Why is Commercial Indoor Air Duct Cleaning Important?

The US air duct cleaning industry has been on the rise, rising at a rate of 0.4% to almost $500 million annually. With the added focus on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in residential properties, it is time to discuss the importance of air duct cleaning and IAQ for commercial properties. 

While often overlooked, commercial HVAC systems and air ducts are vital to any commercial property, from energy efficiency to the health and safety of occupants. Cleaning your air ducts is integral to commercial properties operating smoothly and efficiently. 
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On the flip side, neglecting your commercial HVAC system opens the building up to potential environmental hazards and energy efficiency issues.  Here are some reasons why air duct cleaning is essential for your commercial property: ​

PROTECTS YOUR EMPLOYEES & OCCUPANTS

​Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) can cause or magnify existing health conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and other autoimmune disorders.  In addition, unclean ducts are sure to worsen existing health conditions that dirty environments might exacerbate, such as asthma, eczema, or hay fever.

While safeguarding the health and safety of your employees is the main priority, safeguarding profits is another critical factor. Approximately 20% of all illnesses are caused by poor indoor air quality, leading to extensive time off for employees. Roughly $60 billion is lost yearly due to poor Indoor Air Quality related illnesses, illustrating that the investment in regular air duct cleaning and maintenance leads to long-term savings in other areas of your business. 

Beyond allergies and illnesses that can be caused or exacerbated by poor indoor air quality, it can also lead to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS is a building in which the environment puts the occupants at risk for upper respiratory infections. The symptoms of SBS include nasal irritation, eye irritation, and headaches, classifying 1 in 4 buildings in the US as “sick.” Making air duct cleaning a critical step to preventing SBS and ensuring the environment is safe and healthy for all occupants.  
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PROTECTS AGAINST MOLD & OTHER CONTAMINANTS

​Typical contaminants in HVAC systems are often only discovered during scheduled system inspections. Two of the biggest culprits are mold and rodents. HVAC systems, by nature, provide a dark, moist, and often humid environment, creating the perfect hiding spot for vermin and mold alike. The longer the HVAC system goes unchecked, the greater the risk for extensive damage.  More than 50% of properties in the US alone suffer from mold issues.

 Florida's humid climate is the perfect environment for mold to grow and thrive. Mold can spread quickly, requiring professional remediation and restoration services. Mold growth also releases microscopic spores into the air, which continually circulate through the HVAC system, spreading through the open air. These microscopic mold spores present a potential harm to asthma and allergy sufferers. Besides plant allergies, mold is Florida's second most significant cause of seasonal allergies, making it critical to protect occupants and employees from potential mold outbreaks.

As we mentioned earlier, mold may not be the only concern hiding in your HVAC systems, as rodents and mice are also commonly found in AC ducts. Although they are small, they can potentially cause devastating damage. Very little material is safe from rodent damage, but some are more susceptible than others, such as duct insulation and fiberglass duct board. These materials can quickly become nest material and create leaks and vulnerabilities in your HVAC system.

Beyond the devastating damage caused by a rodent infestation, another hidden danger comes from rodent droppings. Urine and droppings from mice carry the germs that cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which can then be blown throughout your HVAC system and circulate in the air. HPS can cause critical health issues if inhaled, leading to gastrointestinal diseases and chronic respiratory problems. 

Scheduling regular inspections of your HVAC system is the best way to guard against hidden contaminants. Inspections ensure that your equipment is in excellent working condition and provide the opportunity to quickly remedy any uncovered issues to prevent long-term damage or harm. 
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PROTECTS YOUR INVESTMENT & YOUR PROFITABILITY
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On top of keeping people in your building safe, clean air ducts are also essential for keeping your ventilation, air conditioning, and heat control in order. A buildup of dirt, dust, and debris can compromise the integrity of your equipment, causing a noticeable decline in performance and an increase in your energy cost. According to National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), a buildup of 0.042" can decrease HVAC efficiency by 21%.

Dirty air ducts mean that your electricity has to work harder to be effective. Higher energy usage inevitably leads to increased energy bills eating into profitability and potentially causing a financial strain.

Beyond reducing the efficiency of your equipment, there is also a risk that harmful buildup can cause potential damage to the HVAC system and its components. If neglected for too long, you can wear out the filters and vents, which can cause irreparable damage. Regular inspections, maintenance, and cleaning ensure the HVAC system performs at its best and extends the equipment's lifespan. Cleaning and sealing the air ducts ensures clean air enters your HVAC system and protects it from potential damage, saving you from unnecessary HVAC repair and replacement costs.
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While another expense to factor into your operating budget, a recent study by Carnegie Mellon estimates that a comprehensive IAQ program yields an average ROI of 120%. When considering the financial costs of low productivity, frequent sick leave, and poor energy efficiency, ensuring good IAQ is one of the best investments businesses can make.

SCHEDULE YOUR COMMERCIAL AIR DUCT CLEANING TODAY
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Lack of good commercial air duct cleaning will make you incur more treatment costs and energy bills, affecting your business' profits.
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If you are looking for commercial air duct cleaning services or want to learn more about comprehensive Indoor Air Quality services, we can help. Contact Duct Dynasty, Central Florida's premier air systems cleaning specialists, to learn more and schedule your service.