Tag: Duct Cleaning

Fiberglass Air Duct Liners | A Serious Indoor Air Quality Concern

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Most commercial air duct systems are internally lined with fiberglass duct liners.  Deteriorating fiberglass duct liner is a very common cause for indoor air quality complaints and adverse health effects.

Fiberglass Duct Liner

Fiberglass internal duct liner is commonly used in many commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.  Fiberglass duct liner provides sound attenuation by dampening noise from HVAC equipment, and sound from adjacent office spaces.  Fiberglass duct liner provides thermal insulation for air ducts, preventing the air ducts from losing expensive conditioned air.

Fiberglass Duct Liner Deterioration

Over time internal fiberglass duct liner is exposed to varying degrees of air turbulence, temperature and humidity.  These environmental changes take its toll on the duct liner, breaking down its primary seal.

The primary seal is a black gritty coating on the surface of the duct liner which locks down the fiberglass fibers.  Deteriorated primary coating migrates through the ventilation system depositing within HVAC components and eventually entering the indoor air.

After the primary seal has fully deteriorated, it allows raw fiberglass fibers to be exposed to the airstream.  Turbulent airstreams wick the raw fiberglass fibers through the ventilation system, creating additional deposits within HVAC components and exposing building occupants to raw fiberglass fibers.

Health Effects of Fiber Glass Fibers

Health effects from exposure to fiberglass can be different depending on the fiber size and type of exposure.  Fiberglass, at a minimum, is an acute physical irritant to the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract.

  • While no long-term health effects should occur from touching fiberglass. Rashes can appear when the fibers become embedded in the outer layer of the skin.
  • Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass as occupants touch horizontal surfaces with deposits of fiberglass fibers, and rub their eyes.
  • Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass.
  • Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.

How Can Fiberglass Air Ducts Be Repaired?

If caught in the early stages of deterioration the internal fiberglass duct liner can be repaired.  Fiberglass duct liner can be resurfaced with an encapsulate specifically designed for HVAC systems.   Initially a commercial air duct cleaning needs to be performed to remove the foreign debris from the air duct surface to ensure for a proper bond.  After the air duct system is cleaned, the encapsulate is applied to the air duct surface locking down the fiberglass fibers.

If the internal fiberglass lining to too deteriorated, the lining must be removed and replaced.  If the damage is localized,  new internal internal insulation can be installed within the ducting.  If the damage is extensive, consider removing the damaged insulation and wrapping the air ducts with an external fiberglass insulation.

The Danger of Dust Mites

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Dust is a combination of pollen, plant and mold spores, pet dander, human skin, lint, bacteria, and other contaminants. While any of these can affect breathing and allergies, dust mites can be a particular problem.

What is a Dust Mite?

Dust mites are tiny insects that are invisible to the naked eye that feed on human skin flakes.  Dust mites thrive in stable environments like indoor dwellings and can survive in almost any temperature at almost any altitude. In other words, dust mites are in every home that has dust.

Why are Dust Mites Dangerous?

Dust mites can negatively affect human health because they are a common trigger for allergies and asthma.  Body parts and feces from dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with allergic reactions to dust mites, and exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.

How to Control Dust Mites

While you cannot eliminate dust mites, the easiest way to limit the amount of dust mites in your home is to limit the amount of dust in your home.

  • Wash bedding and pillows in frequently as dust mites thrive in these areas where skin flakes collect.  If necessary, mattresses and pillows can be covered in allergen-impermeable covers.
  • Avoid furry and feathered pets as they contribute to the food sources for dust mites.  If you cannot part with your pet, prevent them from occupying your sleeping area.
  • Vacuum fabric furniture and carpet with vacuum cleaner equipped with a high efficient vacuum filter.
  • If you have children, choose washable stuffed toys, and keep stuffed toys off the bed.
  • Dust all surfaces weekly.  Do not scatter dust, use a damp cloth when dusting.
  • Maintain a low relative humidity; the ideal relative humidity in a home is between 30-50%.
  • Have the air ducts cleaned.  Ventilation systems require routine maintenance to prevent dust from being re-circulated throughout the home.
  • In rare instances, chemicals may be recommended to eradicate dust mites, if this is necessary speak to a professional.

Allergen Test Kit Featured on FOX 31 KDVR Martino TV

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Ductworks, Inc. and National Jewish Health Featured On FOX 31 / KDVR: Martino TV

Consumer advocate Tom Martino featured the Family Air Kit®, an allergen and mold Test Kit,  developed by National Jewish Health that tests for substances that can cause allergic and asthmatic reactions.

Tom Martino and  Paula Haddock interviewed Jeffery Nathanson, the Executive Director of Business Development and Eddy Frisk, of Ductworks, Inc. to discuss the benefits of the Family Air Kit®

The Family Air Kit® is a cost effective and accurate means of testing the indoor air quality of your home or business.   The Family Air Kit® tests the longitudinal effect of dust in the home.

Ductworks, Inc. and National Jewish Health provide a comprehensive approach to controlling symptoms for people who suffer from allergies and asthma.

Pigeons Cause Devastating Indoor Air Quality and HVAC Problems

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Pigeon problems have devastating effects on the heating and cooling components and indoor air quality of a commercial facility.  Pigeon problems affect employees, maintenance personnel and potentially customers.

HVAC Systems Make Perfect Pigeon Coups

Unfortunately, rooftop heating and cooling units are a perfect place for pigeons to nest.  To seek shelter from the elements, pigeons typically enter air handler units through the fresh air intakes and build their nests within the HVAC unit.  A single pair of pigeons can generate up to 18 new pigeons per year.  Once a nest is established, pigeons are extremely territorial.

Indoor Air Quality

An HVAC system distributes the air throughout a facility.  The bacteria, fungi and parasites that live and grow in pigeon droppings can carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases.  Exposure to pigeon feces and other organic matter such as feathers carcasses and nesting material from the HVAC system may pose a considerable health threat to people who come in contact with them or inhale the airborne particles from them.  Every precaution should be taken to ensure that building occupants and maintenance personnel are protected from pigeon feces.

Damage to HVAC Systems

As pigeons live in the air handler units they peck through filter material allowing unfiltered air and pigeon contaminants to freely enter the ventilation system.  There are numerous damaging effects to an HVAC system.

  • Filter banks: Pigeons peck though filter banks allowing for unfiltered air and pigeon contaminants to be drawn into HVAC components and supply air ducts.
  • Fan Blower: Pigeon debris builds within the fan blades decreasing airflow.
  • Air conditioner coils: Pigeon debris compacts within air conditioner coils and clogs the drain pan.
  • Insulation: Pigeons peck at insulation to create nesting material allowing for raw fiberglass fibers to enter the airstream.

How Do You Correct Pigeon Problems?

 

Hire a professional wildlife service or animal control contractor to relocate existing pigeons, and install devices to prevent future intrusions.  Have the pigeon debris removed by a professional air duct cleaning contractor.  Be sure to have the air duct cleaning contractor inspect the supply air ducts downstream of the HVAC unit.

Smoke and Fire Damaged Air Ducts

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An air duct system is very efficient at spreading smoke.  When a fire occurs, the entire HVAC system will be contaminated, to a lesser or greater degree.  It is likely that the air duct system will distribute smoke damage well beyond the area of the fire.

Smoke Damage from an Active Air Duct System

Unfortunately, a forced air ventilation system is rather effective at spreading smoke damage.  Smoke is drawn into return air vents, through the furnace components, and distributed throughout the home or building through the supply air ducts.  If the HVAC system was operating at the time of fire, the return air side will be the most contaminated.

Passive Air Duct Smoke Damage

Even if the heating and ventilation system is not in use, there is a natural or passive air movement throughout the ventilation system.  If the air duct system wan not in operation during the fire, the return and supply air ducts closest to the fire will be the most contaminated.

Absorption of Odors

Smoke is naturally attracted to metal surfaces and is corrosive in nature.  As the smoke enters the air ducts it will cling to the steel, and will absorb into the debris within the air duct system.  A ventilation system has to be thoroughly cleaned in order to remove smoke damage.

Odor Oxidizer

After the ventilation system has been cleaned, an odor oxidizer is applied within the air ducts.  An odor oxidizer naturally breaks downs the odor causing chemicals of the smoke damage.

Encapsulation

In some instances of extreme smoke damage, air ducts will need to be encapsulated to remediate the smoke damage.  After the air ducts are cleaned, an encapsulates approved for use within HVAC systems is applied uniformly throughout the ventilation system.

Green Air Duct Cleaning


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Green air duct cleaners employ advanced methods and materials specifically for green cleaning.   They make an extra effort to not allow any dust to escape outdoors or indoors, and only use natural cleaning products.

Clean & Maintained Air Duct Cleaning Equipment

Green air duct cleaning companies ensure that equipment is cleaned and maintained to prevent introducing contaminants into the home or business.  HEPA vacuums require routine inspection to ensure that the filter is properly sealed and operating at peak performance.  HEPA filtered vacuums to prevent dust from being re-released into the air.

No Dust Escapes

No dust should enter your home or be released outside during the air duct cleaning process. Green air duct cleaning companies use source removal cleaning procedures to mechanically agitate and HEPA vacuum debris from the wall of the air ducts.

Green Cleaning Products

Cleaning solvents are needed to clean debris air vent vent registers and furnace components.  Only non-toxic, biodegradable, non-corrosive, non-flammable, environmentally safe cleaning products are to be used.

Limited Use of Sanitizers

Sanitizing agents should  ONLY be used if there is microbial problem. Any sanitizer used in the HVAC system must be specifically registered by the EPA or other applicable regulatory agency for the use in HVAC systems.

Never Use Scented Sprays

Green air duct cleaning companies never use scented spays within air ducts.  A proper cleaning of the air vents will remove the debris harboring the odor.  Scented sprays mask odors, and can potentially cause an adverse reaction to home or building occupants.

Ductworks, Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert, in Denver Post

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Local Air Duct Cleaning Company in Denver Post

In the January 27th, 2010 Colorado Business Section, the Denver Post wrote:

Ductworks Inc. of Denver is collaborating with National Jewish Health to provide a comprehensive approach to controlling symptoms for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. Ductworks and National Jewish Health are marketing and distributing the Family Air Care Indoor Allergens and Mold Test Kit.

SOURCE:  Denver Post

For more information on Ductworks and the Family Air Care Kit, go to www.ductworks.com.

What The EPA Says About Air Duct Cleaning

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The EPA offers consumers advice about when to get their air ducts clean, how to choose a provider, and qualities to avoid in providers. The EPA does not certify air duct cleaners, so the consumer is responsible for conducting their own research.

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

How do Air Ducts Become Dirty?

If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, HVAC components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. 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.

What to expect from an Air Duct Cleaning Service Provider

If you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, it important to make sure the service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and is qualified to do so.

  • Open access ports or doors to allow the entire system to be cleaned and inspected.
  • Inspect the system before cleaning to be sure that there are no asbestos-containing materials (e.g., insulation, register boots, etc.) in the heating and cooling system. Asbestos-containing materials require specialized procedures and should not be disturbed or removed except by specially trained and equipped contractors.
  • Use vacuum equipment that exhausts particles outside of the home or use only high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuuming equipment if the vacuum exhausts inside the home.
  • Protect carpet and household furnishings during cleaning.
  • Use well-controlled brushing of duct surfaces in conjunction with contact vacuum cleaning to dislodge dust and other particles.
  • Use only soft-bristled brushes for fiberglass duct board and sheet metal ducts internally lined with fiberglass. (Although flex duct can also be cleaned using soft-bristled brushes, it can be more economical to simply replace accessible flex duct.)
  • Take care to protect the duct work, including sealing and re-insulating any access holes the service provider may have made or used so they are airtight.
  • Follow NADCA’s standards for air duct cleaning and NAIMA’s recommended practice for ducts containing fiber glass lining or constructed of fiber glass duct board.
The EPA offers consumers advice about when to get their air ducts clean, how to choose a provider, and qualities to avoid in providers. The EPA does not certify air duct cleaners, so the consumer is responsible for conducting their own research.

What is Air Duct Cleaning?

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

How do Air Ducts Become Dirty?

If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, HVAC components may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. 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.

What to expect from an Air Duct Cleaning Service Provider

If you decide to have your heating and cooling system cleaned, it important to make sure the service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and is qualified to do so.

Open access ports or doors to allow the entire system to be cleaned and inspected.

Inspect the system before cleaning to be sure that there are no asbestos-containing materials (e.g., insulation, register boots, etc.) in the heating and cooling system. Asbestos-containing materials require specialized procedures and should not be disturbed or removed except by specially trained and equipped contractors.

Use vacuum equipment that exhausts particles outside of the home or use only high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) vacuuming equipment if the vacuum exhausts inside the home.

Protect carpet and household furnishings during cleaning.

Use well-controlled brushing of duct surfaces in conjunction with contact vacuum cleaning to dislodge dust and other particles.

Use only soft-bristled brushes for fiberglass duct board and sheet metal ducts internally lined with fiberglass. (Although flex duct can also be cleaned using soft-bristled brushes, it can be more economical to simply replace accessible flex duct.)

Take care to protect the duct work, including sealing and re-insulating any access holes the service provider may have made or used so they are airtight.

Follow NADCA’s standards for air duct cleaning and NAIMA’s recommended practice for ducts containing fiber glass lining or constructed of fiber glass duct board.

Ductworks Collaborates with National Jewish Health® to Help Families Detect Allergens at Home

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Family Air Care Indoor Allergens & Mold Test Kit

Ductworks, Inc., is collaborating with National Jewish Health to provide a comprehensive approach to controlling symptoms for people who suffer from allergies and asthma. National Jewish has developed a diagnostic kit to assess the allergen levels in indoor environments.

Ductworks and National Jewish Health are working together on marketing and distribution of the Family Air Care® Indoor Allergens and Mold Test Kit. The kit, developed and serviced by National Jewish Health in Denver, determines levels of common indoor allergens and mold from dust samples taken inside a home, apartment or other building. The kit is now available through Ductworks for $299.

Once the diagnostic assessment of the home is complete, users can go to the Family Air Care® Website to learn how to lower allergen levels in their homes.

“The Family Air Care® kit is the only commercially available indoor-air testing kit that lets customers compare their results with samples from homes around the nation, and offers specific advice about how to interpret the results and what to do after receiving them,” said David Tinkelman, MD, Vice President of Health Initiatives at National Jewish Health.

To use the Family Air Care® Indoor Allergens and Mold Test Kit, consumers simply attach a small capture device to their vacuum-cleaner hose, briefly run the vacuum cleaner in their homes, then mail the collection device to National Jewish Health in a pre-paid envelope provided with the kit. Test results are reported in a secure e-mail. The kits can be ordered online at www.Ductworks.com.

“The Family Air Care®assessment benefits all households, but is especially important to the 70 percent of households where a person with allergies and/or asthma lives,” said Dr. Tinkelman. “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that people with allergies and/or asthma reduce levels of allergens and irritants in their homes to improve their health.”

About National Jewish Health

National Jewish Health is known worldwide for treatment of patients with respiratory, immune and related disorders, and for groundbreaking medical research. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health provides the best integrated and innovative care for patients and their families.

For 12 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked National Jewish Health the No. 1 respiratory hospital in the nation. Scholarly publisher Thomson Scientific has ranked National Jewish among the 25 most influential research institutions in the world in its areas of focus. Further information can be found by visiting www.nationaljewish.org.

About Ductworks

Ductworks, Inc. “Your Air Duct Cleaning Expert” is a Denver-based company founded in 1990 to improve indoor air quality for homes and businesses. Their patented system of scraping and vacuuming is the most effective process for air duct cleaning. They have more technicians certified by the NADCA than any company in Colorado and provide customers with before and after photos to insure top quality performance. For more information on Ductworks and the Family Air Care Kit, go to www.ductworks.com.

What is The National Air Duct Cleaners Association?

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The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) was formed in 1989 as a non-profit association of companies engaged in the cleaning of HVAC systems. Its mission was to promote source removal as the only acceptable method of cleaning and to establish industry standards for the association.

Air Duct Cleaning Standards

Since the EPA does not certify air duct cleaners, consumers are glad to know that the NADCA exists to provide comprehensive information to both consumers and providers. NADCA currently holds the highest standards of service and only certifies those providers with the knowledge to perform professional air duct cleaning.

Air Duct Cleaning Certifications

NADCA also provides the following certifications:

  • ASCS Certification: Air System Cleaning Specialists
  • CVI Certification: Certified Ventilation Inspectors
  • VSMR Certification: Ventilation System Mold Remediators

Air Duct Cleaning Checklists

NADCA also provides consumers and providers with checklists to ensure quality of service.  All members are required to perform work in accordance with NADCA Standards. As part of its Quality Assurance Program, NADCA provides information about how to select a qualified contractor along with pre – and post-cleaning checklists to ensure that total system cleaning is performed.  Reviewing the checklist is an excellent way to ensure quality of the air duct cleaning.