Negative pressure is widely considered to be the most effective way to clean an air duct, as it prevents debris from entering the air and the antimicrobial spray helps to prevent further accumulation. Cleaning air ducts is a misnomer, as the entire HVAC system must be cleaned. If all components of the system are not cleaned, the entire system can be recontaminated, thus reducing the benefits of cleaning. Experts suggest using longer hoses and a rotating brush to clean the ducts.
This method is more effective than cleaning air ducts with a vacuum cleaner in a workshop. The hose is inserted through the vent hole while the brush removes dirt. The only downside is that the vacuum cleaner may not produce enough suction to lift and remove clogged debris. DUCTZ is a leader in duct cleaning services, having specialized in this field since 2002. The company follows NADCA, ACCA and EPA standards and uses high-power HEPA vacuums to collect dust and dirt, as well as UV-C light to kill germs and mold and eliminate VOCs.
DUCTZ also rehabilitates old ducts, covering and sealing holes and cracks to increase the efficiency of air conditioning systems. The company is available in 22 states and select locations in Canada. DUCTZ's customer service is highly praised. The company provides detailed quotes that break down the cost of its services after the home inspection, so homeowners are likely to get a fair and accurate quote.
DUCTZ also offers related services, such as cleaning dryer vents and repairing more complete air conditioning systems. Technicians provide owners with before and after photographs to ensure quality and thorough service. Appointment requests can be made online through the DUCTZ website or by calling a local office. Stanley Steemer follows closely behind with its comprehensive cleaning services that cover not only the ducts, but also the air conditioning equipment to which they are connected.
The technician must check other components of the system because the air ducts work in sync with the oven and air conditioner. Since most of the dust in the house's ducts tends to remain in the ducts, cleaning the air ducts does not require regular maintenance in most homes. Cleaning a duct system is not something you do yourself, as it requires special tools that most people don't have in their garage or workshop, such as a high-power vacuum cleaner and swivel brushes. Since the quality of HVAC duct cleaning can vary greatly from service to service, it is important to consider some important factors when selecting a company, such as certification, cleaning methods and customer service.
That said, if you have family members with serious allergy symptoms or unexplained illnesses, you may want a professional service to inspect the ducts more closely to determine if they need to be cleaned. ServPro thoroughly cleans ducts and disinfects, disinfects and deodorizes them to ensure removal of any potentially hazardous material, such as mold. Whenever possible, access to the interior of the ducts should be made through existing openings, such as supply diffusers, return grilles, duct end caps and existing service openings. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends cleaning a home's air ducts every 3-5 years.
A duct cleaning service usually uses special tools to dislodge parts and then vacuums them with powerful vacuum cleaning equipment. Air duct cleaning services can vary dramatically in price and quality, making choosing the right professional a confusing process. Construction dirt often contains particles that can cause respiratory problems if air ducts are not cleaned. Stanley Steemer is known for its carpet cleaning services, but it's also an affordable option for air duct cleaning, with more than 280 locations in 49 states.
A team of two technicians can clean the air ducts of a house in approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity of the work and size of house. Activities such as smoking and cooking generate air and other contaminants which are carried into the air conditioning system and accumulate in the ducts. If your home still has a layer of dirt even after you have thoroughly cleaned all surfaces, then your ductwork may need to be cleaned.