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Cleaning Air Ducts Improves Comfort Conditions in Older Buildings

Is your business is located in an older urban building, such as a NYC brownstone? Chances are you have heating and air conditioning systems with ducts. Given the pollution levels in the city, a lot of nasty stuff can build up there: dust, allergens, chemicals, microorganisms, mold, and more. If you are experiencing odors, inconsistent temperatures, and even allergies and other health issues, cleaning air ducts can make a big difference.

4 reasons for cleaning air ducts in older buildings

1. ELIMINATE ODORS

Ever wonder why older buildings can be plagued by musty, mildew odors, even when all the furnishings are new? In many cases it’s because of mold and mildew growing in the ductwork. That can happen when moisture, dust and microorganisms build up in the ducts over time.

If you are experiencing this problem in your building, have your ducts inspected by a professional air duct cleaning company. If mold is found, cleaning air ducts as well as mold remediation will likely be necessary to banish the odors and improve the air in your space.

2. IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

It’s no secret that, especially in the city, there are contaminants in the air that impact the quality of the air we breathe. Because all the air in your space circulates through your HVAC system and your ductwork, those contaminants can build up in the ducts. Over time, concentrated amounts can accumulate and be released into the air in your space, affecting the health of people occupying the space.

Here are some examples:

3. REDUCE DUST

Beyond health and air quality issues, high levels of dust can be more than an annoyance for a business. Accumulating dust can harm mechanical equipment. Your cleaning service may be charging you more because of it.

And don’t forget the impression you’re giving to customers when they see clouds of dust hanging in the air of your space. For a restaurant, fitness or healthcare facility in particular, excess dust can even drive away customers.

Cleaning air ducts removes the dust that’s accumulated. Also, to cut down on dust don’t forget about changing your HVAC air filters regularly.

Learn more: What Happens When You Don’t Change the AC Filter

4. HELP YOUR HVAC WORK BETTER

You’re probably imagining layers of dust in your ducts (and you’re probably right) but there could be worse things lingering there. It’s not uncommon, especially in an older building, for pests and vermin to make their way into the ducts. We’ve found birds nests, rodents, and insects living in there. When that happens, it not only makes for an unhealthy environment but also impedes HVAC air flow which reduces the effectiveness of your equipment.

Reduced air flow means your heating and air conditioning systems have to run longer and work harder to heat and cool your space. The result is humidity problems, inconsistent temperatures, and higher energy bills for you. Not to mention the repair issues that can happen due to impeded air flow, such as frozen AC coils, water leaks and even compressor failure.

Questions about cleaning air ducts? Get our free guide

Need any more convincing about cleaning air ducts? We’re guessing you’re on board. But chances are you’ve got questions. Take a look at this guide to find out everything you need to know: FAQ: Duct Cleaning and Your Indoor Air Quality.

How to choose an air duct cleaning service

One common question people have is how to find a service provider for cleaning air ducts that they can trust to do the job correctly. Here’s a tip: the best resource to turn to is the National Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). This organization has developed the standards for the ductwork inspection, cleaning and maintenance industry. NADCA-certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialists follow the rigorous standards for equipment, processes, and cleaners, so you can be sure the job will be done right.

It’s also a good idea to ask any provider you’re considering about their experience with mold remediation. If this problem is found in your commercial space, you want to be sure you’re working with a company that has the expertise to handle the removal properly and safely.

The only way to know for sure if cleaning air ducts is needed in your building is to get an inspection (many providers do this for free). The sooner you do that, the sooner you’ll have improved comfort conditions in your space.

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