Why Clean Your Ducts?
- Children are more likely than adults to be affected by polluted air; they breathe faster, inhale more air per unit of body weight and are closer to the ground where concentrations are higher. (Department of Consumer Affairs)
- Among the top five reasons for emergency room visits in 2008 was Colds/Flu and Asthma attacks for children under 10. (Wolters-Kluwer Health)
- One out of every six people who suffer from allergies does so because of the direct relationship to the fungi and bacteria in the air duct systems. (Total Health & Better Health Magazine)
- 90% of heating and cooling system failures are caused by dust and dirt. (Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service)
- The elderly, asthmatics and people with respiratory problems, such as allergies and lung diseases, are more sensitive to pollutants. (Department of Consumer Affairs)
- One millimeter of dirt on a heating or cooling coil can decrease it’s efficiency up to 21%. (Environmental Protection Agency)
- Most fiberglass furnace filters are only 7% effective in stopping dirt, dust, pollen, etc. (American Society of Heat, Ref., Ac. Engineers)
- Most people spend 60 to 90% of their time indoors. (American Lung Association)
- 50% of all illnesses are either caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists)
- The average six-room house collects 40 pounds of dust each year. (Discover Magazine)
- Air pollution contributes to lung disease, which claims close to 361,000 lives in America every year and is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. (American Lung Association)
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks poor indoor air quality among the top five environmental risks to public health. (E.P.A.)
A study conducted by Allergy Consumer Review (reported at www.allergyconsumerreview.com/air-purifiers-furnace-filters.html) found that HVAC cleaning reduced airborne particulates by about 75% and contributed significantly to a reduction of allergy and illness symptoms in the building. Read the entire report here:
From PlanetServices.com: When HVAC systems need cleaning:Out of sight, out of mind is not a good excuse for avoiding the task.
According to the EPA:
You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:
- There is substantial visible mold growth is present in hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.
- Ducts are infested with vermin (e.g., rodents or insects)
- Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.
- For more information read: Should I Have My Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned? http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pdfs/airducts.pdf
Read also at EPA.gov: The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Do I really need my air ducts professionally cleaned?
You can’t afford not to! Duct cleaning performed by experienced technicians can:
- Improve the indoor air quality of your home
- Lower utility costs by improving airflow.
- Extend the life and improve the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system
- Improve the health and well being of you and your family.
- How often should I have the ductwork cleaned?
Typically every 3 to 5 years. However, this frequency depends on the individual circumstances.
- Reasons to consider more frequent cleanings would include.
- Residents with allergies or asthma
- Smoker in the household
- Hair and dander from pets
- Other reasons to clean your ducts might include.
- Water or smoke contamination to the home
- Renovations or remodeling
- Purchasing an existing home
- Occupancy of a newly constructed home (construction debris)
