The duct system in your home functions as the respiratory system. Contaminants such as dust, dirt, pollen, animal dander and other airborne organisms are sucked into your system every time your furnace or air conditioner runs. If the system is not properly installed, maintained and operated, these components can become contaminated with these particles. If moisture is present, the potential for micro-bacterial growth is increased and may be released into your living space. Many of these contaminants cause allergic reactions and/or other respiratory issues for you and your family when exposed to them. These contaminants will build up in your air duct system over a period of time making your system a breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew and other microbes, impacting the quality of air and comfort for your family. Allergic reactions to pollen, bacteria, dust mites feces and mold are common for many people. These particles and their pollutants settle in the air ducts and re-circulate every time the furnace blower is turned on. Duct cleaning and sanitization will not only eliminate most contaminants but also may improve the efficiency of your air conditioner and furnace buy improving the air flow. Doctors, particularly allergists, are more often “prescribing” air duct cleaning as a potential remedy for health problems related to indoor air quality. Those who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory ailments are most vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution, especially children and the elderly.
Duct Cleaning Related Facts
(1) According to the American Lung Association, most people spend 60% to 90% of their time indoors.
(2) According to the US EPA, more than 50 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergy. The level of some hazardous pollutants have found to be up to 70 times greater indoors than outdoors.
(3) Many studies have shown that 2 out of 3 indoor air quality issues involve the HVAC system. Cleaning your air ducts can provide allergy relief, eliminate odors and reduce dust and potentially housework – less dusting!
(4) According to the Department of Consumer Affairs, children and the elderly are most affected by polluted indoor air.
What Can You Do?
(1) You should use the highest efficiency air filter recommended by the manufacturer of your HVAC system. We do have high efficiency filters (Elector-static HEPA Filters) available for purchase at different efficiency levels. You may ask the supervisor to give you information and show you samples of these filters if you have any questions and are interested. It is very important to change your filters regularly. Make sure that there are no missing filters and that the air cannot bypass filters through gaps around the filter holder.
(2) During construction or renovation work that products dust inside your home, you should seal off the supply and return/intake registers and should not operate the heating and cooling system until after cleaning up the dust.
(3) It is important to have your carpeting and other flooring professionally cleaned on a regular basis. This will improve the quality of air and help in reducing odors throughout your home.
(4) Call the professionals at Savior Home Services for all of your duct cleaning and indoor air quality needs.
