Air Quality Annual Periodic Testing and Ductwork
Poor indoor air quality may not be noticeable. The contaminants are microbial and invisible. At other times, poor indoor air quality produces telltale signs. Signs include odd smells in the air or occupants becoming ill. Air quality annual periodic testing prevents contamination and illness. Duct cleaning is an important part of this process.
Twenty to twenty-five percent of Canadians have allergic rhinitis. This data comes from the Canadian Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Foundation. There are several common causes of indoor air pollution. These include inadequate ventilation, indoor and outdoor contamination, and building fabric contamination. Duct cleaning addresses all of these issues.
Ducts can be affected by several contaminants. The most common contaminant is mold. It can grow inside ducts and on components of the heating and cooling system. It can grow on the insulation surrounding air ducts. It is important, after cleaning ducts, to eliminate the conditions that initially caused mold growth.
Ducts can also be clogged by other pollutants. They can become infested by rodents or vermin. They can be clogged with dirt and debris released into the home from supply registers. They may be clogged by pet hair or outdoor allergens.
Duct cleaning includes several steps. It includes the cleaning of the HVAC components of forced air systems. Parts include supply and return air ducts. They includes grilles, diffusers, and cooling and heating coils. They include drip plans, fans, and air handling units.
Technicians use specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris. They vacuum with a high-powered machine. They may apply chemical biocides to the insides of ducts. They may apply chemical biocide to other heating components. They might apply encapsulants that inhibit mold growth. They may apply sealants that prevent the release of dirt or fiber particles.
Look at several factors when choosing a technician. Look for NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) certification. Check technician references. Check the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer affairs office. Make sure technicians have appropriate licenses. Good technicians should provide an estimate, especially if they charge an hourly rate.
Ask several questions of potential technicians. Ask them about their experience with the system that is in the home. Ask them what procedures they use to protect pets, people, and homes from contamination while cleaning. Ask them if they comply with NADCA air duct cleaning standards.
Watch the way that technicians work in the home. They should open access ports to allow the entire system to be cleaned and inspected. They should inspect for asbestos before starting. Good technicians use vacuum equipment that exhausts to the outdoors, or they use a HEPA vacuum. They use soft-bristled brushes for any fiberglass components. They protect carpet and household furnishings. They protect duct work, sealing and re-insulating any holes they made or used.
Air quality annual periodic testing should include an annual duct cleaning. Clean ducts prevent the release of mold or other allergens into the home. Clean ducts prevent rodent or insect infestations. The best technicians follow established air duct cleaning standards.
Author Bio: Duct cleaning company offering residential, commercial and industrial duct cleaning in Lindsay since 1980. Also serving the areas of Burlington, Hamilton duct cleaning, Etobicoke, Oakville.
Category: Home Management
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