In this blog entry, the professional Chicago air duct cleaning service team here at EmDuct will detail the main differences between air duct cleaning, air duct disinfecting, and air duct sanitizing.
What’s the main difference between air duct cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting?
Air duct cleaning refers to the removal of debris and dust from air ducts, often with a vacuum. Air duct sanitizing and air duct disinfecting are synonyms, and involve the use of chemicals and/or UV light to eliminate bacteria or mold inside your air ducts. This is essential to prevent the spread of germs and keep healthy interior air quality.
Why are dirty air ducts dangerous?
Dirty air ducts cause poor indoor air quality, which often leads to allergies and respiratory issues. Dirty air ducts create an environment where bacteria and mold can easily grow, in turn causing a range of health issues.
How can I clean and disinfect my air ducts?
The best way to do so is to hire a professional air duct cleaning service that has the necessary experience, tools, and equipment to clean and disinfect your HVAC system thoroughly. We will cover any cracks or openings in your ductwork to improve airflow, and then use a vacuum with a range of brush and nozzle attachments to remove dust and debris. We will then disinfect your ductwork with an EPA-approved antimicrobial cleaning solution that eliminates bacteria, mold, and odor.
How often should I sanitize my air ducts?
We recommend cleaning and disinfecting your air ducts every 2-3 years to ensure they are free from dangerous contaminants, and to improve your indoor air quality. In households with pets or smokers, we recommend sanitizing air ducts every 6 months, and at least once a year.
Are air duct cleaning chemicals safe?
Yes, when air duct cleaning is provided by a professional, you can be certain that the chemicals used to clean your ductwork are safe and EPA-approved and designed specially for HVAC system use. We will additionally take precautions to protect your home during the ductwork cleaning process including using drop cloths to protect your home from falling debris, and using shoe covers to protect your floors.
Signs that your air ducts need to be cleaned include:
- You have a pre-owned or new house
- You just had home remodeling or construction
- There’s a bad odor coming from your air ducts
- You have bad home airflow
- You have suddenly higher heating or cooling costs
- You smell or detect mildew or mold in your air ducts
- Your home gets very dusty very quickly