FAQ

As a general rule, Air Duct Cleaning is the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, fan motor and fan housing, condensate drain pans (drip pans), grilles and diffusers, and the air handling unit housing.

Cleaning your air ducts is important for maintaining a healthy and efficient indoor environment. Over time, dust, allergens, and contaminants can accumulate in the ductwork of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. When these pollutants circulate through the ducts and into your living spaces, they can impact your indoor air quality, potentially leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.

According to NADCA standards, air ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years.

The time it takes to clean a typical residential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system can vary based on several factors, including the size of the system, the complexity of the ductwork, the level of contamination, and the number of HVAC components involved. Generally, a thorough air duct cleaning for a typical residential system could take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, though it might take longer in some cases.

Additionally, hiring experienced and reputable professionals as A+ Air Duct Services is crucial to ensure that the job is done effectively and efficiently.

In the case of proper cleaning, there is no evidence that such cleaning would be detrimental. Cleaning air ducts might seem like a sensible idea because air ducts accumulate dust and dirt over time, so they should be cleaned occasionally.

Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems..

Mold can grow on the accumulated dust and foreign material that accumulates in supply and return duct work. If humidity level increase, mold growth within 24 hours inside air ducts. HVAC coils can also malfunction and push excessive moisture into the duct work, which will also cause mold growth. The final cause of mold growth in duct work are whole house humidifiers installed in HVAC systems; often these can malfunction and push too much moisture into a system.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of duct and debris. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.

To become a member of NADCA, the air duct cleaning company must meet specific requirements including having Certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff.

An ASCS must pass the NADCA certification examination, demonstrating extensive knowledge in HVAC design and cleaning methodologies. Additionally, they are required to maintain their certification through annual continuing education.

All NADCA members are required to sign a code of ethics agreeing to protect you the consumer and follow of standards set forth by NADCA.

If a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone. A careless or inadequately trained service provider can damage your ducts or heating and cooling system, possibly increasing your heating and air conditioning costs or forcing you to undertake difficult and costly repairs or replacements.

Yes, by removing the allergens from the ductwork. Every time your heat or air conditioning system turns on, it further aggravates allergies and asthma by forcing those allergens into the living space of the home and into the air you breathe. Actually, many customers tell us that their doctors are recommending air duct cleaning for that exact reason.

No dirt will blow throughout the home during the duct cleaning. The power vacuum trucks we use are so strong, that any dust or dirt we are removing from the ducts will be pulled out directly to our truck. There is a constant negative pressure (vacuum) maintained throughout the entire cleaning process..

Molds are found in virtually every environment and can be detected, both indoors and outdoors year round. Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. Indoors growth can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers or HVAC vents.

According to the EPA allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed. Mold exposure can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs of both mold-allergic and non-allergic people. The more exposure to mold that a person encounters, the higher chance they have of becoming allergic to the particular species of mold they were exposed to. Mold spores and mold growth are always present outdoors; it’s what keeps leaves and wood from piling up. People tend to have issues when mold growth occurs inside of a building because the toxin and the spore levels build up to levels much higher than found outdoors.

Mold spores are among us all of the time; in our homes, outside, in our cars, and in our work environment. Typically, mold only becomes a problem when it is actively growing inside of a home or building because the spore levels will increase drastically and the mycotoxin levels build up, often to unsafe levels. In order to stop mold growth in a building, first the water intrusion or humidity source must be fixed. If you clean up the mold, but don’t fix the moisture problem mold will likely grow back relatively fast. There is only one correct way to remediate mold growth; if these procedures are not followed the problem can be made worse. We have seen this many times over the years when unqualified remediation firms performing sub-par remediation work.

Molds are typically easy to see. However, while they are invisible, you will notice their stench in the air or certain symptoms in family members or pets.

Most of the time, you can smell mold in air ducts or vents before you can see it because of the stench. As a result, if your heating and cooling units (if they share ducts) start to have a moldy or musty smell anytime you are not using your air conditioning unit, mold is likely growing in your HVAC system.

Watch out for the apparent mold as it appears around AC vents, in ductwork, and in drip pans. Condenser coils are the ideal place for mold to grow since they draw moisture from the air and into drip pans. This is especially true if they become clogged.

Last but not least, mold in air ducts is one potential explanation when residents or animals start displaying symptoms including headaches, nausea, sore throat, and itchy eyes whenever the air conditioner is on.

Please not that mold exposure is very dangerous and can cause health issues like allergic reactions, runny nose, and other respiratory issues.

In ductwork, mold develops when there is moisture and a warm environment. Mold thrives best in warm, humid environments where mold removal services may always be required.

An excessively big air conditioning unit that has improper sizing might create the surplus moisture that mold needs to thrive since larger units in compact rooms cool the air too quickly and turn off before dehumidifying it

A leaking duct can encourage the growth of mold because leaks in certain ducts allow warm air to enter.

Additionally, if you regularly keep your air conditioner at a very low setting, you can be encouraging mold to grow in your HVAC system's ducts.

You must identify and stop the source of any extra moisture or water in the system before you can start remediation. The HVAC system must be turned off, which is the next crucial condition. You don't want a blower to start up unexpectedly while you're trying to clean up. A procedure for removing mold should always begin with the establishment of containment of the HVAC system. The last thing you want to do is to let any mold spores go into nearby rooms or places that aren't already afflicted.

There are many different kinds of chemicals and cleaners that can be used to remove mold. That being stated, attempting to complete this activity could be exceedingly challenging and perhaps dangerous. Professionals can remove mold from air ducts using a variety of mechanical cleaning tools such brushes, blowguns, air whips, steam cleaners and vacuums before pushing or pulling the mold into specialized collection devices. They are also knowledgeable about the kinds of antimicrobial or biocide agents that can be placed into an HVAC system without causing harm.

While some common mold growth may be recognizable to most homeowners, black mold often goes unnoticed in HVAC systems due to its dust-like appearance. The air vents around your home may attract some general dust, but if you notice the dust getting much darker or having a soot-like color, it may be black mold.

The one thing we have gleaned from years of battling stubborn molds is that if you control moisture, you control mold. Therefore, moisture control should be your strategy to prevent nasty mold infestations.

Here are some tips to help you prevent mold growth in your HVAC system:

• Replace your HVAC filters regularly
• Insulate air ducts to help reduce condensation
• Check and clean your condensate/drip pans
• If you find leaks, handle them promptly to prevent moisture build-up

When you install UV light for HVAC systems, it helps to purify the air in a building. UV light uses specific wavelengths to attack airborne pollutants, inactivates viruses, and kills mold or bacteria. A UV light sanitizer negates a pathogen’s ability to multiply by altering its DNA and RNA.

Since the start of the pandemic, UV light and coronavirus are often mentioned together. That is because businesses are searching for safe ways to keep their operations going and employees safe at work. UV light kills or inactivates as much as 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, fungus, and mold spores. The air purification benefits of UV light for air conditioners make it a desirable option during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When you look at ultraviolet light, you probably picture getting sunburned after a few hours spent relaxing at the pool. Having said that, UV light is also a strategy for enhancing indoor air quality. Sunscreen defends against UVA and UVB rays, but UVC is the type of light found in air purification. If you deal with allergies or asthma or want to reduce the distribution of illnesses around your home, a UV light installed in your HVAC system just might be the air quality solution you’ve been looking for!

The germicidal impacts of ultraviolet light have been known for more than a century. UVC rays were initially employed to treat tuberculosis. These days, germicidal lamps are used in hospitals, food processing plants, water treatment plants and air purification products.

A UV lamp placed inside your HVAC system boosts the air quality in your home by eliminating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, mold and more. It only requires 10 seconds of contact to deactivate these germs’ DNA, killing them or preventing them from replicating.

UV lights also address volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaners and repellents on top of airborne bioaerosols such as pollen and pet dander. That being said, UV lights don’t physically 'trap' contaminants, so you still require an air filtration system to capture dust, fibers and other particles from your home's air supply.

As long as they are installed like they're supposed to and use the right wavelength of UV light, germicidal lamps are highly effective at improving indoor air quality. One study completed by Duke University found that UV light removed more than 97 percent of drug-resistant bacteria from the air in hospital rooms. Another study measured “significantly lower” fungal levels in a commercial property's HVAC system after four months of operating a UV light.

Yes, if they are installed properly, and use the correct spectrum of UV light. It is up to the homeowner to ensure that conditions are right, and installation is completed correctly by a qualified HVAC technician. A professional with experience in installing UVGi systems must keep a multitude of conditions in mind when installing a system2. The correct placement and direction of the proper number of UVGi lights has as much bearing on effectiveness as the temperature and humidity levels within the home.

Place an ultraviolet lamp in your HVAC system to take advantage of these benefits:

Cleaner indoor air: UV light technology helps clean the air around the clock without dispersing chemicals into the environment. Unlike certain air purifiers, ultraviolet lamps don’t create ozone, a known lung irritant that can be hazardous to people with asthma, allergies or frequent lung diseases.

Decreased chance of getting sick: When combined with good personal hygiene, germ-killing UV products can reduce the risk of getting viral and bacterial infections.

Stronger protection for your HVAC system: Mold, fungi and bacteria can negatively impact your heating and cooling equipment. Keep the system working smoothly and efficiently with a quality UV light.

Reduced HVAC maintenance and repair costs: With an inherently cleaner central HVAC system, you enjoy more manageable maintenance requirements and fewer emergency repairs. These savings can help offset the cost of using a UV light and replacing the bulb.

If you decide on an air-sanitizing UV light, your installation technician should position it within your ductwork near the HVAC system. There, the lamp affects the air before it circulates through your home.

If you prefer a coil-sanitizing UV light, it will sit close to the AC evaporator coil. There, it affects mold and bacteria that accumulate on the damp coil, keeping your system clean and operating smoothly.

The sun continually produces invisible UV radiation. As you already know, UVA and UVB rays can burn your skin, so it’s crucial to use a high SPF sunscreen when enjoying time outside. The sun also emits UVC rays, the most destructive form of solar radiation capable of killing microorganisms and irritating other living tissue, particularly the skin and eyes.

Thankfully, the atmosphere eliminates these rays entirely, so they don’t get through to the earth’s surface.

With the knowledge that UVC rays are hazardous, why should you feel comfortable installing a UVC light in your HVAC system? It’s simple—the light is confined to the ductwork where you can't come in contact with it, so it creates no risk to you and your family. When the time comes to maintain the lamp or replace the bulb, your HVAC technician will shut off the system for a short time to avoid exposure to the damaging light.

UV lights are on around the clock and typically last nine to 14 months. Annual HVAC maintenance (once in the spring for your air conditioner and again in the fall for your furnace) is the best possible time to have these bulbs checked and replaced when necessary.