Air Duct Cleaning for Water Damage Restoration

Floods or leakages can cause water damage to the air ducts. The water damage results in microbial growth. Air duct cleaning is indispensable to get rid of water damage. It includes cleaning your HVAC system (comprising heating ducts, vents, and air conditioning system), grills, fans, and furnace. Remember, it is nearly impossible to clean ductwork on your own. Therefore, we recommend you hire skilled professionals for this challenging task. This comprehensive article highlights:

• The role of air cleaning in overcoming water damage.
• Why should you get the air ducts cleaned?
• A guide to cleaning air ducts (followed by experts).
• Advantages of cleaning ductwork.

Why should I get my air ducts cleaned?

The air ducts of your house are almost always dirty. Microorganisms love to grow in contaminated ducts. In addition, they capture debris, dirt, or pollen from the ambient air. Consider the underlying reasons to understand why to get your air ducts cleaned.

Growth of Microorganisms

Accumulation of water vapors due to water damage makes the environment inside the ducts favorable for the augmentation of microorganisms like:

• Molds
• Bacteria like pseudomonas
• Amoebas
• Viruses
• Fungi

Air ducts can cause spores of these microorganisms to spread throughout your home. The consequences include certain health problems such as:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Respiratory issues
• Skin infections
• Lethargy
• Sinus
• Eye irritation

In addition, it adversely affects the health of anybody having an autoimmune disorder.

Waste from Pet Animals

Ductworks often bear pet hair, feces, and urine from vermin-like rodents. Exposure to vermin saliva and waste material can lead to illnesses like asthma and allergies.

Dust Particles

Dust particles present in your home often collect over the components of the HVAC system, causing them to get clogged. As a result, the functioning of HVC is disturbed.

Role of Cleaning Air Ducts in Restoring Water Damage

Air ducts are often cleaned during the process of water damage restoration. To avoid CO poisoning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that burning furnaces and fireplaces should be thoroughly examined and serviced before the winter season begins. It also emphasizes that the air duct should be cleaned when required. Therefore, contact cleaning companies to help you wipe off debris from the air ducts. It will help you to:

• Maintain the quality of air in your house
• Avoid diseases

A Comprehensive Guide to Air Duct Cleaning

As mentioned earlier, you cannot clean the ductwork on your own. It requires specific equipment and duct cleaners. Therefore, seek professional help to get your air ducts cleaned. Here is the procedure duct cleaning professionals follow during the air duct cleaning process.

Step 1: Thoroughly examine the air ducts

It is the first step in the cleaning process in which the experts:

• Assess all access points
• Check for water leakage
• Examine for detecting other duct problems

After completing this investigation, they determine which cleaning method will be the most suitable for your air ducts. Try hiring someone who will also resolve other technical problems with your ducts as well along with repairing the water damage.

Step 2: Use negative pressure to clean the ducts

The second step involves using a vacuum cleaner to clean the ducts. The specially designed vacuum system employs negative air pressure to collect dust, debris, and other harmful waste substances from the ductwork. The technician follows these steps for cleaning:

• Cut a hole into the duct near the air handler
• Put the vacuum hose into the hole and then properly seal the hole and the registers
• Switch on the vacuum cleaner. It will create a negative pressure
• Take out dirt and pollutants by shaking the walls of the air ducts using instruments like airbrush
• Ensure cleaning on both supply and return sides

Step 3: Clean the furnace and HVAC components

National Duct Cleaning Association (NDCA) suggests that while cleaning an HVAC system, pay attention to all the components, including:

• Evaporator coil
• Drain pan
• Blower Motor
• Air filters
• Grills
• Heat Exchanger

Also, get your vents and air conditioning system cleaned once every 3-5 years. It will enhance the overall air quality of your home.

Step 4: Post-cleaning Inspection

Competent cleaning services perform another walk-through examination after completing the cleaning work. They ensure everything is cleaned properly and no debris is left behind.

Advantages of Air Duct Cleaning

Here are some advantages of cleaning your ductwork timely:

Better Air Quality

Clogged HEPA filters and contaminated HVAC systems have adverse effects on you and your home environment. It also deteriorates the health of your family members. The cleaner the air ducts, the better the air quality. Good ambient air ultimately saves you and your family members from the adverse effects of contaminants present in your ducts.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

When the air passes through the evaporator and the condenser coils of the HVAC systems, contaminants present in it are captured by these coils. As a result, they are blocked. But do not worry if they are being cleaned on time. Properly functioning ductwork improves energy efficiency and saves you from paying heavy amounts of money in the name of electricity bills.

Removal of Bad Odors

Ductworks often get clogged with substances like:

• Microorganisms
• Paint fumes
• Tobacco
• Hair of pet animals
• Residual food particles

These agents give rise to musty and stale odors as the air repeatedly flows through your home. Cleaning your ductwork can:

• Save you from foul smells
• Make the indoor air fresher and more breathable

Conclusion

If you are about to go for the water damage restoration of your house, consider air duct cleaning as well. Dirty air ducts serve as reproductive grounds for microbes like fungi, molds, and bacteria and must be cleaned when required. Clean air ducts and HVAC systems ensure good quality ambient air for you and your family. But wait, you cannot clean the ductwork on your own. It is something that cannot be done without expert assistance. Professional cleaners use negative-pressure vacuum systems to wipe off contaminants from the ducts. Cleaner ducts also save you money by enhancing energy efficiency.