If you’re moving into an older home, there’s no way of knowing what’s inside the ducts or what’s coming out of the vents. The previous homeowner may have had pets, and you or a family member might have an allergy to dander. If you notice stale odors when you walk in the front door or when the system turns on, you should contact an air duct cleaning service. You can clean air vents and complete some minor maintenance on your own, but this won’t resolve all of the problems.
Mold is one of the most serious problems that can affect your HVAC system. Spores can infiltrate almost any surface. Usually, mold and mildew are caused by plumbing leaks, poor ventilation and humidity problems. After the cause has been addressed, have an air duct cleaning service apply biocides that kill germs and fungi. Toxic mold releases irritating mycotoxins that are linked to asthma, skin rashes, sneezing, eye irritation and flu-like symptoms. These problems can easily be addressed by a Commonwealth Cooling and Heating professional.
Bugs and rodents are capable of infesting homes, but most people don’t realize that pests can enter ducts in attics and crawlspaces and cause serious contamination. Cockroaches, for example, are a common asthma trigger. Experts can clean and treat ducts to remove droppings and biological contaminants that harbor dangerous airborne bacteria and viruses.
The final and most common reason to request a duct cleaning is dust that clogs filters and pours out of HVAC registers. Ducts used for both heating and cooling constantly collect contaminants. These pollutants stick to surfaces and can compromise system performance over time. Duct cleanings remove construction debris, contaminants, dust, dust mites and allergens that trigger asthma and irritate the eyes, nose and throat.
Professionals thoroughly clean ducts, plenums and outdoor units to enhance performance and help you breathe easier. If you suspect that your Fairfax, VA, home has an indoor air quality problem, call the experts at Commonwealth Cooling and Heating.