Vent & Air Duct Cleaning
The tell-tale sign You need Vent & Air Duct Cleaning: Dust everywhere
Have you noticed dust collecting on surfaces in your home faster than average? You clean, and then before you know it, there’s a new layer of dust. Dust collecting in your air ducts is among the most likely causes of this problem. According to the National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association (NADCA), a typical six-room home creates over 40 pounds of dust annually through everyday living. In addition, the typical family generates a great deal of other contaminants and air pollutants such as dander, dirt, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 50 to 70 times per day on average. Your AC return air filter collects most (but not all) of the 40 pounds of dust. But it will not stop microbial contaminants. Left unattended, the dust problem in your vents BrushBeastonly gets worse, especially in our humid climate here in Pinellas County. Dust plus humidity almost always equals mold and mildew growth. And dust, mold and mildew being blown throughout your house can lead to health issues. If you look in your air ducts and see lots of dust, it might be time for an air duct cleaning.
Read our blog: How often should I clean my air ducts?
That smell
Restricted airflow coupled with a moisture buildup can create an awful smell. Insulated air ducts are particularly prone to this problem. And that wretched smell is not only unpleasant; it can also pose a threat to your health.
Clogged ducts Need Vent & Air Duct Cleaning
Dust, mold, and mildew aren’t the only problem associated with dirty ductwork. If you have pets or an older home, or if your air ducts have not been cleaned in a while (or ever!) you are more than likely to experience clogged ducts. When the dust, mold and mildew build up to certain point it can significantly restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder than it needs to. This drives up your operating costs and leaves you with hot spots and stagnant spots throughout your home. Complicating matters even further, you may be tempted to continually adjusting your thermostat, hoping that by turning the AC up you will eventually attain a comfortable temperature. But because of the clogged vents this just ends putting more stress on your AC system, which can lead to expensive – and preventable – repairs!
Pest control
The most off-putting result of neglecting to clean clogged ducts is pests. That buildup of dust, debris, and moisture creates prime conditions for unwelcome guests like roaches, rats, and mice.
Breathe easy with Vent & Air Duct Cleaning
Indoor air quality can have a major impact on the health and well-being of you and your family. Feel confident in the quality of the air in your house. Breathe fresher, healthier air after an air duct cleaning from Carr Air Conditioning and Heating. Learn more here: Things you never knew about your indoor air quality
FAQs
Can You Clean Air Ducts Yourself?
A professional air duct cleaning from Carr involves the use of a high-powered vacuum and specialty rotary brushes from BrushBeast™, designed to remove even the heaviest buildup of dust and dirt in your system. Equipped with 4 vacuum motors, this specialty toolset is built for maximum power and maneuverability. It is unlikely that a typical homeowner has the tools, training and experience needed to accomplish the same result as a professional in the same amount of time.
Q: How often should I get my air ducts professionally cleaned?
A: Air ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, but potentially more often depending upon your local conditions (age of your HVAC system, the presence of pets, etc.). That said, if you are noticing any signs or indications of issues, you should contact Carr for air duct cleaning company as soon as possible. Read our blog: How often should I clean my air ducts?
Q: Is your duct cleaning service safe for use in my flexible air ducts?
A: Absolutely! All our Rotobrush air duct cleaning equipment has been painstakingly designed to clean flexible ductwork thoroughly and safely, with no damage. It is also the best toolset for use in duct board and metal ducts as well!
Q: How long does it take to clean air ducts?
A: Air duct cleaning generally takes 2 to 3 hours, but there are some exceptions. If your home is older or you own pets, it can potentially take longer.
Q: What are the main signs that air duct cleaning is needed?
A: These are the primary indicators that your air ducts need to be cleaned:
- Significant amounts of dust in your home. You are noticing that the dust accumulates more quickly than it used to, and there is simply more of it.
- Low airflow, stagnant spots, and hot spots. Clogged vents due to excessive dust and mold buildup are most likely causing the problem.
- Bad smells that are stronger and more noticeable when your AC system is running.
- You’ve recently had a home renovation. Home renovation, whether DIY or done professionally can stir up a lot of dust and dirt that gets into your ductwork, despite the best efforts to prevent this from happening. If you’ve recently had a significant home reno project, you should probably get your ducts professionally cleaned.
UV Light
Ultraviolet (UV) light has proven germicidal qualities and is commonly used as a disinfectant in hospitals, offices, drinking water supplies — and now in AC units.
Short-wavelength ultraviolet light kills bacteria by destroying nucleic acids and effectively disrupting their DNA. This leaves them unable to perform vital cellular functions. In other words, it kills bacteria that contribute to mold, mildew, fungi, and viruses.
Keeping it clean
UV light helps keep your air vents clean and can reduce the frequency or eliminate the need for future duct cleaning. But for the UV light to do its job, you’ll need to do yours:
- Change your filters regularly and use the highest efficiency filter available.
- Make sure you don’t have any filters missing.
- Vacuum, clean, and dust your home often to avoid the build-up of dust in the ducts.
The benefits of UV: Health, Comfort, and Savings
Air conditioning systems are hot zones for everything from mold to bacteria, especially in areas like Clearwater, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Dunedin and elsewhere in Pinellas County.
Cold, damp spaces combined with the moisture in these units creates the ideal conditions for bacteria and mold to grow. Having your AC unit regularly and adequately cleaned is the first, most important step to a consistently clean and healthy air supply in your home. By adding UV lights, you can also take steps to inhibit and prevent the future growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Carr will properly position UV lights in your AC unit to provide constant disinfecting action that keeps the coils from collecting pollutants, preventing them from reaching unsanitary levels that may threaten your health and comfort. When the UV lights are hard at work, and the coils stay cleaner. This means that duct cleaning is required less frequently.
FAQs
Q: How long do UV lights last?
A: UV bulbs last approximately 12 months, and should probably be switched as a part of your annual Maintenance program [link to Maintenance page] .
Q: What are the primary benefits of installing UV lights in my AC unit?
A: The primary benefits to Pinellas County residents of installing UV lights include the following:
- Reduce the frequency or eliminate future duct requirements
- Improved indoor air quality
- Reduce or eliminate indoor air-borne irritants and allergens
- Increased efficiency of your AC system
Q: How efficient are UV bulbs to operate?
A: UV bulbs are extremely energy efficient, and typically only cost about $2 per month to operate.
Q: How much does it cost to have UV lights installed in my AC?
A: Costs vary based on the specifications, location, and local conditions of your AC system. However, the installation of UV lights in your AC unit is a very low-cost proposition. Call Carr [link] for a free consultation and estimate on installing UV lights in your system.
Duke Energy Audits
Spending too much on air conditioning? Got sticker shock from your last energy bill? Duke Energy offers free Energy Audits that will help you identify – and pay for — specific things you can do to make your home more energy efficient. Find out more at https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/home-energy-check
Federal & Educational Links of Interest
- US Department Of Energy General energy-related information
- US Department of Energy – Energy Saver Tips
- Florida Career College
- Emerging HVAC Technologies
- Berkley University Research
Purdue University – HVAC & Refrigeration
Address
1619 S Missouri Ave
Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone
(727) 447-7212
info@carrairconditioning.com