I am often asked "Do I really need to get my ducts cleaned, my home is brand new". The answer is a resounding yes. I have tried in vain to get builders to clean their air ducts before buyers move in. Even before the market crashed the attitude was always if they can't see it why bother. I have heard stories of customers who turned on the heating system for the first time in a brand new home and a cloud of dust filled the house. They call the builder and he told them that is normal just let it run for a few weeks and as you vacuum and dust it will go away. Well allot of it does go away; it leaves the air and goes right into your lungs. Technicians who have worked with me have also done work for builders. They said it was routine to let the dust fall into the duct when cutting the register openings. Sheet rock dust is the worst. Its gets into the air conditioning coil which is usually wet from condensation and sticks. It reduces the efficiency of the coil and creates a perfect mixture for mold. In an article on www.bobvila.com Jeffrey C May author of "My House is Killing Me" states "I would say in 95 percent of the new construction that I look at, the entire duct system is completely filthy before people ever move in,"
Now before I throw all builders under the buss I must say there are some very responsible Professionals out there. I have heard of some who own a temp furnace that they use for finish work when house is being constructed in cooler climates and don't put the real one in until the last nail is hammered. I also know of a few HVAC contractors who wrap all the vents with cheese cloth to prevent construction dust from enering the system and leave that there until the home is complete.
So how do you know if your ducts need to be cleaned? You don't, but you can find out very easy. Just call Ductz Indoor Air Professionals for a free inspection. A technician will create a 10" x 10" inspection opening and show you what's inside. If they are clean the opening will be permanently and professionally sealed. If they are dirty the technician will tell you the options available to you. Then you will have the peace of mind and health that comes with knowing your family is breathing the best possible air they can.
Al Gallucci
Ductz Indoor Air Professionals serving The Greater Pocono Area in PA
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