Sunday, June 12, 2011

Duct Cleaning Is Part Of Air Quality Annual Periodic Testing

By Adriana Noton


Poor air quality is often impossible to notice because contaminants are invisible. At other times, contaminated indoor air may have an odd smell. Poor indoor air quality can cause building occupants to become ill. Air quality annual periodic testing rates the cleanliness of the air. Duct maintenance is essential for good air quality.

Duct cleaning prevents the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. The Canadian Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Foundation has data suggesting that the condition afflicts twenty-five percent of Canadians. Conditions that aggravate the problem include outdoor and indoor contaminants, contamination of building fabric, and poor ventilation. Clean ducts prevent all of those conditions.

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.

Other pollutants can clog ducts. Ducts could become contaminated by rodents or insects. They could be clogged with debris and dirt released from system supply registers. They could be clogged by outdoor allergens or pet hair.

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 begin by using custom tools to dislodge particles. They use a high-powered vacuum to remove the particles. Technicians may cover the interior of ducts with a chemical biocide. They may cover other heating components with chemical biocides. They could apply a sealant to prevent the further release of contaminant particles. They could apply an encapsulant to prevent mold growth.

Research is important when deciding on a technician or company. NATE (North American Technician Excellence) or NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaning Association) certification is a plus. It is important to check with references and to check sites like the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer advocacy office. Technicians should have legally required licensure. If working by the hour, they should provide an estimate with a timetable.

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.

Property owners should monitor technicians' work. Good technicians open all access ports to make sure the entire system is maintained. They alert homeowners to the presence of asbestos. Their vacuums are either HEPA machines, or their exhaust systems send pollutants outdoors. Technicians use soft-bristled brushes when cleaning fiberglass. They repair any holes in ducts or surrounding insulation. They take care of carpet and home furnishings.

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.




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4 comments:

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