How much does air duct cleaning cost?

How much does air duct cleaning cost?
Air duct cleaning usually costs about $400-$800 for an average size home - a home with 2 zones may cost $1000 or slightly more. If you are intent on getting your air ducts and ventilation system cleaned, get several quotes from reliable sources, preferably from references from friends or neighbors who have had the service done

How does a heating and air conditioning work?
The first step is to understand how your heating system and air conditioning work.

The typical residential home has a furnace (gas or oil fired, usually in the garage or basement -- homes with 2 zones will have a second furnace unit, usually in the attic) that contains a heat exchanger and blower, and is connected to air ducts in 2 directions - one main set of trunks and supply line that send the hot or cold air from the furnace out into the rooms of the house, and another return duct that circulates returning air from the rooms back into the system, creating a constant flow of air.

From Maryland Air Duct Cleaning

Return registers in your home will simply look like grills on the ceiling or walls - you will never feel air coming out of these, but air is going into them and being fed into the return air duct down in the furnace.

The return air is fed through a filter to remove any particulate pollutants (or as much as your filter can handle - cleaning and replacing air filters regularly is more important for keeping your air clean), then it goes through the heat exchanger and gets blown back out into the supply trunk line and ducts and out through the supply registers you see around your house on the floor, walls, or ceiling - these supply registers are the ones that you will feel the hot or cold air spilling out of.

What do air duct cleaners do? Do air ducts need to be cleaned?
Behind the scenes of this cooling and heating system lies all the duct work. The duct work consists of the supply main trunk and then the branching off supply branches. The main trunk looks like a long aluminum rectangled tube, often wrapped in insulation of some kind. The smaller branch supplies are normally flexible metal tubes, looking much like the dryer exhaust hose you hook up to the back of your dryer.

How does air duct cleaning work? These tubes and ducts are what is being cleaned when someone cleans your air ducts - they remove all the register covers and insert vacuum scrubbing brush units down (or up) into the ductwork, cleaning and removing buildup as they go. They will also clean around the furnace unit and the filter areas removing whatever they find. How long does it take to clean the air ducts? - usually about 2-4 hours for a home with a single air handler. Most companies that offer air duct cleaning services promote themselves as something good for your health and the health of your family.

Cleaner air is supposed to help avoid respiratory problems and diseases, like allergies and asthma. They also suggest you should clean your air ducts every 3-5 years.

According to the EPA, if you don't see a lot of mold or dust when you look into your registers, and no one in the household is suffering from allergies or unxeplained illnesses, you may be able to forego air duct cleaning. They even say that cooking, smoking, cleaning, and simply moving around your house likely causes more air pollutants than does dirty duct systems.

From the EPA website: "If no one in your household suffers from allergies or unexplained symptoms or illnesses and if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated with large deposits of dust or mold (no musty odor or visible mold growth), having your air ducts cleaned is probably unnecessary. It is normal for the return registers to get dusty as dust-laden air is pulled through the grate. This does not indicate that your air ducts are contaminated with heavy deposits of dust or debris; the registers can be easily vacuumed or removed and cleaned."

Source: Galt Home Buying Guides

This article states that "if, after a visual inspection of the inside of the ducts, you see no indication that your air ducts are contaminated..."

Well How Are You Going to See Inside Your Air Ducts?

simple...

Indoor Air Quality in Montgomery County Md

 There is certification place that calls itself the "Indoor Air Quality Association".

From the IAQA website I found this:

Hire a Qualified Professional
Indoor air quality problems can have a major impact on occupant health and comfort. When indoor air quality issues arise, it is important to make sure that only highly-qualified individuals are called upon to investigate, mitigate and confirm that a problem has been properly resolved.

The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) offers the premiere IAQ educational courses in the industry. Those IAQA members who have received this education and had the experience and knowledge to earn independent certification by the American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ) are among the most qualified IAQ experts in the world.

IAQA members with AmIAQ certifications are the experts called upon by the general public and building management to provide practical solutions to complex IAQ problems.

Hire Only the Best – Trained and Certified IAQA Members

When hiring a professional consultant or contractor it is important to hire a company with qualified and certified staff that will be following industry standards and guidelines to ensure a job done right.

IAQA offers training course for various kinds of IAQ and mold specialists, including assessment and remediation programs available to IAQA members in the various indoor air disciplines.

Indoor Environmental Quality Consulting Course

* Indoor Environmental Consultant
* Indoor Environmentalist

Microbial Assessment Course

* Microbial Consultant
* Microbial Investigator
* Residential Mold Inspector

Microbial Remediation Courses

* Mold Remediation Supervisor
* Mold Remediator
* Mold Remediation Technician

IAQA recommends and endorses the certification programs of the American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ), an independent certification body. AmIAQ offers board-awarded certification in categories closely corresponding to IAQA educational programming. To become certified, an individual must meet experience eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous examination. Those who obtain IAQA training and earn AmIAQ certifications have demonstrated experience, education, and knowledge.

AmIAQ is a member of the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB) and has certification programs accordance with CESB rules.

Finding a Qualified Professional
IAQA has made the process of finding these qualified professionals easy.
Click here to search for a member in your region by area code. A list of current IAQA members will appear.

IAQ Professionals Should be able to supply their customers with:

* Company qualifications, including certifications
* Start and completion dates for the project
* Certificate of insurance & applicable licenses
* References

What to look for when Hiring an IAQ Consultant or Contractor

Studies have shown that most people spend 90% of their time in indoor environments. Indoor air quality (IAQ) issues impact the lives of people across the globe. Problems with poor air quality in buildings and homes can result in health concerns, liability issue, lost productivity, and decreased property values.

IAQ problems in non-industrial buildings such as homes, schools and offices are often caused by complex, inter-related issues. Diagnosing and fixing the sources of poor IAQ may require the professional expertise of one or more consultants or contractors. It is important that individuals be highly qualified to fully investigate, identify and/or mitigate the total problem according to recognized industry standards and guidelines. Verification of contracting or remediation work, if requested, should be conducted by an equally qualified third-party consultant.

Many firms are available today to help find solutions to IAQ problems. However, in most parts of the country the IAQ industry is not regulated. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you utilize a qualified professional.

The good news is there is an easy way to make sure that only qualified individuals and firms deal with these complex problems. The largest organization of trades and professionals dealing with IAQ issues is the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA). Since 1995, IAQA has delivered the industry’s most prestigious and respected IAQ and mold training programs. Many IAQA course alumni with sufficient experience and knowledge have also become certified by the American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ), prestigious, independent certification body for the industry. These trained and certified professionals are available to resolve your IAQ issues.


For more information, please contact:

Indoor Air Quality Association, Inc.
12339 Carroll Avenue
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 231-8388
Fax: (301) 231-8321
E-mail: info@iaqa.org

From Maryland Air Duct Cleaning

Prices Charged for Air Duct Cleaning

Air duct cleaning services in Maryland offering low prices, the lowdown
Many companies promise to clean air ducts for incredible low prices like $ 79 whole house coupons but don’t actually have the proper equipment, training or even the intention to provide real results. And what’s worse? Improper air duct cleaning can cause health problems in your family.
read about Bait and Switch here

Air Duct Cleaning Pricing
Depending on type of method that is chosen by the individual, the price for their air duct cleaning or furnace cleaning will vary. Not only does the method help to establish a basic price range, but these other factors will help as well: type of system, size of system, how long it will take to complete the duct cleaning process and how long the worker invests him or herself in the process of duct cleaning. Not all companies in Maryland take all of these things into consideration, but they do rely heavily on one or more of these topics in order to come up with an estimate. In addition, one may consider how difficult or easy it is to access a unit that needs to be cleaned, the climate of the area in Maryland that the house is situated in, and the level of focus or concentration that the worker requires in order to successfully complete his job.

Whoever may be performing the air duct or furnace cleaning process will likely also affect the price. Most often, the specific dollar amount can range anywhere from $450 to over $1,000. If a person has been able to set up a quality reputation in the field of duct cleaning, then odds are they will be able to charge a higher fee for their air duct cleaning services. However, their competition may not be able to charge as much, simply because they do not have the same clout that their duct cleaning competition has been able to create.

Suggestions for Choosing a Duct Cleaning Service Provider

To find companies that provide duct cleaning services contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) at the address and phone number in the information section located at the end of this guidance. Do not assume that all duct cleaning service providers are equally knowledgeable and responsible. Talk to at least three different service providers and get written estimates before deciding whether to have your ducts cleaned. When the service providers come to your home, ask them to show you the contamination that would justify having your ducts cleaned.

	Do not hire duct cleaners who make sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning -- such claims are unsubstantiated. Do not hire duct cleaners who recommend duct cleaning as a routine part of your heating and cooling system maintenance. You should also be wary of duct cleaners who claim to be certified by EPA. EPA neither establishes duct cleaning standards nor certifies, endorses, or approves duct cleaning companies.
	Do not allow the use of chemical biocides or chemical treatments unless you fully understand the pros and the cons (See "Unresolved Issues of Duct Cleaning).
	Check references to be sure other customers were satisfied and did not experience any problems with their heating and cooling system after cleaning.
	Contact your county or city office of consumer affairs or local Better Business Bureau to determine if complaints have been lodged against any of the companies you are considering.
	Interview potential service providers to ensure: they are experienced in duct cleaning and have worked on systems like yours; they will use procedures to protect you, your pets, and your home from contamination; and they comply with NADCA's air duct cleaning standards and, if your ducts are constructed of fiber glass duct board or insulated internally with fiber glass duct liner, with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association's (NAIMA) recommendations.
	Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses. As of 1996, the following states require air duct cleaners to hold special licenses: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan and Texas. Other states may require them as well.
	If the service provider charges by the hour, request an estimate of the number of hours or days the job will take, and find out whether there will be interruptions in the work. Make sure the duct cleaner you choose will provide a written agreement outlining the total cost and scope of the job before work begins. Source: US Environmental Protection Agency

HVAC System what exactly IS an HVAC air duct system?

What is HVAC?

Hvac – an acronym for Heating, Ventilation & Air- Conditioning

Heating and air-conditioning systems (including the air duct system) control the temperature, humidity, and the total air quality in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings. Heat pumps, which are similar to air conditioners but can be reversed providing both heating and cooling for a home. Heat pumps uses mechanical energy to pump heat “up the temperature scale” from a cooler region to a warmer one, and it does this by changing the pressure of a working fluid called a refrigerant. Heat pumps are more complex, and because they run in both summer and winter, they often require more maintenance and need to be replaced more frequently than traditional furnaces and air condition

Heat Pumps Fall Under Different Categories Such As:

* Air-Source Heat Pumps
* Ground Source (Geothermal)
* Water Source Heat Pumps

Who Install, Repairs and Maintains these Systems?

Individuals that specialize in heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration, and they go by the terms technicians, mechanics and installers. They install, maintain, and repair systems. Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems many times referred to as HVACR systems, these repair technicians may also be called HVACR technicians. Properly trained technicians repair, and maintain systems, but you will find that many have elected to specialize in installation, maintenance & repair, heating systems, refrigeration care, or air conditioning. Finding a technician who specializes is a brand or special equipment type is another great way to locate the right technician for the job. It always a good idea to find a technician that is familiar with our brand or type of system.

What Are the Component Units?
Heating, air-conditioning, heat pumps and refrigeration systems are a dizzying mix of many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components. These include components such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, air ducts, pipes, thermostats, 4-way reversing valve, bi-directional expansion valve, thermal expansion valve
or " TEV ", air conditioner compressor ,condensing coil, air filters, refrigerants, room thermostat, electrical switches, fuses or circuit breakers, blower fan, numerous switches, and more

Air Conditions Systems how do they Work?

Air conditioning or heat pump compressor which compresses low pressure refrigerant gas into a higher pressure, higher temperature gas. Usually the compressor is in the outdoor portion of an air conditioning or heat pump system. The compressor is basically a high pressure pump driven by an electric motor
A condenser or condensing unit: typically a condensing coil inside which high temperature high pressure refrigerant gas flows, and over which a fan blows air to cool the refrigerant gas returning it back into a liquid state (this transfers heat from the refrigerant gas to the air being blown by the fan).

A metering device which dispenses liquid refrigerant into a evaporator coil.
The metering device may be basically a thin section of tubing (a capillary or "cap" tube) or it may be a bit more sophisticated thermostatic expansion valve (TEV ) which includes a temperature sensing control that can open and shut the device against refrigerant flow an evaporator coil or cooling coil: usually the cooling coil is a section of finned into which liquid refrigerant is metered and permitted to evaporate from liquid to gas state inside the coil.

An air handler and blower unit which provides a fan, that blows building air across or through the evaporator coil. The air handler blower fan unit moves building air across the evaporator coil surface in order to condition building air by cooling it (this removes moisture from the cooler air).A duct system which sends conditioned air from the air handler into the supply ducts, and which then takes air from the ducts and returns it to the cooling system air handler.

Controls and features , which include a room thermostat, electrical switches, fuses or circuit breakers, condensate handling system, and air, filters.

Source: HVACProductionLocator

Many Air Duct Cleaning Services offer cut rate bargain pricing based on vacuuming the air conditioning air ducts only. For such a low price those service companies are not likely to clean or even inspect the other important components of your HVAC air duct system, such as condensers, drain tanks, other places where condensation can collect and create conditions conducive to mold formation.

Vacuum collection alone does not clean the HVAC system. Brushes, air whips, "skipper balls" and other tools that agitate contaminants and debris scrub the surfaces within the air duct system and propels contaminants and debris into the vacuum collection device(s).

Anti-microbial chemical sanitizers are applied to the interior surface of the air ducts to control microbial contamination...but...before sanitizers are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. All anti-microbial chemicals used must be EPA registered for use in HVAC systems.

The purpose of residential air duct cleaning is to remove these contaminants from a home's HVAC system to get the best indoor air quality.

Air Duct Cleaning

Air duct cleaning may not seem like a vital part of owning a home or an apartment in Maryland, but when it comes to the air duct, if it is not cleaned regularly and properly, there can be costly and grave effects as a result. More and more, we are learning about air pollution and its negative aspects. One of the ways in which the indoor air of a Maryland home can be improved in quality would be to have the air ducts cleaned. This eliminates or reduces the dust and other pollutants within the heating and cooling units of a home. Many homeowners in Maryland understand that this process is important in terms of the upkeep and the quality of the indoor home environment. Furnace cleaning is a major part of the duct cleaning process.

From Maryland Air Duct Cleaning

There are a number of different components that make up the heating and cooling system of the home. When a person in Maryland comes in to provide duct cleaning services, they need to make sure that they clean all the pieces of the system. If they do not do so when they are performing the air duct cleaning process, then there will still be some dirty and dusty areas within the system. Any potentially positive aspects that the air duct cleaning service in Maryland may have been able to provide would likely be cancelled out and negated due to the messy areas that remain.

There are quite a few methods that have been used by individuals in Maryland when they perform the process of air duct cleaning. While many of the people that are trained in cleaning air ducts in one specific method, this is not the only one available. Still, it is the one that is almost always used because of its efficiency and effective nature. This is the method that is used by associations that are involved in the duct cleaning process that are especially concerned with making sure that the job as done right. These are referred to as the industry’s standards.

When it comes to duct cleaning or furnace cleaning, the first thing that the Maryland service provider will need to do is use specialized tools that he has received training with, in order to remove all of the dirt, pollen, debris and other airborne pollutants from the inside of the air duct and the furnace. Once all of the material has been removed from the pieces, the individual can begin to remove all of the loose particles from the air duct. This is performed with the help of a very powerful vacuum cleaner that is designed with high standards in mind. The vacuum cleaner works to remove all of the material that has been scraped off and knocked off of the insides of the pieces of the air duct, and then in some cases a chemical component is added to the inner lining of the air duct and furnace in order to help prohibit the collection of debris inside, maximizing the potential for the air duct to remain clean. It is important to note that the chemicals should not be used until the inside of the air duct has been properly and sufficiently cleaned and all loose debris has been removed.

Depending on type of method that is chosen by the individual, the price for their air duct cleaning or furnace cleaning will vary. Not only does the method help to establish a basic price range, but these other factors will help as well: type of system, size of system, how long it will take to complete the duct cleaning process and how long the worker invests him or herself in the process of duct cleaning. Not all companies in Maryland take all of these things into consideration, but they do rely heavily on one or more of these topics in order to come up with an estimate. In addition, one may consider how difficult or easy it is to access a unit that needs to be cleaned, the climate of the area in Maryland that the house is situated in, and the level of focus or concentration that the worker requires in order to successfully complete his job.

Whoever may be performing the air duct or furnace cleaning process will likely also affect the price. Most often, the specific dollar amount can range anywhere from $450 to over $1,000. If a person has been able to set up a quality reputation in the field of duct cleaning, then odds are they will be able to charge a higher fee for their air duct cleaning services. However, their competition may not be able to charge as much, simply because they do not have the same clout that their duct cleaning competition has been able to create.

National Air Duct Cleaners Association

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) was formed in 1989 as a non-profit association of companies engaged in the cleaning of HVAC systems. Its mission was to promote source removal as the only acceptable method of cleaning and to establish industry standards for the association.
NADCA has expanded its mission to include the representation of qualified companies engaged in the assessment, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems, and to assist its members in providing high quality service to their customers. The goal of the association is to be the number one source for the HVAC cleaning and restoration services: first time, every time.
NADCA has experienced phenomenal membership growth and has been extremely successful with the training and certification of air systems cleaning specialists, mold remediators, and HVAC inspectors. The association has also published important standards and guidelines, educational materials, and other useful information for the consumer and members of NADCA.
Today, NADCA standards and certification are specified on a regular basis to ensure that HVAC systems are assessed, cleaned, and restored in a safe and efficient manner.

NADCA Code Of Ethics
We will serve our customers with integrity and competence.
We will perform our work using source removal methods.In order to eliminate or prevent the delivery of airborne pollutants into indoor air spaces through HVAC ductwork, we will remove the dust and others contaminants from the system.Thus,we pledge to administer source removal methods, cleaning the system ductwork as thoroughly as possible,before applying any coatings or treatments, including deodorizers, disinfectants, and/or sealants
We will be honest and forthright in our advertising.
We will provide our clients with accurate inspections and evaluations of the cleanliness and physical condition of their HVAC systems,using this information to determine the type of cleaning and maintenance services required, if any.
We will provide only necessary and desired services to our clients, and will not use furnace/air duct cleaning as a means of selling unnecessary or unwanted products or services.
We will provide services only after completing the necessary bonding and licensing procedures.
We will utilize the services and products of those who possess specialized skills, tools, or trades not possessed by us when circumstances call for work to be done which we are unable to perform.
We will stay abreast of new developments in technology, tools of the trade, building codes, the Uniform Mechanical Code, and any other codes or information that directly affects our work.
We will require that all employees of our firm practice furnace/air duct cleaning in accordance with NADCA Guidelines and the Code of Ethics.
We will perform our services in accordance with the current published standards of the Association. If I will be unable to clean in accordance with NADCA standards, I agree to disclose this limitation to my customers at the point of sale,in advance of any cleaning.

The Ethics Committee shall hear and investigate charges of unethical conduct between concerned parties,and will make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the resolution of those charges.

====

NADCA Recognizes Safe HVAC Inspection and Maintenance Contractors of 2008



“NADCA members have made the decision to set themselves apart from other service providers by committing themselves to the best practices in HVAC assessment, cleaning and restoration,” explained NADCA Executive Director John Schulte. “The NADCA Safety Award recognizes our members who have made and followed through on a commitment to safety for their employees, their customers and for the communities they serve. This dedication to safety is one more reason that NADCA-member HVAC inspection, maintenance and restoration contractors are both the employers of choice and the service providers of choice in their communities.”



The criteria for NADCA’s Safety Awards are based on regulations and recommendations from the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration, NADCA’s ACR 2006 standard and other best practices. The awards are presented annually.



HVAC system cleaning is the process by which heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems are cleaned to remove excessive accumulations of dust, debris, and biological contaminants. With heightened public awareness of the dangers of indoor air pollution and the need for home energy efficiency, the demand for professional HVAC system cleaning has increased dramatically.

Maryland Air Duct Cleaning by
HomePro Restoration, Inc.
5715 Industry Lane #2
Frederick, MD 21704
866-898-6653
301-631-5560

HVAC System Cleaned of Contaminants

There's no concrete evidence that justifies the need for homeowners to have their air ducts cleaned regularly, but a contaminated heating, ventilation and air conditioning system could necessitate a professional cleaning. Contaminated systems have either mold growth, pests, or they distribute excessive dust, debris or particles into your home. One highly rated air duct cleaner on Angie's List told us he once removed a dead raccoon from a homeowner's ducts!

But beware: there are some in the industry who are not properly trained. If you do decide to have your HVAC system cleaned, be sure the service company has the proper qualifications. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association requires its member companies to have at least one certified Air System Cleaning Specialist on staff. To get certified, contractors must receive training and pass an exam.

Tim Rogers of Dublin, Ohio, joined Angie's List in 2007 specifically to report on what he felt was an incompetent duct cleaner. Rogers hired the company based on a newspaper ad for an $85 cleaning, but ended up paying more than $400 for 90 minutes of work. "I don't want to say things were worse when they left, [but] they weren't better," Rogers says.

Allowing an unqualified contractor to clean your ducts could cause more harm than good. More dust could be released into your house - or worse - your HVAC system could be damaged. Russell Fife, who owns highly rated Destin Air Conditioning & Refrigeration in Florida, says he's often seen the aftermath of careless work. "You can end up doing more damage than anything else if you don't clean carefully," Fife says.

A qualified professional will not just clean the ducts, but all components of your HVAC system, including the coils, drain pans, fans and humidifiers. If one component of the system isn't tended to, it could result in re-contamination of the entire system and negate any potential benefit from the cleaning. A good contractor should take several hours to do the job, and the cost usually runs between $400 and $1,000. Be leery of a service company that offers a cleaning for much less than that or finishes the job too quickly.

Whether or not you think air duct cleaning is necessary, the most effective way to avert contamination in the first place is to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the system. Use high-efficiency filters and change it regularly. Vacuum your home often with a cleaner that has a good HEPA filter. If your system has any leaks or water damage, get it repaired immediately.

An air duct cleaner (the NADCA certified type). Cheap air duct cleaning is nothing more than a scam and since there is no licensing for air duct cleaners in most states your only guaranteed of quality oriented and honest company is the NADCA certification. They make us pass by a arduous process of training and testing and then they check insurances and others before issuing a certification. Every year we obligated to renew our certifications.

Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

Many homeowners ask themselves, “Should I have my home air duct system cleaned?”

You and your family spend about a third of your life in your home, which makes breathing clean, healthy air very important. The age of your home doesn’t really make a difference when it comes to performing this maintenance. If your home is new, this maintenance still needs to be performed. In fact, if you have just moved into a new house, it is the best time to have the air system fully cleaned. During the construction process there are many dust-generating tasks, and these dust particles – from sawdust to drywall gypsum – have most likely settled in you duct system. These are some of the most common eye and nose irritants and should be removed before you move into your new home.

If you have just purchased a resale home, it would be wise to consider having the air system cleaned to remove any harmful dust particles that have settled in the ductwork from previous years. Having the ducts cleaned in older homes may also remove odors and cooking particles built up from many years of use. Before occupancy of any existing house, you should at least change all air filters and clean all the air supply registers and return air grills. If you’re deciding whether or not to have your H.V.A.C. duct system cleaned, consider the following tips:

1) Think about health and air quality. Everyone has a concern about the quality of air we breathe. Many allergies, respiratory and breathing problems are related to particles and mites in the air. Regular changing of air filters in your home air system is a good maintenance practice and an important step to keep the air in your home healthy. Just as important is having the HVAC system serviced and cleaned periodically. Babies, young children and the elderly are the most susceptible to having respiratory problems caused by poor air quality.


2) How do I know if my home system needs cleaning? Every home heating and air conditioning system with forced air requires the air filtration media be changed regularly. Make it a practice to change air filters at least four times a year. If dirt is visible, you may need to change filters more frequently. Free airflow also lets the unit to run more efficiently.

3) When should duct cleaning be done? Every home environment is different, and the outside air quality also contributes to when duct cleaning should be performed. As a rule of thumb, I would suggest a cleaning every two to three years. Include your dryer vent and possibly exhaust fans in this cleaning. Consult a professional duct cleaning contractor for recommendations of services.

4) Can a homeowner do it themselves? A good portion of HVAC maintenance can be done by homeowners. If you are familiar with your forced air heating and cooling system, changing of the air filters is relatively easy. There are different grades of air filters available. Use the mid to higher priced filters, which collect finer dust particles. Also, if you are handy, you may want to attempt cleaning the air supply registers and returns. Simply remove the register, clean the grill and use a vacuum cleaner to clean inside the wall box. Repeat the same procedure for the return vents.

5) Are there others benefit to duct cleaning? Your home will be cleaner and require less dusting. Duct cleaning also helps remove odors from your household. The overall air quality will be healthier for you and your family.

How to select an air duct cleaning company

Residential Air Duct Cleaning

How to select an air duct cleaning company?

There are health benefits for all residents from regularly cleaning the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) System.

From Maryland Air Duct Cleaning

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems collect mold, fungi, bacteria and a variety of contaminants that reduce the quality of the air residents and visitors breathe. A dirty air duct contributes to poor indoor air quality and affects the health of people in the residence.
The purpose of residential air duct cleaning is to remove these contaminants from a home’s HVAC system to get the best indoor air quality.

The most effective way to clean an air duct and/or ventilation system is to use a specialized, powerful vacuum which puts the air duct / ventilation system under negative pressure. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge contaminants and debris from the interior surfaces, moving the contaminants/debris from the home's air ducts and ventilation systems into the vacuum.

Vacuum collection alone does not clean the HVAC system. Brushes, air whips, “skipper balls” and other tools that agitate contaminants and debris scrub the surfaces within the air duct system and propels contaminants and debris into the vacuum collection device(s).

Anti-microbial chemical sanitizers are applied to the interior surface of the air ducts to control microbial contamination...but...before sanitizers are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. All anti-microbial chemicals used must be EPA registered for use in HVAC systems. Ask to see the chemical’s Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If you are still concerned, call the EPA at 1-800-438-4318. There are no EPA registered anti-microbial products for use on porous system surfaces – such as fiberglass surfaces.

When sanitizing air ducts you want to make sure the air duct cleaning company uses safe; effective EPA approved products that are safe for people, pets, and the environment. An atomizer fogs the sanitizing product throughout the entire ventilation system.

Allergic people, infants and elderly are especially sensitive to the microbes that cause respiratory problems like bacteria, mildew, fungi algae and dust mites which require a highly-effective sanitizer to eliminate odor-causing microorganisms as well contaminants associated with allergies, mildew and bacterial growth. Make sure the sanitizer is rated by the EPA as a category IV product with the lowest toxicity rating. Sanitizing air ducts means toxicity and safety safeguards that establish and ensure there are no harmful dermal (skin), ocular (eyes), inhalation (breathing) or ingestion (swallowing) effects from the products.

There are two popular types of vacuum collection systems...those mounted on trucks and trailers versus portable units. Truck/trailer mounted equipment is generally more powerful than portable equipment. By contrast, portable equipment often can be brought directly into a facility, locating the vacuum closer to the ductwork. Both types of equipment clean to air duct industry standards. Vacuum units should be attached to a collection device for safe containment prior to disposal. A vacuum collection device which exhausts indoors must be HEPA (high efficiency particulate arrestance) filtered.
The frequency of air duct (HVAC) cleaning depends on several factors:

*before occupying a new home.
*afterhome renovations or remodeling.
*number of smokers in the household.
*Pets that shed hair and dander.
*Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
*Residents with allergies or asthma benefit from better indoor air quality.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency says that “duct cleaning services" typically range in cost from $450 to $1000 per heating and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region, level of contamination” and type of duct material.

Consumers should beware of air duct cleaning companies making sweeping claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning – such claims are unsubstantiated.

Consumers should also beware of “blow-and-go” air duct cleaning companies that charge low fees and do a poor job of cleaning the heating and cooling system. These companies also try to persuade consumers into unneeded services or provide service without the consumer's permission. Contact the Better Business Bureau and local, federal, and state elected officials to report the company.

Interview at least 3 local air duct and HVAC cleaning contractors and to perform a free system inspection and to provide a price to clean the HVAC system.

Narrow your list of potential contractors:
• Make sure the company is a member in good standing of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
• Verify that the company is certified by NADCA to perform HVAC system cleaning.
• Ask how long the company has been in business and determine if that experience is adequate.
• Ask if the company has the right equipment to effectively perform cleaning, and if the company has done work in homes similar to yours. Ask for references from neighbors.
• Inquire whether the company is in good standing with the local Better Business Bureau.
• Get proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured.
• Make sure that the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components.
• Avoid advertisements for "$99 whole house specials" and other sales gimmicks.

NADCA Members sign a Code of Ethics stating they will do everything possible to protect the consumer and to follow NADCA Standards for air duct cleaning. Air duct cleaning companies must meet stringent requirements. All members must have certified Air System Cleaning Specialists (ASCS) on staff, who have taken and passed the NADCA Certification Examination. Passing the exam demonstrates extensive knowledge in HVAC design and cleaning methodologies. Air System Cleaning Specialists are also required to continue their industry education by attending seminars to keep their NADCA certification status current.

Find out as much as you can about the air duct cleaning company before you hire the company.
*Ask the company to display proof of NADCA membership and certification?
*Ask how long has the contractor been in the residential HVAC system cleaning business?
*Ask the contractor provide you with evidence of the current Worker’s Compensation and
General Liability Insurance coverage (Ask for Certificate of Insurance)
*Ask the contractor to display the proper licenses required by your city and state to perform
the work they are proposing. (Not all cities or states require licenses)
*Ask the contractor provide you with 3 to 5 customer references with phone numbers from
air duct services provided in the last 30 days?

*Ask the contractor to conduct a thorough inspection of your system PRIOR to performing any work and alert you to any problems. This is required by the current NADCA Assessment, Cleaning & Restoration of HVAC Systems (ACR) Standard.
*Ask the contractor to provide you with the means to conduct a visual inspection at any time
during the cleaning? (Mirror and flashlight, camera or other remote visual systems.)

*Ask the contractor if it will be cleaning the complete system, including coils and fans?
*Ask the company if it will actually do the work? (Some companies subcontract the work to independent contractors; apply the same tough guidelines for subcontractors as well.)

*Ask the contractor to give you a guaranteed price before the inspection. This could expose you to extra costs because finding mold in the system, damaged fiberglass insulation, cleaning or treating cooling coils may become add-on costs.
The amount of time it takes an air duct cleaning company to clean a residential HVAC system depends on: *the size of the home

*the number of systems
*the extent of the contamination
*the number of HVAC cleaners performing the job

Ask the 3 HVAC contractors you trust the most to inspect your system and give you a completion time estimate for your system of how long the job should take; as well as all of the steps each contractor plans to implement during the job.
Remember, we are breathing millions of germ-carrying dust and mold particles from air ducts that cause allergies, asthma--even terminal illnesses. In all homes, the air ducts gather dust, dirt, human skin flakes and pet dander, becoming holding cells for allergens, mold spores, germs and other contaminants. The problem begins even before you move into a newly-built home, with the buildup of drywall dust, sawdust and other debris in ducts that provide a perfect environment for the growth of germs and allergens. This problem worsened in the 1970's, as new construction techniques made buildings more tightly sealed, which restricts the flow of fresh air. Every day, families breathe air that is continually circulated through contaminated ductwork by your HVAC system.

The best way to determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective is to demand a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. In addition, keep a copy of this article and use it as a post-cleaning check list to help you ensure a top quality job was done. If any dust or debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system should not be considered cleaned. A certified, professional air duct cleaning contractor should be able to give you access to inspect system components; using specialized inspection tools when necessary. You can perform your own visual inspection using a flash light and mirror.

The best air duct cleaning companies provide a 100% guarantee and won’t make you pay for the air duct cleaning service until you see the proven results with a Duct-Camera. Now you can actually see the dust and allergens free air ducts after professionals clean the HVAC system. The guarantee promises that all visible loose particulate will be removed from every portion of the system. If the job is not performed to customer satisfaction, the affected portions of the system would be re-cleaned and or the job would be re-cleaned at no additional charge to the customer. These companies exceed customer expectations. The company must guarantee 100% customer satisfaction and happily go back and redo the work if required.

The best HVAC cleaning companies allow you can see otherwise inaccessible areas of the system are clean with the Duct Camera; before paying for the service. These air duct companies are courteous, certified technicians who strictly adhere to NADCA processes. You will know a thorough job was done which guarantees value for your money and safety for your home. A professional air duct cleaning company investigates and corrects all symptoms and causes of unhealthy indoor air; such as dirty ducts, mold, chimneys, unhealthy carpets, unsafe dryer vents, humidity and other problems.

Companies that perform the best work don't off incredible low $79 whole house prices and coupons. Companies that do are likely not to have the proper equipment, training or even the intention of providing real results. To make matters worse...improper air duct cleaning can cause health problems for your family..."so the cheapest price can be very expensive in the long run." If the price is too good to be true; that price is probably being offered by a predatory business owner looking for an easy mark.

You can hire an air duct cleaning company with confidence now that you know how to get your air ducts cleaned properly and enjoy these benefits:

Health
According to the EPA, indoor air is found to be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Air duct cleaning removes airborne contaminates such as bacteria, fungus, mold spores, pet dander & pollen which may help to alleviate allergy & asthma symptoms.

Extended Equipment Life
9 out of 10 system failures are caused by dirt and dust according to the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service. One of the functions of the fan, located inside of your air handler, is to keep the heat exchanger cool. Accumulated dirt and debris can reduce the CFM (cubic feet of air per minute) as much as 50%! This is the most common cause of cracks in heat exchangers. Having your HVAC system cleaned may prevent pre-mature breakdown & aging of your heating and cooling system.

Reduce Dusting
Air duct cleaning helps to reduce household dust by removing the dust where it travels most - through your air duct system.

Energy Savings
According to the EPA, a buildup of only .042 inches of dirt on a heating coil can result in a decrease of efficiency of 21%. A clean air conveyance system may help to increase efficiency and therefore may help to reduce heating and cooling costs.

Air Duct Cleaning in Maryland

Air Duct Cleaning Maryland

A look at the options as well as the importance of air duct cleaning and how much this process can save you in the long run

Air Duct Cleaning Overview
Air duct cleaning may not seem like a vital part of owning a home or an apartment in Maryland, but when it comes to the air duct, if it is not cleaned regularly and properly, there can be costly and grave effects as a result. More and more, we are learning about air pollution and its negative aspects. One of the ways in which the indoor air of a Maryland home can be improved in quality would be to have the air ducts cleaned. This eliminates or reduces the dust and other pollutants within the heating and cooling units of a home. Many homeowners in Maryland understand that this process is important in terms of the upkeep and the quality of the indoor home environment. Furnace cleaning is a major part of the duct cleaning process.

There are a number of different components that make up the heating and cooling system of the home. When a person in Maryland comes in to provide air duct cleaning services, they need to make sure that they clean all the pieces of the system. If they do not do so when they are performing the air duct cleaning process, then there will still be some dirty and dusty areas within the system. Any potentially positive aspects that the air duct cleaning service in Maryland may have been able to provide would likely be canceled out and negated due to the messy areas that remain.

Methods frequently used by Maryland Duct Cleaning Companies
There are quite a few methods that have been used by individuals in Maryland when they perform the process of air duct cleaning. While many of the people that are trained in cleaning air ducts in one specific method, this is not the only one available. Still, it is the one that is almost always used because of its efficiency and effective nature. This is the method that is used by associations that are involved in the duct cleaning process that are especially concerned with making sure that the job as done right. These are referred to as the industry’s standards.

When it comes to duct cleaning or furnace cleaning, the first thing that the Maryland service provider will need to do is use specialized tools that he has received training with, in order to remove all of the dirt, pollen, debris and other airborne pollutants from the inside of the air duct and the furnace. Once all of the material has been removed from the pieces, the individual can begin to remove all of the loose particles from the air duct. This is performed with the help of a very powerful vacuum cleaner that is designed with high standards in mind. The vacuum cleaner works to remove all of the material that has been scraped off and knocked off of the insides of the pieces of the air duct, and then in some cases a chemical component is added to the inner lining of the air duct and furnace in order to help prohibit the collection of debris inside, maximizing the potential for the air duct to remain clean. It is important to note that the chemicals should not be used until the inside of the air duct has been properly and sufficiently cleaned and all loose debris has been removed.

Maryland Duct Cleaning

Have your air ducts properly cleaned, not just cleaned! If you really want to breathe clean air, free of dust, allergens and other airborne pollutants that circulate in your air ducts and save money on energy and repair bills, you have to choose a company that provides the proper certifications, equipment and guarantees. Don't be a victim! Many companies promise to clean air ducts for incredible low prices like $ 79 whole house coupons but don’t actually have the proper equipment, training or even the intention to provide real results. And what’s worse? Improper air duct cleaning can cause health problems in your family.

The US Government Environmental Protection Agency or EPA Official Website has this to say about Duct Cleaning:

You should consider having the air ducts in your home cleaned if:

There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. There are several important points to understand concerning mold detection in heating and cooling systems:

Many sections of your heating and cooling system may not be accessible for a visible inspection, so ask the service provider to show you any mold they say exists.

You should be aware that although a substance may look like mold, a positive determination of whether it is mold or not can be made only by an expert and may require laboratory analysis for final confirmation. For about $50, some microbiology laboratories can tell you whether a sample sent to them on a clear strip of sticky household tape is mold or simply a substance that resembles it.

If you have insulated air ducts and the insulation gets wet or moldy it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.

If the conditions causing the mold growth in the first place are not corrected, mold growth will recur.

Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or

Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

If any of the conditions identified above exists, it usually suggests one or more underlying causes. Prior to any cleaning, retrofitting, or replacing of your ducts, the cause or causes must be corrected or else the problem will likely recur.