An air filter comes standard in any forced-air (ducted) heating and/or air conditioning system. However, filters cannot possibly keep every contaminant out of the ducts. Most home air filters have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of about 1-6, even though the MERV scale goes up to 12 (these filters are usually reserved for commercial buildings). These typical home air filters can only remove certain sizes and amounts of contaminants from the air and may not do anything for common allergens like pollen and mold spores.
If there are contaminants in your duct system, they could do more harm than you think. Many pollutants are most dangerous to those with severe allergies, asthma, and immune system conditions. But some particles can be just as harmful to those with minor allergies or no preexisting conditions at all.
Duct cleaning is a service that can help to eliminate several different types of particles that could be hazardous to household members and guests, including these ones.
- Bacteria – Certain bacteria may be particularly dangerous to people with immune system disorders. Other bacteria may irritate even those household members with no preexisting conditions at all.
- Dust Particles – Layers of dust may form along the inside of the ducts, even though you have a good filter in place. And this layer of dust may contain pollen or pet dander—even if you don’t currently have any pets at all.
- Mold Spores – Mold spores float through the air and may settle in the ducts and develop if there is excessive moisture. Mold is one of the most common irritants, but you may need to schedule additional mold removal services if the problem is too serious.
Your technician may recommend additional HVAC components and services to help control the indoor air quality in the future. This includes UV germicidal light installation to kill microorganisms on the indoor air handler, or electronic air cleaners that work with the HVAC system to eliminate contaminants from the air throughout the home.
At Envirotech Air Quality Services, we install a variety of indoor air quality systems for residents in Wellington and comprehensive duct cleaning to remove a number of contaminants that may plague your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
