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Q?
Is it possible for me to feel fine and still have an air quality problem ?
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A.
To answer your question, YES !, it is possible for you to feel fine even though the quality of your air might have been compromised. Just because you feel fine does not eliminate the possibility that "bad" air is negatively effecting you. The truth is that this contamination could be slowly compounding a problem you are unaware of yet and might be effected at a later time.
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Q?
Why is it that air ducts should be cleaned ?
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A.
Much of our research has shown that your indoor air can be up to 5 times more contaminated than outside air. Most types of disposable filters only remove about 8-10% of these contaminates allowing at least 90% to enter your inside air system. The pollutants contain, pollen, dust, mold spores, animal dander and much more. They collect in the furnace, air conditioner and duct surfaces as well as on the furniture, counter tops and floor surfaces. Your home may be cleaned regularly but the duct surfaces are hidden from your view and can only be reached by using specialized duct cleaning equipment. These air intruders can circulate out into the room again if left behind and become a food source for mold and bacteria to thrive on. This can release mold spores or toxins into your air system.
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Q?
How can mold grow in a duct system and what problems can it cause ?
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A.
Spores require a stable environment, a consistent food source and moisture to live and populate. The dust and dirt that goes through the filters are a very good food source. Furnaces and air conditioner systems are designed to maintain comfortable temperatures, and unfortunately harbor moisture in the process. Mold spores can trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions in about 12% of the population. Mold both living and dead will produce toxins that can cause short term allergic reactions. Long term exposure to low levels of some mold toxins can result in eventual health problems for you and your loved ones.
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Q?
Will a dirty air system result in higher energy costs ?
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A.
Just like anything you might do in life, if you have obstacles in your way, it will take longer to get where you want to be. The same holds true for your air and if your air encounters any obstacles it will work harder to get where it want to go. For instance if your fan blades, evaporator coils or other components are contaminated, the system may have to run much harder to cool or heat your space, wasting a lot of energy and money.
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Q?
How often should I have my air ducts cleaned ?
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A.
Once an air system is thoroughly cleaned, it should remain clean for 2-3 years if properly maintained and the proper filters are installed. A standard disposable filter only stops about 10% of the airborne contaminates, allowing 90% of the dust in the room to flow back into the air system. To protect yourself against biological growth, an EPA registered biocide should be applied twice a year by qualified Duct Cleaning Professionals.
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Q?
What are the sources of air duct contamination ?
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A.
All of your inside air came from outside air, which means all of the dust, pollen, insects, chemicals and mold spores from the outside air can be pulled into your air system. People shed millions of tiny dead skin cells every hour and the average human sheds 8 pounds of dead skin a year. Cooking smoke, insect sprays, hair care products are also a source of types of pollutants. Construction materials, wood products, carpets and plastics give off pollutants as well. If you've recently had construction on your home dust will find it's way into your duct system regardless of how clean and organized the workers are.
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Q?
What parts of my air system should be cleaned ?
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A.
The 3 major parts to your air system are: 1. The interior surfaces of the supply and return vents; 2. The supply and return grills; 3. The air conditioner / furnace air handler. All of these 3 components should be cleaned. If only one or two of the components are cleaned, and the third is ignored, it will only be a matter of time before one effects the other in a negative way.
