According to the USEPA, The levels of some hazardous pollutants in indoor air have been found to be up to 70 times greater than in outdoor air. One major source of indoor air pollution is dirty air ducts. Each time the furnace or air conditioner is in operation, dust, dirt particles, debris, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants are drawn into the duct system. Over time, the particles accumulate in the ducts. The duct system eventually becomes the perfect environment for the proliferation of mold, bacteria, and other organisms.
The air is pumped through the system and dispersed throughout the home where family members and pets become sick. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or people who are prone to allergies are at a greater risk of getting sick. Children and the elderly are also at a high risk of getting sick from poor indoor air. Fortunately, people now have the ability to have their ducts cleaned in order to improve the quality of their indoor air. People who live in condominiums have the same indoor air contaminants as homeowners and they should also have their ducts cleaned.
By having in-suite exhausts, heating/cooling systems, and clothing dryer units cleaned, Condo managers are providing residents with a healthy breathing environment. Dryers produce very large amounts of lint. There is a fair amount of lint that escapes the lint trap and gets into the vent system. Over time the accumulation of dryer lint can create a risk of a fire. Because lint is a highly flammable material, many insurance companies and fire departments require dryer vents to be inspected and cleaned regularly. Blocked airways and heat can cause lint to catch fire. Also, dryers that do not vent correctly are less efficient and therefore are more expensive to operate. Cleaning laundry vents and exhaust systems are essential to reducing the risk of a fire and improving energy efficiency.
When there is improper air ventilation, the indoor air becomes contaminated with air pollutants. The decrease in air ventilation results in Condo residents breathing bad air. The air duct cleaning method used by many cleaning companies consists of a portable power vacuum and an air compressor. This type of unit, or a similar designed unit, allows technicians to reach and thoroughly clean a Condo’s entire duct system. The cleaning units are quiet so residents will not be disrupted. Most companies use the most current duct cleaning equipment technology available. For example, robotic duct cleaning equipment is fast becoming a popular choice for many companies.
Many building are now becoming afflicted with a condition called ‘Sick Building Syndrome,’ including Condos. This term means that a building or home has contaminants in it that are making the occupants sick. Some main causes of Sick Building Syndrome include: toxins in such items as upholstery, carpets, treated wood products, cleaning products, as well as pesticides and certain types of plastic material that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, including formaldehyde. Biological contaminants can include pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds.
Dirty or moist air ducts provide the perfect home for the accumulation of debris, dust mites, and organisms. This can result in ‘sick building syndrome.’ Because Condos can have an extensive duct system, it is essential to have the systems cleaned regularly in order to maintain healthy indoor air for the condo residents.