In this blog entry, the professional Chicago air duct sanitizing service technicians here at EmDuct will describe why ductwork sanitizing is so essential and important to maintain clean indoor air quality.
Why do air ducts get contaminated?
All homes with HVAC systems have ducts that draw in or blow out air through your home, from room to room. Inside those air ducts, conditions are often dark, cool, and moist – which is the perfect environment for bacteria, mildew, and mold to grow. By regularly cleaning your air ducts, you can remove visible debris and dirt – but this won’t remove microorganisms living deep in your air duct. Air duct sanitizing is necessary to accomplish this.
What exactly is air duct sanitizing?
Air duct sanitizing is a process that utilizes EPA approved sanitizers to eliminate fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other microbes in your air duct system. Regular air duct cleaning removes dust, dirt, and other debris from your air ducts.
What is the process of air duct sanitizing?
First we will prepare each vent in your duct system for sanitizing, then we will apply sanitizers throughout the entire system for total coverage, and then we will allow the sanitizer 10-15 minutes to cure and remove contaminants.
What are some common types of sanitizers?
Three common air duct sanitizing solutions are EnviroCon, Microban, and F.P. Sanitizers.
EnviroCon is generally non-toxic, and removes odors, mildew, mold, and bacteria. Made from chlorine dioxide, it is EPA-rated and environmentally friendly due to its breakup into harmless substances after it is used.
Microban is highly valued for its ability to prevent germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses from growing – along with its deodorizing process. It is meant for professional use, is EPA-approved, and has a broad application of microorganism protection.
F.P. Sanitizers are made to sanitize pre-cleaned surfaces, and are good for keeping ductwork cleaner over long periods of time.
What are the benefits of ductwork sanitizing?
- Cleaner Air– Improves indoor air quality and prevents microbes from spreading through home air and potentially causing respiratory issues
- Lowers Allergens – Helps to remove mold, bacteria, and other allergens from your air ducts
- Cleans Ducts for Long Periods of Time – Duct sanitizing can keep your ductworks clean for long periods of time by preventing contaminant build up which can cause physical obstructions over time that impede your HVAC system from properly working