air circulation process. These components include air filters, fans, grills, vents, and motors. These system parts collect dust and debris as well. Therefore, failure to clean them can cause your ducts to become dirty within a short period of time. Therefore, clean all the components that connect to the air circulation system. If you haven't replaced your air filters in a while, inspect them for damage. Replace worn filters with high-quality ones that can trap all airborne pollutants, including mold spores, smoke, and bacteria.
Sanitize and Deodorize the Duct System
Does your indoor air have a musty or unpleasant smell? Smoke, mold, and mildew inside the air ducts can cause the air in your home to smell musty. Cleaning the ducts does an excellent job of eliminating the odors. However, if a mild smell still lingers in the ductwork, you must disinfect and deodorize the system. Disinfection gets rid of any microbes left behind after cleaning the ducts, while deodorization removes unpleasant odors. Use eco-friendly products that won't leave behind chemical fumes.
Seal and Insulate Leaking Ducts
If the pre-cleaning inspection revealed any damage to the ducts, you should fix it immediately. Seal the ducts to fix small holes that may leak air and allow pollutants into the system. If your ducts aren't insulated, this is a great time to insulate them. Ductwork insulation prevents heat exchange between the system and its surroundings, improving the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
Professional air duct cleaning should include the above steps, besides clearing dirt and debris from the ductwork. For more information about air duct cleaning services, contact a local company.
Share