Air Duct Cleaning Could Be The Healthiest Home Improvement You Will Ever Make
By Pat Johnson

Your air duct system functions as the respiratory system of your home. When it becomes contaminated and congested, it should be cleaned so it can "breathe" normally and efficiently.

If you answer YES to any of the following questions, it may be time to have your air ducts cleaned.

-Does anyone in the house have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems?

-Does anyone in your family suffer from headaches, nasal congestion, or itchy eyes?

-Is there a smoker in the house?

-Do you have dogs, cats or other pets?

-Do you notice "musty" or "stale" odors when the furnace runs?

-Do you notice dust on your furniture shortly after cleaning?

-Does your furnace utilize a standard throw away filter?

Important Facts About Indoor Air Quality And Your Family's Health!

The quality of the air we breathe indoors has become an increasingly important environmental concern. Following are FACTS that have been determined by recognized authorities in the fields of health and air quality:

-Most people spend 60-90% of their time indoors. (American Lung Association)

-50% of all illnesses are either caused by, or aggravated by, polluted indoor air. (American College of Allergists)

-The levels of some hazardous pollutants in indoor air has been found to be up to 70 times greater than in outdoor air.

-Studies have shown that two out of three indoor air quality problems involve the Heating Ventilation System.

-One out of six people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to fungi and bacteria in air duct systems. (Total Health and Better Health Magazines)

-10-12 Million Americans suffer from Asthma (American College of Allergists)

-Children and the elderly are especially affected by polluted indoor air. (Department of Consumer Affairs)

Dust, dirt, pollen, animal dander and other airborne contaminants are pulled into your air duct system every time the furnace runs. These contaminants build up inside the duct work over time and can help make your duct system an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, mildew and other microbes. Each time the furnace is turned on, contaminants are spewed out and circulated throughout your home and affect the health and comfort of your family.

The removal of contaminants from the entire air duct system is recognized by industry experts as the most effective way to eliminate air duct pollutants.

Pat Johnson - President of Enviro-Pure Air Care, an Ottawa Duct Cleaning company located in Ontario, Canada

Pat has many years experience in the Duct Cleaning Industry and has written numerous articles about Duct Cleaning practices. Copyright © 2005 megazowie

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_Johnson

Indoor Air Quality: What You Can't See, CAN Hurt You!
By David Trosdahl

The air duct system in a house acts as its respiratory system. Dust, dirt, debris, pollens and microbial growth which accumulate inside of air ducts, hidden from view, literally "congest" the system and make it difficult for the house to "breath" properly and function efficiently. In fact, a 1987 ASHRAE study concluded that maintaining system cleanliness would reduce average operating costs by 10 to 25 percent.

More than 70 percent of all Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems involve the HVAC system. Dirty air ducts are an ideal breeding ground for mold spores, mildew, bacteria (including Legionella) and other health threatening microbial growth. Dirty ductwork can also result in higher energy bills, reduced air supply and premature failure of expensive HVAC components.

Here are some harmful things that could be in your air ducts:

FUNGI One out of six people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to fungi and bacteria in air duct systems. (Total Health and Better Health Magazines)

POLLEN Many people suffer from allergies due to pollen. Pollen is being re-circulated from your air ducts back into your home.

BACTERIA "Bacteria referred to as pathogens can cause a number of plant and animal diseases."

DUST MITES 42,000 dust mites can be found in one ounce of dust. Interestingly enough, it isn't the dust mites themselves that affect most people; it is the dust mite feces and the fungus and bacteria that feed on this decomposing organic matter.

David L. Trosdahl has been the CEO of 3 regional sales & marketing companies and founder of a non-profit corporation. Involved in air duct cleaning for several years, David has helped numerous families decide on the best method of air duct cleaning and at what intervals their ductwork should be cleaned. David has also bought and sold numerous residential properties, and has helped many people find a house for rent. David is also the founder of the real estate investing website: RentToOwn-MN.com and many others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Trosdahl

What Is Air Duct Cleaning?
By David Trosdahl

If you have received a coupon in the mail or a telemarketing call from an air duct cleaning company, you may be wondering what air duct cleaning is all about. These companies claim that air duct cleaning will improve the quality of your indoor air, but is it worth the costs? This article will attempt to explain air duct cleaning and the pros and cons associated with having this service done.

You are perhaps aware that indoor air pollution is an area of great concern. Many companies are marketing products and services in an attempt to help improve indoor air quality. By now you have likely seen or heard the ads promoting air duct cleaning and the benefits of removing mold, dirt, pollen and more from your air duct work.

Typically, but not always, these services range in cost from $100 to $1,000 per system, depending on the level of services offered, the type and size of the system to be cleaned, climatic region, and the level of contamination.

Air duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the hot and cold air supply and return air ducts and registers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensation drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

Even when properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components may still become contaminated with pollutants such as; dust particles, pollen or other allergens. According to the EPA; "...if moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms in people if they are exposed to them."

When choosing a company to clean your air ducts, it is important to understand what components will actually be cleaned and at what price. For example, a house without air conditioning does not have a cooling coil (a-coil), while another house might not have an air exchanger. Some companies claim to clean all the air duct work, but fail to mention that they do not clean the hot and cold air returns. Typically, the cold air return is the dirtiest part of your air ducts. Without cleaning all the components it is possible to re-contaminate the entire system.

David L. Trosdahl has been the CEO of 3 regional sales & marketing companies and founder of a non-profit corporation. Involved in air duct cleaning for several years, David has helped numerous families decide on the best method of air duct cleaning and at what intervals their ductwork should be cleaned. David has also bought and sold numerous residential properties, and has helped many people find a house for rent. David is also the founder of the real estate investing website: RentToOwn-MN.com and many others.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Trosdahl

Duct Cleaning Tips 

It is important to have properly functioning vents and ducts in your home for a number of reasons:

1. If your vents and ducts are not properly sealed then they will allow air leakage out of the home, and potentially damaging contaminants into the home. It is important to air seal all of the ducts in your home.
   
   
2. Often debris can end up in your ducts and can breakdown.  When this happens, particles enter your home and are circulated by the ducts.  It is important for health reasons to keep the ducts clean.
   
   
3. Duct cleaning seems like it is a job that could be done by the homeowner, but duct cleaning contractors use equipment that is specialized and not available to the average homeowner. For the best job it is best to go with a professional.
   
   
4. To keep from having to get professional cleanings too frequently you can clean the vents and openings of the ducts, using a vacuum to remove dust and dirt.
   
   
5. Changing air filters in your system will help cut down on the need for duct cleaning, as well as help your system run more efficiently and cut down on your utility bills.
   
   
6. Some duct cleaning companies offer products that will help prevent mold and fungus from growing in the ducts for an extra cost. Inquire about any risks from such products, and find out if your home is at a high risk for mold.
   
   
7. There are high-tech filters out on the market now, which are very efficient, but sometimes cut the amount of airflow to the furnace, causing it to overheat. If these higher end filters can work without the side effects they are a good idea, but be careful.
   
   

Duct cleaning contractors may also provide the following services:

• Carpet Cleaning
• Water Restoration
• HVAC
• Upholstery Cleaning