Living in the Naples/Ft. Myers area, we hear a lot about how humidity and air pollution affects air quality and your health. But did you know that the air quality inside your home can be more polluted than outdoors? Dust, debris, mold and other contaminants collect in the ductwork and are continuously recirculated throughout your home every time the air conditioning kicks on.

Prevention: The First Line of Defense:

Of course, preventing dirt and debris from ever entering your ductwork is a smart first step. If you are renovating your home, make sure that ducts are sealed off before work begins to keep debris out; if you are building new, ensure that the existing ducts are cleaned before your new ductwork and air conditioner is installed. Changing filters often will also help keep larger particles of dust and dirt out of your system. You can also vacuum registers and ducts with a household vacuum cleaner to keep surface dust away. In fact, keeping your home clean and as free of dust, dander, hair and loose dirt as much as possible will pay off in terms of less debris entering your ductwork.

Professional Cleaning:

That being said, your vacuum cleaner can only do so much. You should have your ductwork professionally inspected and cleaned from time to time. Not only is this important in terms of air quality, but a dirty system will run less efficiently. If it seems that your AC system is not keeping your home cool, an inspection and cleaning may be in order. AC installation companies offer this service and it should include cleaning of your supply ducts, return ducts and branch lines, and it’s important to make sure that no hazardous chemicals are used to clean the ducts, as residual chemicals can present a hazard to your health.

Continuous Cleaning Inside your Ductwork:

In addition to professional ductwork cleaning, one of the best ways to kill bacteria, mold and viruses that may linger is to use air-purifying UV lights. UV light is shortwave radiation that kills germs, bacteria, mold and other pollutants and it works especially well in enclosed spaces, such as ductwork. Killing pollutants in the ducts will prevent contaminants from being recirculated through your home. UV radiation actually destroys the genetic structure of viruses, mold and bacteria, rendering it harmless. UV lights also capture and kill airborne contaminants that are too small to be trapped by filters. In forced air systems, UV lights are typically installed between the blower and the coil; since the coil is where mold tends to accumulate, this is an excellent way to deter its growth.

The air conditioning installation technicians at Certified Heating and Cooling are professionally trained in all aspects of ductwork repair, replacement and maintenance. We offer chemical-free ductwork cleaning and we can install UV lamps inside your ductwork to keep it clean and germ free. Call us today at (239) 204-4114 and breathe easier!