Duct Cleaning in Your East Coast Business Keeps the Indoor Air Quality Exceptional

A clean, well-sealed and functioning system of ductwork contributes directly to the comfort level and indoor air quality of your commercial business facility. Professional duct cleaning is an effective tool for keeping your ducts free from blockages and particulates that can reduce airflow and indoor air quality at the same time.

What happens to ducts

Over time, debris and contaminants can accumulate in your ductwork system. Rodents, insects and small animals can build nests, leave droppings, or die within the ductwork system. Dirt, mold and other contaminants can build up on the walls of the ductwork system. Gravity, animals or other causes can break the seals on ductwork connections, loosen sections, or completely detach duct segments, allowing dust and other particulates into the system. When ductwork gets dirty or clogged, heated or cooled air will not be able to flow properly, which will reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of your HVAC system. Worse, contaminants can be loosened and enter the airflow, where they will be transported into your building along with conditioned air. This can be particularly bothersome when your heating or cooling system is first turned on for the season after sitting idle for an extended period. Duct cleaning is intended to prevent these problems before they occur.

The benefits of duct cleaning

A professional duct cleaning ensures that the inside of your HVAC ductwork is clean and free from debris, dust, mold, dirt and other contaminants that can leave the duct network and enter your indoor air. Further, ducts that are free of debris and blockages will distribute conditioned air more efficiently. This ensures consistent heating or cooling throughout your home. It also reduces stress on your HVAC system, which reduces energy consumption and decreases the chances of a malfunction or breakdown. As part of a professional duct cleaning, your technician can also inspect the full length of the ductwork system to ensure that all segments fit tightly together, all connections are properly sealed, and that all pieces of ductwork are intact, in place and free from damage.

Cautions about duct cleaning

Authoritative sources such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) point out that duct cleaning has not been shown to prevent or improve any particular type of health or respiratory conditions. However, the EPA does recommend duct cleaning under three specific conditions:

• Mold is visible inside the ductwork or on HVAC equipment.
• Ducts have been contaminated by vermin such as insects or small animals, or with the fur, feces, body parts or nests of these living creatures.
• Ducts have been partially or completely blocked by debris, restricting airflow, reducing HVAC system performance, and creating additional stress on the heating or cooling equipment. Evidence of this often appears as dust or debris at the registers.

What to do if considering duct cleaning

Some HVAC professionals suggest duct cleaning during regular HVAC system preventive maintenance. Others feel it should be done only when necessary. Consult with your local trusted HVAC contractor for advice and suggestions. When deciding on whether to proceed with duct cleaning:

• Pay close attention to the information provided by any duct cleaning contractor. Evaluate claims carefully and critically. Be wary of any company that makes unsubstantiated or overly positive claims about the benefits of duct cleaning.
• See if your duct cleaning contractor is a member of industry organizations such as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Membership in professional groups can indicate a contractor who is interested in the industry and is more likely to adhere to professional and ethical best practices.
• Ask for and check contractor references and professional qualifications.
• Make sure you understand the duct cleaning process and what it’s intended to accomplish. Get a written contract, signed by both you and the contactor, that sets out terms, responsibilities and remedies for any problems or issues.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about Plumbing, HVACR, Fire Protection and Alarm Systems in Mechanical, Commercial and Residential settings. For more information about the benefits of duct cleaning and how it can improve the air quality in your commercial facility, visit our website!