Air ducts are the lungs of your home – whatever they breathe in, you breathe in too. An air duct system not only circulates air but also particles like dust mites, dirt, and mold. Being out of sight, it may not be top of mind to have them professionally cleaned, but we’re here to tell you why regular air duct cleaning should be top of mind and top of your priority list. If you’re not convinced air duct cleaning is necessary, check out these reasons why the investment is worth it.
Air Duct Cleaning can get rid of dust mites and allergies
Each year, the average house collects 40 lbs of dust, dirt, and allergens! This pile-up adds weight to your ducts and pollutes the air you breathe with irritants like dust mites. According to the EPA indoor levels of dust mites are higher than outdoor levels. And our friends at AAFA say that dust mites may be the most common trigger of year-round allergies and asthma. This means your home traps allergy and asthma aggravators until you get them out.
Cleaning your air ducts is a great way to get rid of dust mites and get back to fresher breathing. However, be sure to research what air duct cleaning methods a company uses. Some air duct cleaning methods use chemical sealants to clean air ducts. This can lead to more irritation once the sealants break down over time and start circulating back into our air ducts. At Stanley Steemer, we use a powerful HEPA-filtered vacuum to clean furnaces, evaporator coils, blowers, and vent covers for a safe clean.
Reduces air pollution in your home
It’s important to understand that indoor air pollution comes from a mix of contamination sources and affects your indoor air quality. IAQ is the nature of air as it affects our health and well-being in our homes. It is impacted by your indoor environment with factors such as inadequate temperature, poor air circulation, and ventilation system issues. Air contaminants like chemicals, dust, molds, bacteria and others also play a role. If your home has poor IAQ, you may experience symptoms including: dry or irritated eyes, nose, throat, and skin; headaches, sinus congestion, coughing, sneezing, and other related symptoms.
Any handling of chemicals, smoke or gas can create polluted air. Specifically, the EPA estimates that during and hours after certain activities, such as paint stripping, indoor levels may be 1,000 times higher than outdoor levels. With people spending 90% of their time indoors, it’s key that we prioritize air duct cleaning to reduce the air pollution that is dispersed throughout our home. For extra protection, our air duct technicians can install an in-duct air purifier that uses UV light to sterilize the air being circulated to prevent the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria.
Increases the efficiency of your HVAC System
Years of buildup can hinder the flow of your HVAC system, making the system less efficient and much more costly. Air duct cleaning helps to maximize the efficiency and flow of air in your home by unclogging heaps of dirt and debris. When you get your air ducts cleaned, you allow the fans in the system to work with ease, circulating clean air. If you’re unsure about the condition of your air ducts, we offer free inspection of all the air ducts in your home to assess if you’re due for a service.
Refreshes your home for buying or selling
Air duct cleaning is essential if you’re buying or selling your home. If you recently bought a home, you are moving into a space where the previous owner’s buildup and debris are circulating your vents. It could possibly be the first time the home has had the air ducts properly cleaned. Additionally, if you’re selling your home, air duct cleaning ensures that you are leaving the place in the best possible condition and helping the HVAC system work efficiently. Lastly, with buying and selling typically comes renovations and construction is a big source of dust and irritants entering into our home’s airways.
Saves you money
Wondering how often to clean air ducts? NADCA recommends having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years. Furnace cleaning is invaluable to the way your home breathes and performs. Making sure your HVAC system is well-maintained makes it more likely to last longer, which reduces the need for costly repairs. Air duct cleaning may seem like a big expense, but it’s a smart investment compared to the cost of replacing an HVAC system which can average between $4,800 to $9,300 in installation. With 40 lbs of dirt and allergens accumulating every year, you should be sure to flush out your air ducts regularly to save money in the long run.
Stanley Steemer provides professional deep cleaning services including carpet, tile & grout, upholstery, hardwood and air ducts. We also provide water restoration services. Stanley Steemer of North Central Alabama services the greater Birmingham Metro Area and surrounding counties, spanning from Cullman to Clanton and from the Mississippi state line to the Georgia state line. Stanley Steemer is the first carpet cleaning service certified asthma & allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, removing an average of 94% of common household allergens from carpet. 24/7 scheduling available!
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