For many, home maintenance becomes overwhelming. From landscaping and repairing plumbing leaks to washing the windows and cleaning tubs and showers, the challenges of maintaining the home are easy to see. While there are many important areas to cover, don’t forget to maintain your heating and cooling system.
Located in the ceiling, attic, walls and crawlspaces of your home, ductwork is an essential part of your heating and cooling system. This complicated system of ducts moves clean and conditioned air into your home, keeping your family comfortable and healthy. Unfortunately, problems in the ductwork often occur over time.
With this guide and your contractor’s help, you will learn how a duct cleaning and lining can improve your family’s health and the overall function of your heating and cooling system.
Improved Air Quality
Your heating and cooling system takes in air from the outside and distributes it through your home. During this process, various particles that are around your home can contaminate the air. Dust, dirt, pet dander, mold and other allergens will infiltrate the ductwork, eventually making their way into your home’s indoor air.A decreased quality of air can cause numerous problems, including allergies that affect the physical and emotional well-being of your family. If you or another member of your family experience one or more of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from allergies related to your indoor air quality:
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Skin irritation/rashes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from nasal allergies, so it is important to remember you are not alone. Your doctor may suggest medications to manage your allergy symptoms but improving your home’s air quality is a healthier and more effective solution.
An air duct cleaning will protect your home from dust and other particles that cause or increase allergy symptoms. Routine cleaning can increase your family’s health by preventing these harmful particles from building.
During this cleaning process, all particles are pulled out of the ductwork using a specialized vacuum. The service also washes and vacuums the system’s blower, compartment, and coil of the air handler unit. Lastly, vents, registers and grills are hand-washed to prevent any allergens from flowing into the air of your home.
Improved Efficiency
Since your ductwork is hidden throughout your home, periodic inspections can be difficult. As air moves through your ducts, moisture may become a problem. This moisture can lead to mold and allergy problems, but it can also cause the ductwork to rust and corrode.
Corrosion and loose seams and connections allow air to escape. On average, ductwork is responsible for 25% to 30% of energy loss. This loss causes you to run your system continuously, which increases your monthly energy bills.
Cleaning will restore your ducts back to a healthy state, but a lining will restore the ductwork back to a functional and efficient state. Air duct lining is an innovative treatment that acts as a protective coating and insulation for your ductwork.
An air duct lining service inspection uses a high def video camera to inspect the ducts for signs of mold, rust, corrosion, holes, tears, and other damage that could be causing air leakage.
To repair these issues, a coating containing zinc is bonded to the ducts. The coating does not contain harmful VOC’s and adheres to the surface of the ducts, preventing mold and corrosion while reducing air loss through damaged areas. A typical air duct coating can be done in one day and the occupants never have to leave the home during the process and can immediately turn on their HVAC system after the lining job is complete.
Your family’s health and home efficiency are important, and the benefits of duct cleaning and lining is a truly worthwhile investment. To learn more about restoring your ductwork back to a healthy and efficient state, contact the professionals from Air Doctor Duct Cleaning & Lining today!
