When it comes to cleaning ducts in Palm Beach County FL, it is essential to take the necessary safety precautions. The best duct systems are made of galvanized sheet with outer insulation covered by a vapor retarder. This smooth surface makes cleaning easier and the zinc coating serves as a fungicide that prevents the growth of mold and mildew. To ensure energy conservation and indoor air quality, controlling the source of pollution is the best way to keep duct systems clean and free from problems.
It is essential to change filters regularly and have an HVAC contractor repair the air conditioning system at least once a year. During this process, it is important to vacuum the heat exchanger, clean the coils, and make sure that the drip tray is clean and drains properly. Some companies are promoting a duct cleaning method that uses high concentrations of ozone in the duct system. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that ozone is a highly corrosive and toxic gas that can be harmful to humans at any concentration.
Therefore, it is essential (if using this method) that occupants are clear and stay away from the house until ozone levels return to normal. In general, ozone concentrations of five to seven parts per million are needed to remove microbial contaminants and other bioaerosol contaminants found in pipelines. While it has been proven to be effective in killing dust mites, bacteria, and germs, the EPA notes that dead toxins, such as the corpses of dust mites and incapacitated mold and other bioaerosol agents, can be just as allergenic as living ones, if not more so. In addition, if the duct network is wet, only the surface layer containing contaminants will be affected. Ozone, being very corrosive, has the ability to fade carpets and curtains and to oxidize or oxidize metals if not properly controlled.
The EPA and most experts generally do not recommend the use of biocides, air fresheners, and cleaning agents in filters or duct systems until they are specifically approved by the EPA for that purpose. Some aggressive cleaning agents that kill germs and bacteria can also damage the delicate lining of human lung tissue and, in themselves, be carcinogens or allergens. The general conclusion about duct cleaning is that aerial sweeping and mechanical brushing methods appear to be only modestly effective in the short term and can be effective in reducing air contaminants in the long term. A more effective approach is to properly select the ducts before construction and keep the air conditioning system clean by properly filtering and maintaining the drip tray and cooling and heating coils once a year by a qualified service contractor. Ozone cleaning methods and the use of biocides, germicides, cleaning agents, and deodorants should only be used with great caution and only if approved by the EPA for that purpose. If you think that cleaning your ducts might be a good idea for your home but you're not sure, talk to a professional.
Most organizations that deal with duct cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association), NAIMA (North American Insulation Manufacturers Association), and SMACNA (National Association of Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors), do not currently recommend the routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct. There could also be dead bugs or bugs in the ducts that need to be cleaned from time to time. We recommend cleaning your ducts every two to five years depending on your property's circumstances. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inner surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe they will control mold growth or prevent dirt particles or fibers from being released from the ducts. To find companies that offer duct cleaning services, check out your local Yellow Pages under Duct Cleaning or contact NADCA at their address listed below. However, there is little evidence that cleaning only the ducts improves system efficiency.
The problems originally associated with how air ducts were soiled in the first place are generally not addressed by duct cleaning methods. Contact Hopkins Air Conditioning's duct cleaning experts to restore your ducts back to their pristine condition. Duct cleaning can also add value to your Palm Beach County home if you're thinking about selling it this year. Their conclusion was that duct cleaning using air sweeping and mechanical brushing methods was only modestly effective in the short term in improving indoor air quality. While there is still debate over whether regular duct cleaning is beneficial or not, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful provided it is done correctly. This is because much of the dirt that can accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces rather than entering living spaces.
