The ducts in your home or business are essential for proper air circulation and temperature control. Poorly maintained HVAC systems can harbor mold, fungi, bacteria, and other disease-carrying biological contaminants that are recirculated through forced air systems. If you have an older building (10 years old or older) and you don't have any record of previous owners cleaning air ducts, chances are you've never had this service or have done it for a long time. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every three to five years, but in some environments, the need to clean commercial air ducts is more immediate.
So, how do you know if your air ducts need to be cleaned? Here are the top 10 signs that you need professional duct cleaning services. 1.Your home has just been built or has undergone a major renovation.2.You can purchase natural gas or electric services at the retailer of their choice.3.You don't have any record of previous owners cleaning air ducts.4.You notice an irregular airflow in the bedroom, bathroom, living room, and even the kitchen.5.You notice an unexplained temperature difference between the rooms in your house.6.It's been five years or more since you checked your air conditioning system.7.The ducts are infested with rodents or insects.8.You're introducing food particles into your system, leading to mold and pest problems.9.You're creating risks of combustible dust.10. You're concerned about any type of particle that could pose a risk to patients. Cleaning your air conditioning system ducts can be a project you can do yourself, with the right instructions from a reliable online source or a DIY manual. However, it's best to hire a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely. Superior air duct cleaning gives you the assurance that all dirt and debris will be removed from your system and that it will be properly sealed afterwards.
Investing in a household dehumidifier is also recommended since mold and mildew grow in humid areas. Cleaning your air ducts every 2 to 3 years will help prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start to occur. For a list of retailers, visit www, ucahelps, gov, ab, ca or call 310-4822 (toll-free in Alberta).