It is a known fact that cleaning the air ducts periodically can help prevent and eliminate the presence of any kind of germ or infection. 2020 has been an insane year with millions of people losing their lives, loved ones and known associates as the spread of Coronavirus remain uncurbed to a large extent. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and working from home have now become the order of the day. In such a scenario, it is imperative to understand that bad indoor air quality, which can be a result of dirty and clogged ducts, can only prove to be a death penalty for those breathing it day in and day out. Recent evidence suggest that an unclean ventilation system in your personal or professional space can also help this dangerous virus to spread at an even faster rate than before.
What do the Reports say?
One of the best way to judge the negative impact of unclean ducts on the Covid-19 outbreak is to read what the news suggests. In Guangzhou, a city in China, an outbreak of this deadly virus occurred within hours due to the presence of the same in airborne particles of the restaurant’s HVAC system. One of the identified positive patients was seated in isolation and was too far away from the other guests to have spread the virus through droplets. It was finally concluded that it was the droplets from the air conditioning and the clogged dust which helped circulate the virus to others present in the venue. Another example was the Diamond Princess Cruise ship wherein it was strongly suspected that the virus-filled air which was circulating through the ducts and the inability to clean the quarantined ship’s ducts led to several passengers being infected at an alarming pace.
What do experts suggest?
After such incidents, a statement was issued by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) requesting citizens to get their ventilation and filtration systems changed and cleaned regularly in order to curb the extent of the disease. Several funds have been granted by the government to help innovate ways to curb the spread of Coronavirus through HVAC cleaning. However, such inventions will not happen overnight, which is why regular cleaning of air ducts, filter replacement and sanitization of all touch points still prove to be the best and most effective ways to prevent the virus from spreading in an given space.
Signs of a clogged or dirty duct/filter
Look out for these obvious signs which help reveal that the motor, air duct and filter of a ventilation system are dirty or clogged and need to be changed or cleaned without delay:
- Unbearable noise when running
- Dust particles blow out of the duct while in operation
- Excessive energy consumption and generation of excessive heat – leading to reduced efficiency
- Individuals complaining of nasal congestion or coughing
- Accumulation of mold around some or all areas of the premises
Importance of regular air duct cleaning – Improve indoor air quality
The wellness and health of the occupants of any space or building is directly related to the indoor air quality that they breathe for 8 to 10 hours every day. It is not possible for any filter to capture excessive or overload dust and germs which can cause several allergies and infections in the human body. A building where the ducts are regularly serviced, cleaned and changed if need be, is a safer and comfortable place for its occupants. Its benefits include:
- Reduces the risk of any bacterial transmissions
- Clean ducts helps the HVAC system to run efficiently
- When trapped dust and debris is remove, it prevents respiratory ailments
Causes of a dirty air vent
Some of the most common causes of a dirty air ducts include presence of pet dander, lint, hair, dust particles and skin flakes; all or any of which get caught on the fine filters and slowly begin to accumulate along with air duct lengths as thin layers. With time, these layers tend to thicken and soon become a breeding ground for various germs, viruses, dust mites and allergens. Checking the problem in its early stages and eliminating all possibility of thick accumulation of germs on the ducts is of utmost importance in such cases.
How often should HVAC ducts be cleaned?
It has been recommended by the NADCA or National Air Duct Cleaning Association that all types of air ducts should be thoroughly cleaned once every 3to 4 years at the minimum. However, in the light of the ongoing pandemic, this time frame has been reduced by half and those offices or building which have not got its cleaning done in the last one and a half years should do so immediately. Consider the status of your air ducts, health of occupants and the environment and ask for professional help today!
And if you suspect mold and mildew accumulating inside your home or office, we advise you to contact our partner company IAC-Moldbusters for any mold removal job on Long Island!
Act Today! Call IAC-Indoor Air Care For Long Island Air Duct Cleaning Services
However, you must remember that cleaning an air duct cannot stop the spread of this life-taking virus but can only help reduce the risks associated with it and make the living space healthier and safer. As health experts around the world are suggesting, washing your hands well for 20 seconds, practicing physical distancing, sanitizing everything around you and most importantly wearing a mask are the best ways to prevent this virus from claiming more and more lives every single day.
Indoor Air Care Professionals is fully equipped to clean the HVAC systems in your office, home or industrial space after taking all safety measures as per the ongoing pandemic. Call us at 631-451-7500 and book your air duct cleaning appointment today!