Why should air ducts be cleaned?
Studies have shown that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times MORE
polluted than outside air. Most disposable filters remove about 10% of
these pollutants allowing 90% to enter the air system, even during the
construction of a new home. The pollutants contain dust, pollen, mold
spores, animal dander and much more. These materials collect
in the furnace, air conditioner and duct surfaces, just as they do on
the furniture and floor surfaces. The furniture and floor are cleaned
regularly but the duct surfaces are hidden from view and can only be
reached by specialized duct cleaning equipment. These pollutants can
migrate out into the room again, or become a food source for mold and
bacteria, which can thrive in this dark comfortable environment from
high humidity or moisture from the air conditioner or humidifiers.
Biological growth can release mold spores or toxins into the air system.
How can mold grow in a duct system and what problems can it cause?
Mold spores require a stable temperature, a food source and
moisture to live and reproduce. Dust and dirt that go through the filter
are a good food source. The furnace/air conditioner is designed to
maintain a comfortable temperature, and moisture is available from humid
conditions in the environment, the humidifier in the furnace or the
cooling coils in an air conditioner. Live molds can release spores that
will trigger allergic or asthmatic reactions, sometimes severe, in about
10% of the population. Mold both living and dead can produce toxins
that may cause short term allergic reactions. Long term exposures to low
levels of some mold toxins can result in permanent chemical sensitivity
to common compounds in the environment