When it comes to air ducts, instead of cleaning them, your local HVAC company should seal or replace them. Regular maintenance is essential for a commercial HVAC system to operate efficiently and avoid expensive utility bills. Damaged ducts can cause equipment to work harder, shortening its lifespan and reducing air conditioner performance. To identify a problem, pay attention to subtle signs, such as air leaking through ducts or an increase in energy bills.
It is also important to ask what types of materials will be used during repairs. Customers must ensure that all the parts they use are of high quality and are designed specifically for use with air duct systems. In addition, potential customers should find out what type of maintenance plan is offered after the repair work is finished. Homeowners or businesses should receive clear instructions on how to properly care for the repaired system to prevent further damage or costly repairs in the future. Poorly sized ducts can cause uneven heating or cooling in certain rooms, leading to an increase in utility bills and the need for repairs in advance.
Most organizations that deal with duct cleaning, including the EPA, NADCA, NAIMA, and the National Association of Metal Plate Contractors and Air Conditioning (SMACNA), do not currently recommend the routine use of sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct. These products are specifically designed for use in ducts or as ducts themselves, and are tested according to standards established by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Given the importance of reliable airflow through ventilation grilles, it's worth investing in quality professional air duct repair services in Belle Glade, Florida. Usually, galvanized metal sheets are used, such as square ducts with button closure or round ducts with snap closure. You may want to consider cleaning your air ducts simply because it seems logical that the air ducts will get dirty over time and that they should be cleaned from time to time.
To find companies that offer duct cleaning services, see the Yellow Pages on duct cleaning or contact the National Association of Air Duct Cleaners (NADCA) at the address and phone number listed in the information section at the end of this guide. Manufacturers of products marketed to coat and encapsulate duct surfaces claim that these sealants prevent dust and dirt particles inside air ducts from being released into the air. If no one in your home has allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no evidence that the air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (there is no musty smell or visible mold growth), it is probably not necessary to clean them. You may consider cleaning the air ducts simply because it seems logical to you that the air ducts become dirty over time and that they should be cleaned from time to time. Whether you decide to clean your home's air ducts or not, it's essential to commit to a good preventive maintenance program to minimize duct contamination. Some service providers may also suggest applying chemical treatments (sealants or other encapsulants) to encapsulate or cover the inner surfaces of air ducts and equipment housings because they believe this will control mold growth or prevent the release of dirt particles or fibers from the ducts. Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with air duct cleaning have established standards.
If sufficient dirt and moisture are allowed to enter the duct system, there may be no significant difference in the rate or degree of microbial growth in internally lined or bare sheet metal ducts. To ensure your HVAC system runs smoothly after a repair job, it's important to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure you understand what type of materials were used during repairs. Ask your local HVAC company about their maintenance plan after repairs are completed. Make sure you receive clear instructions on how to properly care for your system so you can avoid further damage or costly repairs down the road.
Finally, commit to a good preventive maintenance program so you can minimize contamination in your air ducts.
