If you’re looking to improve the air quality in your home, you’ll likely want to consider duct steam cleaning. This process removes dirt, mold, and bacteria from your ducts. It also uses less water and chemical biocides, and is less expensive than other cleaning methods. Before you begin, however, it’s important to address the underlying causes of mold and other pollutants in your ducts. Read on for more information.
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Less water
When you consider duct steam cleaning, it may seem like a waste of water. However, it can actually benefit your health. Steam cleaning works by using superheated, pressurized steam to clean the duct system. The steam provides powerful cleaning properties, destroying stubborn residues and mold and other bacteria. Compared to the traditional cleaning process, dry cleaning requires only one gallon of controlled moisture. Because it uses less water, it is a more environmentally friendly cleaning method.
A lot of people believe that using less water for duct steam cleaning is not healthy, but it is important to understand why. While there is a small amount of dust that may cause health problems, it is not dangerous to the general public. In fact, less water for duct steam cleaning means fewer chemical applications. This way, you can use the smallest amount possible without causing too much damage to your home.
Chemical biocides
During air duct cleaning, a professional may suggest using chemical biocides to eliminate mold and bacteria. However, you should be aware of the potential dangers of these biocides, and be wary of their use. You should ask your air duct cleaning service provider about the biocides they will use, and whether you need to be concerned. While some chemical biocides can cause health risks, they are generally not necessary.
EPA guidelines state that chemical biocides must never be used in ducts made of fiberglass, flexiduct, or sheet metal. Some manufacturers also recommend protecting carpeting and furnishings from biocides. The EPA and NADCA have a list of biocides and their safety standards. If you’re unsure about which products are best for your ducts, ask your duct cleaning service to demonstrate the appropriate protections for these materials.
Health benefits
There are many benefits of air duct cleaning, but some people may wonder if duct steam cleaning is healthy for their homes. Having your air ducts cleaned will increase the efficiency of your cooling system. It will also help keep rodents from causing damage to your cooling system. If you notice any strange noises coming from your vents, you may have an infestation. Despite these benefits, there aren’t any scientific studies on whether air duct cleaning is healthy.
Firstly, cleaner air is easier to breathe. Dust and pollen in the air can irritate your respiratory tract, triggering coughing and sneezing. In some cases, they can even cause allergic reactions. Duct cleaning can also remove unpleasant smells. Dust mites can be one of the biggest contributors to a foul odor in your home. These creatures can also irritate your lungs, which is why it is so important to have duct cleaning performed regularly.
Cost
When it comes to the duct cleaning cost, it’s important to understand that it’s necessary if you want to improve the air quality of your home. If your ducts are dirty, they may be filled with dust and even insects, and these critters can get into your air ducts. This can be dangerous, so getting rid of them can reduce the cost of your duct cleaning. A duct cleaning company will charge about $700 to $2,400, depending on how large of a job you need.
The EPA and the NADCA do not recommend spraying sealants into air ducts. Additionally, sprayed biocides and anti-microbial treatments can do more harm than good. In addition, the moisture and steam used for duct cleaning can damage ductwork. That’s why it’s important to check for mold before having your ducts cleaned. The EPA also provides tips for choosing the right duct cleaner for your home. You should also consider hiring a company that’s a member of NADCA or EPA.