Preserving Indoor Air Quality During Emergencies
During hurricanes and stormy weather, there is an increased risk of flooding and dampness indoors. In recent years, hurricanes have increased in both frequency and severity. Floodwaters may contain many hazards, including biological and chemical contaminants. Following a flood or hurricane event, standing water and wet materials can become a breeding ground for micro-organisms, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. Exposure to these contaminants can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood. Additionally, stormy weather and flooding can drive pests indoors looking for shelter and food. Pest infestations are often combated with pesticides that may lead to harmful exposures if they are not properly applied. Actions You Can Take
Extreme Heat Hotter summer temperatures have become more common across the United States in recent decades due to climate change. Extreme heat events (heat waves) are expected to become longer, more frequent, and more intense in the future. Indoor temperatures can also rise quickly during power outages, when HVAC systems and other methods of cooling are no longer operating. When people are exposed to extreme heat, they can suffer from potentially deadly illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Actions You Can Take
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5 Frequently Asked Questions About Air Duct Cleaning for Homeowners We speak a lot on this blog about the importance of keeping your ducts clean. There are numerous health benefits for you and your family from removing all of the dust and dander that collects over time. However, many new homeowners have trouble knowing when to have them cleaned and how the process works. We have compiled a list of the top 5 Frequently Asked Questions for new homeowners who may be on the fence about having their ducts cleaned.
1. Why Should I Get My Ducts Cleaned? Indoor air quality is an important part of keeping your home clean and allergy free. The best way to ensure high quality air is to have your system cleaned by Duct Dynasty. Dirty ducts have many particulates that circulate in the air multiple times a day as your system continues to cool down your home. Even if you change your filter regularly, dirt still will collect in your system from normal use. On top of circulating dirty air, systems that have not been cleaned in awhile tend to have to work harder to cool your home efficiently.This will cause them to draw more power, which will raise your electric bill. This extra use will also cause the system to wear out faster and cost you even more money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, families can cut their energy bill by as much as 20% to 30% by simply doing proper HVAC system maintenance, including air duct cleaning. 2, How Long Will It Take? Air duct cleaning is not a “one-size-fits-all” service, and the amount of time it takes to clean an HVAC system depends on many factors such as the size of the home, the number of HVAC systems, the type of ductwork in the home, the extent of contamination, and the number of technicians needed for the job. 3. How Much Will It Cost? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), properly cleaning the air conditioning system in an average-sized home typically ranges from $450 to $1,000. As we mentioned before, duct cleaning is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and there are several factors that affect cost. For instance, air duct cleaning for a 10,000-square-foot home with three HVAC systems will cost quite a bit more than a 2,000 square-foot home with a single unit. The lower energy use by a clean system will help save money in the future making it all worthwhile. 4. How Often Should I have My Ducts Cleaned? How frequently you have your system cleaned depends on several factors such as whether or not there are smokers in the household, residents who often suffer from allergies or asthma, or pets that shed lots of hair and dander. Also, if there has been recent home renovations or remodels that cause extra contaminants in the duct work. To maintain an efficient HVAC system, It is recommended having your system inspected every 3- 5 years depending on the factors listed above. 5. What Should I Look For when Hiring A Contractor?Beware of the “blow and go” $99 air duct cleaning scams. These companies clean a fraction of your system and can cause more problems than they solve. Instead, look for companies that are NADCA certified such as Duct Dynasty. This certification means that the company you hire will have to adhere to strict guidelines that guarantee you get a high quality, full system HVAC cleaning. Many NADCA certified companies such as Duct Dynasty offer free inspections beforehand so you always know the condition of your system. It's National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month! Springtime brings countless allergy symptoms and even difficulty breathing for some. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), more than 60 million Americans suffer from asthma and/or allergies. Due to the large number of Americans affected, the AAF deemed the month of May National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. May falls right at the peak of allergy season and is usually when many people suffer the most. Pollen and dust from the outdoors are usually the main culprit for Americans allergy symptoms. However, there are plenty of contaminants floating around inside your home to result in limited relief once you step inside. As we discussed last month dust, pet dander, particulate growth and mildew can all attribute to low indoor air quality. While replacing your homes air filter will help substantially with keeping your HVAC system clean, it does not keep contaminants out all together. Identifying Allergy Agitators
Signs of Growth in your home: Particulate growth thrives in warm, moist climates making air ducts a perfect home. On top of causing allergy symptoms, some bacteria can even cause damage to your home if left un-treated. Using dehumidifiers, air purifiers and regularly running your AC will help eliminate the unwanted growth. The presence of these three elements are goodindicators of mold lurking in your home: Water: The key element needed for particulategrowth is moisture. Whether it's behind your walls under carpets or on the surface, damp areas can become a home to many kinds of unwanted bacteria.Keeping these areas dry and disinfected to the best of your ability will decrease the ability for anything to grow. Humidity: Moisture in the air can also affect thegrowth of bacteria and mold. Humidity inside your home makes a perfect environment for mold and bacteria to thrive. So if you feel an abundance of humidity or condensation on surfaces of your home be on the lookout for growth. Odor: Is there a strange, earthy smell inside your home that you can't seem to get rid of no matter what you do? The source could be coming from Mold orbacteria inside your air ducts. Microbial volatileorganic compounds (MVOCs) are gases produced bymold. The MVOC's are what produces the musty smellthat travels through your home. In general, prevention is key when it comes to dealingwith mold. Along with running a dehumidifier andincreasing the airflow within your home, considerscheduling an air duct inspection and cleaning to helpensure no mold is hidden in your home’s ductwork. 4 Simple Ways to Combat Indoor Allergens!With the cold of winter fading out and the arrival of summer fast upon us in Florida, it's time to think about doing some spring cleaning. We all know when spring starts so do the allergies. Whether its pollen from trees or a specific flower that gives you headaches springtime allergies are a problem for many Floridians across the state. However, with all of these irritations coming from outside many people consider inside their home to be a safe haven from all of the misery. This is not always the case if you have poor indoor air quality due to dust, pet dander and mold. These irritants will bring the sneezing and sniffling indoors resulting in allergy symptoms year around. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, an allergic reaction happens when your body’s natural defense system — the immune system — releases antibodies as it tries to fight off a substance it thinks is harmful. Those antibodies are responsible for allergy symptoms like swollen, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; runny noses; and even skin rashes. For some people, a sensitive immune system might mistake harmless things, like pet dander or mold, as evil invaders. Others who are exposed continuously over long periods of time may even develop chronic issues like asthma.
Schedule Air Duct Cleaning: The final and most important thing you can do to reduce the amount of dust and dander is to have your HVAC system professionally cleaned. Just as your furniture gets cover in dirt, mold, dust and dander so do your air ducts. Many peoples homes circulate these particles 5 - 7 times a day through the HVAC air system. Dirty air ducts can contribute to health issues, especially for those with respiratory conditions, auto-immune disorders, or asthma and allergies.Just like those outdoor seasonal allergens, indoor air pollutants can lead to irritated eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Having your air ductsproperly cleaned can greatly improve your indoor air qualityand reduce health problems. Orlando Science Center Adds State-of-the-Art |
 | The Challenge: Their goal was to ensure the safety of their visitors and employees in their 207,000 square feet, especially in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. Our Solution: Our solution was to install a total of 5 Bi-Polar Ionization systems. This technology proactively treats every cubic inch of air-conditioned space, reducing airborne and surface contaminants and pollutants, specifically killing viruses, bacteria and eliminating allergens. With such a large facility, their main HVAC system was 30 feet wide and 12 feet high. Our technicians quickly and expertly completed the project in just 3 days. |
If you are interested in adding Bi-Polar Ionization technology to your facility
click here to speak to one of our Air Purification experts.
click here to speak to one of our Air Purification experts.
If giving a warm welcome to cooler weather and festive times with family and friends means turning up the heat in your house, there’s something you should know: You may need to clean your home’s air ducts. Air ducts and ventilation systems can get stuffed with dust, pet hair and other contaminants that get blown through your house when you kick on the furnace for the first time in the fall. Whether you notice a burning smell when the heat turns on or experience an increase in allergy symptoms, dirty air ducts may be to blame.
The debris that builds up in your home’s air ducts throughout the year can foster mold and bacteria growth, and even invite vermin into your home. Homes exposed to extreme weather conditions (like this year’s record-breaking hurricanes or the heat and ash from wildfires) are particularly at risk of developing hazardous mold and bacteria. However, extreme weather isn’t the only thing that can dirty your ductwork. Even homes in regions that are going through the normal seasonal changes see a build-up of allergen-producing spring pollen or mold caused by a humid summer. Daily living with pets and people coming in and out of a home can introduce pet hair and dirt into your home’s air ducts, causing allergic reactions when air starts flowing through the ducts and blowing the dirt through the home.
And now, with flu season on the horizon, it’s especially important to ensure the air in your home is free of common irritants that can worsen symptoms or even cause illnesses. Older people, young children and anyone with asthma or other respiratory diseases are all especially susceptible to illnesses caused by impurities in the air.
The good news is that having the ducts cleaned can save you money on energy costs in the long term. Research by the EPA has demonstrated that air duct cleaning and removing debris from your home’s heating and air conditioning system can improve efficiency and the overall quality of indoor air. And, if your health wasn’t reason enough to get your air ducts cleaned this fall, clean, efficient HVAC systems are less likely to break down and will have a longer lifespan and generally operate more effectively, saving you money and the hassle of dealing with a broken-down
The debris that builds up in your home’s air ducts throughout the year can foster mold and bacteria growth, and even invite vermin into your home. Homes exposed to extreme weather conditions (like this year’s record-breaking hurricanes or the heat and ash from wildfires) are particularly at risk of developing hazardous mold and bacteria. However, extreme weather isn’t the only thing that can dirty your ductwork. Even homes in regions that are going through the normal seasonal changes see a build-up of allergen-producing spring pollen or mold caused by a humid summer. Daily living with pets and people coming in and out of a home can introduce pet hair and dirt into your home’s air ducts, causing allergic reactions when air starts flowing through the ducts and blowing the dirt through the home.
And now, with flu season on the horizon, it’s especially important to ensure the air in your home is free of common irritants that can worsen symptoms or even cause illnesses. Older people, young children and anyone with asthma or other respiratory diseases are all especially susceptible to illnesses caused by impurities in the air.
The good news is that having the ducts cleaned can save you money on energy costs in the long term. Research by the EPA has demonstrated that air duct cleaning and removing debris from your home’s heating and air conditioning system can improve efficiency and the overall quality of indoor air. And, if your health wasn’t reason enough to get your air ducts cleaned this fall, clean, efficient HVAC systems are less likely to break down and will have a longer lifespan and generally operate more effectively, saving you money and the hassle of dealing with a broken-down
To many of us, our pets are equal members of the family. But even though we adore Fido and Bella, the shedding and constant vacuuming can become a daily nuisance, especially for those with pet-related allergies. Sure, the fur clinging to your favorite pair of black pants may be annoying, but did you know the pet dander circulating throughout your home may be causing bigger problems and even affecting your family’s health?
What Exactly is Pet Dander?
According to the American Lung Association, pet dander is made up of microscopic flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. Because of their tiny size and jagged shape, these allergens easily stick to furniture, bedding, fabrics, and many items carried into and out of the home.
How Does Pet Dander Affect Health?
For those with allergies or asthma triggered by pet allergens, breathing in pet dander can make respiratory symptoms worse. Even though sensitivity levels may vary from person to person, individuals who experience reactions may have symptoms including:
How to Combat Pet Dander
Even though you love your pet, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your family’s health or comfort. So how do you deal with pet dander? Here are a few methods you can add to your weekly cleaning routine to lessen the presence of pet-related allergens in your home:
How Air Duct Cleaning Can Help
Did you know that the air in a home—along with those pesky pet allergens—typically circulates through the HVAC system and air ducts 5 to 7 times a day? During the circulation process, it’s also common for allergens and other airborne contaminants to settle in the air ducts. Eliminating pet dander from your home entirely can be a nearly impossible task, but by having your air ducts properly cleaned, you lessen the opportunity for dander to accumulate and be redistributed back into the air you and your family breathe.
So, who can you turn to for your air duct cleaning needs? It’s important to be aware of deals that seem too good to be true. These companies, known as “blow-and-go” or “bait and switch” air duct cleaners, often advertise a drastically discounted rate and then convince customers that the job will require additional cleaning, leaving the unsuspecting homeowner with a hefty bill and poorly cleaned air ducts. To make sure the job is done right, use the Find a Professional tool on the NADCA website to locate a reputable air duct cleaning company in your area. NADCA members have advanced training and follow a higher standard of customer service and cleaning.
Ready to take the next step towards reducing pet dander in your home?
What Exactly is Pet Dander?
According to the American Lung Association, pet dander is made up of microscopic flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. Because of their tiny size and jagged shape, these allergens easily stick to furniture, bedding, fabrics, and many items carried into and out of the home.
How Does Pet Dander Affect Health?
For those with allergies or asthma triggered by pet allergens, breathing in pet dander can make respiratory symptoms worse. Even though sensitivity levels may vary from person to person, individuals who experience reactions may have symptoms including:
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Rashes
How to Combat Pet Dander
Even though you love your pet, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your family’s health or comfort. So how do you deal with pet dander? Here are a few methods you can add to your weekly cleaning routine to lessen the presence of pet-related allergens in your home:
- Vacuum carpets and furniture weekly to prevent buildup.
- Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to trap and remove dust and dander.
- Regularly bathe your pets and brush them outdoors to prevent dander from spreading.
- Keep your cat’s litter box away from air vents.
- Avoid fabric-covered furniture, cloth drapes, carpets and rugs, and other upholstered household furnishings that accumulate dander.
- Regularly change your air filters and have your air ducts properly cleaned.
How Air Duct Cleaning Can Help
Did you know that the air in a home—along with those pesky pet allergens—typically circulates through the HVAC system and air ducts 5 to 7 times a day? During the circulation process, it’s also common for allergens and other airborne contaminants to settle in the air ducts. Eliminating pet dander from your home entirely can be a nearly impossible task, but by having your air ducts properly cleaned, you lessen the opportunity for dander to accumulate and be redistributed back into the air you and your family breathe.
So, who can you turn to for your air duct cleaning needs? It’s important to be aware of deals that seem too good to be true. These companies, known as “blow-and-go” or “bait and switch” air duct cleaners, often advertise a drastically discounted rate and then convince customers that the job will require additional cleaning, leaving the unsuspecting homeowner with a hefty bill and poorly cleaned air ducts. To make sure the job is done right, use the Find a Professional tool on the NADCA website to locate a reputable air duct cleaning company in your area. NADCA members have advanced training and follow a higher standard of customer service and cleaning.
Ready to take the next step towards reducing pet dander in your home?
As a homeowner, it’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of mold presence. Undetected or ignored mold growth can turn into a serious issue, not only for the structure of your home but for the health of those living under its roof. Reduce your risk by knowing the signs of mold to keep your home and family healthy.
Signs of Mold
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. If any of these signs appear in your home, it may be an indicator that mold is lurking somewhere nearby.
1.) Water
Although mold and its spores are everywhere, active mold growth requires moisture. Whether on visible surfaces or hiding behind drywall, in attics, or under carpets, indoor mold grows in the presence of excessive dampness or water.
2.) Humidity and Condensation
Humidity or water vapor in the air can sometimes supply enough moisture for mold to thrive and grow. If your home feels humid, or you notice an abundance of condensation, that is a prime environment for mold. The EPA recommends that indoor relative humidity should be kept below 60 percent, ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, if possible. Use a hygrometer to easily measure humidity and if your home is outside the ideal range, there are several steps you can take to get that moisture under control:
3.) Odor
Is there a strange, earthy smell in your home that won’t go away, no matter how much air freshener you spray? Mold may be at the root of the issue. Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) are gases produced by mold. The musty odor that you smell from mold is caused by MVOCs. These odors are chemicals that are produced by molds during parts of the mold's growth cycle.
4.) Health problems
Mold allergy symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies. Mold triggered allergy symptoms include:
How to Prevent Mold Growth
Knowing the signs of mold in your home is important, but what if you can prevent the growth of mold altogether? Here are just a few things you can do to stop mold in its tracks:
In general, prevention is key when it comes to dealing with mold. Along with running a dehumidifier and increasing the airflow within your home, consider scheduling an air duct inspection and cleaning to help ensure no mold is hidden in your home’s ductwork.
Signs of Mold
Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. If any of these signs appear in your home, it may be an indicator that mold is lurking somewhere nearby.
1.) Water
Although mold and its spores are everywhere, active mold growth requires moisture. Whether on visible surfaces or hiding behind drywall, in attics, or under carpets, indoor mold grows in the presence of excessive dampness or water.
2.) Humidity and Condensation
Humidity or water vapor in the air can sometimes supply enough moisture for mold to thrive and grow. If your home feels humid, or you notice an abundance of condensation, that is a prime environment for mold. The EPA recommends that indoor relative humidity should be kept below 60 percent, ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, if possible. Use a hygrometer to easily measure humidity and if your home is outside the ideal range, there are several steps you can take to get that moisture under control:
- Install vent fans in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Seal air and duct leaks (be sure to clean your ducts before sealing).
- Select houseplants that absorb moisture from the air, such as Boston ferns.
- Keep air-conditioning drip pans and drain lines clean and unobstructed.
3.) Odor
Is there a strange, earthy smell in your home that won’t go away, no matter how much air freshener you spray? Mold may be at the root of the issue. Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs) are gases produced by mold. The musty odor that you smell from mold is caused by MVOCs. These odors are chemicals that are produced by molds during parts of the mold's growth cycle.
4.) Health problems
Mold allergy symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies. Mold triggered allergy symptoms include:
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- itchy throat or ears
- hives
- swollen or itchy eyes
- coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
How to Prevent Mold Growth
Knowing the signs of mold in your home is important, but what if you can prevent the growth of mold altogether? Here are just a few things you can do to stop mold in its tracks:
- Prevent leaks and regularly monitor your home for water damage.
- Remove any standing water or any water damaged furniture and carpets.
- Combat humidity by using dehumidifiers to help remove excess moisture from the air.
- Run your bathroom’s fan while showering.
- Prevent moisture with proper ventilation.
- Equip your home with mold-resistant products, such as mold-resistant paints and sealants.
- Get your air ducts cleaned to increase air circulation within your home and prevent the spreading of mold.
In general, prevention is key when it comes to dealing with mold. Along with running a dehumidifier and increasing the airflow within your home, consider scheduling an air duct inspection and cleaning to help ensure no mold is hidden in your home’s ductwork.
Improving energy efficiency is a priority for many homeowners—it helps reduce monthly bills and benefits the environment. By making small changes in your daily living, you can experience the benefits of:
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Are you looking for ways to cut down on your energy consumption and reduce energy-related costs? Here are a few ways you can make your home more energy efficient:
How Air Duct Cleaning Can Help Energy Efficiency
So how does air duct cleaning help energy efficiency exactly?
While making the home more energy efficient, many homeowners often overlook one of the biggest sources of energy, the HVAC system. Your home’s source of heat and air is the lungs of your house, taking air in and breathing it back out through a series of air duct pathways. As your home goes through the seasons, dirt, dust, pet dander and more contaminants build up in your system’s air ducts, making it harder for the unit to reach that desired comfort level. As a result, more energy is required to function which adds to your energy bill.
Maintaining your HVAC system doesn’t just help you cut back on your energy costs, it also helps avoid expensive repairs and replacements in the future. The harder your system works to circulate air throughout your home, the more likely it will break down from overuse.
Even with regular air filter changes, your air ducts will need to be cleaned to ensure maximum efficiency in the long run.
- Improved indoor comfort
- Savings on energy bills
- Reducing moisture issues (like mold and condensation)
- Increasing your home’s resale value
- Reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions
How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Are you looking for ways to cut down on your energy consumption and reduce energy-related costs? Here are a few ways you can make your home more energy efficient:
- Make the switch to LED light bulbs and replace incandescent bulbs throughout your home.
- Maintain your HVAC by cleaning or changing the filters and getting regular tune-ups.
- Use a power strip for electronics and unplug or turn off devices that are not in use.
- Upgrade your least efficient appliance with a high-efficiency version.
How Air Duct Cleaning Can Help Energy Efficiency
So how does air duct cleaning help energy efficiency exactly?
While making the home more energy efficient, many homeowners often overlook one of the biggest sources of energy, the HVAC system. Your home’s source of heat and air is the lungs of your house, taking air in and breathing it back out through a series of air duct pathways. As your home goes through the seasons, dirt, dust, pet dander and more contaminants build up in your system’s air ducts, making it harder for the unit to reach that desired comfort level. As a result, more energy is required to function which adds to your energy bill.
Maintaining your HVAC system doesn’t just help you cut back on your energy costs, it also helps avoid expensive repairs and replacements in the future. The harder your system works to circulate air throughout your home, the more likely it will break down from overuse.
Even with regular air filter changes, your air ducts will need to be cleaned to ensure maximum efficiency in the long run.
