The Best Methods of Air Duct Cleaning

by | Sep 20, 2016 | Air Duct

Air duct cleaning

Air duct cleaning

Most of the residential and commercial buildings these days are usually erected with ventilation, HVAC, heating or air conditioning ducts. Since these are tightly assembled, it is rare that stale air or fresh air will circulate at the same time. If this occurs, then there may be accumulated pollutants in the air ducts. This will typically create air that is unhealthy for everyone living in the home. Subsequently, these same pollutants will become irritants, negatively impacting the health of the occupants of the building. In many cases, people will suffer from respiratory conditions and in other cases, the pollutants could likely cause damage to the home.

Reducing or Eliminating Pollutants

When you clean the HVAC air ducts, it will drastically eliminate or reduce the pollutants, creating healthier air and improving the health of the occupants. There are several suggestions for air duct cleaning. However, it is best to hire a HVAC contractor with more knowledge about the best practices for air duct cleaning. In so doing, the project will be done more properly and it will reduce the appearance of annoying rodents.

The Disadvantage

The disadvantage of air duct cleaning if you do this yourself is that you could ultimately damage the air ducts. So, to improve the air quality in your home, it is strongly recommended to get professional assistance. The HVAC technician will be able to tell when your next duct cleaning will be necessary. It is especially important, though, to know as much as you can about air duct cleaning so as to establish the one that is ideal for you. While you will be relying on a professional HVAC contractor, you will still have personal knowledge about what is involved and the methods used.

Common Methods

The most common methods used for air duct cleaning over the years is industry standard. As time goes on, advancements are being made to continue improving the methods involved in the process. However, for now, the methods employed are as such:

  • Power Vacuum or Air Sweep – this is a meticulous method of duct cleaning, although, more expensive. It does the best job of removing dirt in an extremely careful manner.
  • Point of Contact – while this may not be as thorough as the air sweep method, it is safer for the vents and air ducts. It is also less expensive, but still uses a vacuum, and spinning brush as the best cleaning tools
  • Removing the Source – this is the most common of all three methods for air duct cleaning. Mechanical agitation loosens the dirt and debris and extraction helps to remove everything entirely in a safe manner.

Conclusion

Methods of air duct cleaning have been around since the 1900s. However, the techniques have evolved since that time due to the work done by knowledgeable and experienced HVAC contractors. When you hire a professional HVAC technician, you stand a better chance to have improved air quality in your home.

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/airductcleaning/3054209713/

How to Maintain Your Heat Pump for Adequate Efficiency in Cold Temps

by | May 3, 2016 | Heating System

Heating System

Heating System

A heat pump can be effective in keeping you warm, if sufficient maintenance and care is applied, especially during the winter months. If regular maintenance is not conducted, then you may experience higher-than-usual electric bills. In addition, you may have to spend more money on repair. So be sure to consider ongoing heat pump maintenance as part of the preventative measure to having an efficient system. Yes, there are minor things that homeowners can do with their heat pump equipment, but for the most part, it would be more beneficial to hire a HVAC contract to provide regular maintenance or to handle the technical issues deriving from a much larger problem.

Air Filter

To make sure that you heat pump equipment is performing at its optimum level in the winter season, it is important to replace the air filters. Over time, the air filters will get dirty and this can greatly decrease efficiency, resulting in subsequent damage to the heating system. A HVAC contractor will ensure the appropriate fitting and accurate size of your air filter. These air filters have to be changed at least one time during a three month period.

Programmed Thermostat

Use a thermostat that can be programmed so that you can set schedules of heating to save money on electricity when you really don’t need any heating. A programmed thermostat will also help to run your heating system more efficiently. Choose the right programmable thermostat that will give you the most value.

Air Ducts

Make sure that your air duct is not leaking. If it is, then you will lose energy. A HVAC technical will seal the air ducts found in places like your basement, garage and attic. The technician will also check to make sure that your registers are installed properly. It is best to have your heating and cooling system serviced during the fall months in order to prepare for the cold.

Air Flow Increase

Be sure that the air duct system in each room comprises of a supply register and return register. Many homes do not have enough return registers to facilitate good air flow and so the result is lack of energy efficiency. With only one return register, the air flow will be obstructed with diminished air circulation, pressurizing some areas in the home. Improve the air flow in your home by cleaning the return ducts and the coils in your heating system.

Conclusion

Nine times out of ten, you may need a HVAC contractor to make sure that you have an efficiently working heat pump. Your contractor will also ensure that the heat pump equipment was properly installed in the first place. So, don’t wait until something happens. Call a HVAC company today for proper maintenance and installation of your heating system.

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lucidcommunication/4892698226/