Air Duct Cleaning Utah is the process of removing contaminates from a home’s ventilation system. It typically takes three to five hours.
Pet dander, dust mites, mildew, and mold spores can trap odors in your ventilation system. Then these odors are re-circulated throughout your home each time the heating and cooling system runs.
Cleaner air can help to reduce sneezing, coughing, sinus and bronchial congestion. It can even improve the overall health of your family, including those with allergies and respiratory conditions. During the cleaning process, a technician will use specialized equipment to remove dirt and debris inside your home’s ductwork and vents.
The most effective method for cleaning ducts uses negative pressure to suck away all the dust and grime. Then the technician will use brushes and compressed air equipment to dislodge any remaining particles. Finally, the ducts and vents are vacuumed using a high-powered system. This type of specialized truck-powered vacuum can reach all corners of your ventilation pipes, no matter their size or shape.
A professional duct cleaner will inspect your ductwork to determine the extent of dirt accumulation and if any structural problems exist. They will also check for animal, insect or rodent infestations. These creatures can leave behind feces and other contaminants that should be removed. In addition, newer homes or large renovations often result in construction or demolition debris that can end up in the ventilation system. This should be removed to prevent the spread of spores and mold.
The technician will need to access the air handler and plenums, which are usually located next to your furnace in the basement, garage or utility closet. So be sure to clear a path to these areas before the appointment. Also, remember that the duct cleaning process will make some noise and may require opening and closing the doors to different rooms in your house. So don’t schedule it during baby’s naptime or your important Zoom meeting! It’s best to keep pets in their kennels during the cleaning process as well, as they can be easily startled by the sound of a truck engine or vacuum pump. A reputable duct cleaner will ensure that all the dust and debris is safely removed from your ductwork and vents before leaving your home. They will also use a variety of inspection tools, from mirrors and periscopes to CCTV camera systems with flexible cables that can go all the way into hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Cleaning air ducts can significantly improve indoor air quality. Dirty ducts are often the source and pathway for dust and biological contaminants that can be released into your home, including mold. Cleaning can also help prevent a variety of respiratory problems, including asthma and chronic allergies.
Duct cleaning is typically done by professional technicians, who follow a specific set of procedures recommended by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Before cleaning begins, a technician will inspect all access points to your ductwork and assess their condition. They will then decide which duct cleaning method is best for your home. Most of these methods involve using brushes and agitating devices to loosen up debris, followed by a negative pressure system that vacuums up the dislodged dirt and contaminants.
A number of service providers will recommend that chemical biocides be applied to the inside surfaces of your ductwork and equipment housings to kill germs and inhibit future growth. They may also propose the use of sealants to encapsulate or otherwise cover the interior surfaces of your ductwork, equipment and vents in an effort to prevent the release of dust particles into your living space. Research has not yet proven that these practices are effective or safe, and they should only be used if permitted by your state health department.
During the cleaning process, you will hear your duct cleaners working, and you may even see them sweeping, agitating and vacuuming. If you have sensitive areas in your home, like a baby’s bed or a piece of furniture directly under a vent, be sure to move it before the technician arrives. You will also want to tidy up and make sure that all your vents are accessible, as they will need to be able to get to them in order to clean them properly.
After the cleaning is complete, a blower door test will be performed to check for airflow and leaks. A post-cleaning inspection will also include testing the performance of your HVAC system to verify that it is functioning as designed, and that any pollutants have been eliminated from the supply and return vents.
Air ducts are designed to hold and transport air, but they can also trap dust, pet dander, bacteria, allergens, mold, chemicals and tobacco smoke. These contaminants are then recirculated through your home five to seven times per day. This recirculation can cause significant build-up over time. Air duct cleaning removes these contaminants and keeps them from being recirculated throughout your house, improving indoor air quality and preventing harmful particles from being released into the environment.
The process of duct cleaning involves the use of specialized equipment to clean both the inside and outside of your home’s vents and ductwork. These professional-grade tools include brushes, air whips and powerful vacuums to dislodge and remove the debris in your ductwork. This process is typically done segment by segment to ensure a thorough clean. In addition, a post-inspection is often performed to verify that all of the contaminants have been removed from your vents and ductwork. Once the cleaning is complete, a sanitizing agent may be applied to kill any remaining bacteria or mold in your air ducts.
It’s important to find a qualified and reliable contractor to perform the duct cleaning work. A professional should be certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). This certification helps homeowners identify contractors that follow industry standards and provide superior service.
Once the duct cleaning process is completed, the resulting cleaner air can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Dirty ducts can force HVAC systems to work overtime to pump air through them, causing them to consume more power in the process. Duct cleaning can prevent the accumulation of toxins and blockages, allowing your system to operate more efficiently.
Air duct cleaning is usually a fast and easy process, and it’s not uncommon for vetted professionals to perform other HVAC-related services during the same visit. They might inspect your ventilation and heating system, recommend repairs or replacements, or install new filters to improve efficiency. These services can save you money in the long run and keep your home running like-new. It’s also a good idea to seal any leaky ducts as soon as possible after the cleaning to avoid further waste and contaminant leakage.
As you can imagine, a clean and well-maintained air duct system will contribute to a higher resale value for your home. In the current real estate market, potential buyers are concerned about indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and unpleasant odors.
A dirty ductwork will only give the wrong impression to the buyers and can deter them from making an offer. However, with a professional duct cleaning company, this can be avoided and your home will have an appeal that will make it stand out from the rest of the homes on the market.
Dust isn’t the only thing that collects in your ductwork; it also contains other contaminants like pet dander, mold, mildew, chemicals, and even rodent droppings and urine. These can get into your HVAC system and circulate throughout the house with each cycle of cooling or heating. When these contaminant particles are circulated, they will create unpleasant odors that can be difficult to get rid of.
When you have your ducts cleaned, these odors will be eliminated and the air in your home will be fresher and healthier. If you want to sell your home, this will be a huge plus to prospective buyers and may even help you close the deal sooner.
Duct cleaning is an affordable and highly-effective home improvement project that has a high ROI when you are ready to sell your home. Unlike expensive landscaping projects or kitchen remodeling that don’t add much resale value, duct cleaning will increase your home’s value by an average of 5 percent.
As the home inspection and closing processes begin, buyers will appreciate your efforts to keep your HVAC system and ductwork clean and in good condition. This will give them confidence that the home is in good shape and will function properly once they move in. Furthermore, if you have a record of your duct cleaning and maintenance services, this will be another selling point during the process and can even help you secure a better price. Keep in mind that some scams exist for air duct cleaning, so beware of ads offering “$99 whole house specials.” These are not genuine and will likely be detrimental to your sale.