Indoor Mold – Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Mold spores are in the air, at all times, in almost every biome. Mold is a fungus that naturally eats dead plant matter like old logs and thick underbrush. However, mold cannot tell the difference between a damp log and the soaked drywall of a house. If mold grows too dense, thick clouds of mold spores can become harmful to humans nearby. If any part of your home is flooded or soaked, it can grow mold. Mold can grow invisibly behind drywall, inside seat cushions, and under carpet pads. But as each mold colony grows, the spore concentration can become harmful. Mold exposure can cause various allergic symptoms – all the time and worse at home – and certain types of mold can even cause permanent medical damage. One of the places mold can grow is inside your home’s ducts, so our team at A-Z Air Ducts has become acutely aware of just how important living mold-free can be for a family’s health. Let’s review the most common types of indoor mold. Common Types of Indoor Mold Acremonium is a white powdery mold that prefers air ducts. Alternaria is a fuzzy white mold with black spots. It prefers fabrics and wallpaper; growing near windows and air conditioners creates local moisture. Aspergillus is a green, gray, and white mold that often has dark spots. Preferring attics, basements, fabrics, and walls, this sturdy mold can also grow on your dry food stores. Aureobasidium is a pink mold with black spots. It prefers wood, caulking drywall, and ground. Cladosporium is a green, brown, or black colored mold. It likes warm or cool locations and prefers wood, fabric, carpet, and ducts. Penicillium is a blue, green, and yellow mold. It prefers moist carpets, basements, and insulation. Stachybotrys is the deadly Black Mold, which is green to black and prefers cellulose found in drywall, fiberboard, wallpaper, and soaked paper. Trichoderma is a cream mold that turns green. It prefers wood and is often found on wood window frames near the moisture from bathrooms and kitchens. Symptoms of Mold Exposure Mold exposure can affect each person differently. One person may show allergy symptoms; another may develop headaches and light sensitivity. Seek medical attention immediately and mention any signs of household mold if these symptoms appear alone or in related clusters within a household. Mild to severe allergic reactions Runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, skin itching, coughing, sneezing, mental fog Headaches and tension Light sensitivity Mental fog and cognitive deterioration Rashes, skin irritation, and hives Symptoms become worse at night and in the morning History of unexplained family illnesses while living in the house colds, headaches, mystery allergies, skin problems Children or elderly in the house show signs of asthma Everyone in the family is sick, but not all in the same way Symptoms increase at home Symptoms manifest in response to the household routine Symptoms persist after medical treatment Symptoms persist after deep cleaning Signs of Black Mold in Air Vents Black Mold is known as the most deadly common mold that can grow in your home or commercial building. Black mold or Stachybotrys releases mycotoxins in the air, which cause an accumulation of illness symptoms in those who live nearby and has been known to cause deaths. Black mold can grow anywhere with moisture in your home and often hides in unseen places, like in the damp dust coating the inside of your air vents. Watch out for signs of black mold that may be growing in your ducts. A strong smell of sour laundry Black spots around the vents and air registers in the home Family experiences breathing problems Family experiences individual allergy symptoms that may be stronger at home or overnight Nausea, dizziness, and mental fog Decreased energy and fatigue How to Prevent Mold in Your Home If you want to prevent hidden and dangerous mold growth in your home, deny it places to grow. Mold needs porous materials, preferably organic and wood, and it needs moisture. Anything in your home that gets soaked in a flood or plumbing accident is at risk. Anything that is suffused with moisture can often be seen as water damage. The first step is to prevent water damage. The second is to dry your home using fans and heaters as quickly as possible. Extracting moisture quickly will keep mold spores from taking root. For air ducts and other places that are naturally slightly moist, keep them dust-free. Mold occurs because dust builds up in the system. Regular cleaning sweeps out all the dust and allergens that build up during the year, while air purification significantly reduces the particles that ever reach your ducts. Many quality air purification systems can prevent mold from flowing through your family’s HVAC system. Air purifiers can prevent air duct mold by reducing dust buildup and spore exposure at the same time. Residential HVAC Air Purification Services in Phoenix, AZ If you suspect there is or could be mold growing in your air duct, don’t wait for the family to develop medical symptoms. If your family is currently showing signs of at-home allergens or cognitive decline, air duct cleaning is an easy way to eliminate risk. A-Z Air Duct is dedicated to maintaining excellent air quality for Arizona homes and businesses. Contact us today for air duct cleaning services and air purification system selection. If your family members or you are experiencing acute allergic reactions or other mold exposure symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and mention the risk of household mold. Image Credit / Shutterstock / Virunja CONTACT US TODAY
How Do Professionals Clean Dryer Vents
Dryer vents are clogged with lint frequently, causing the dryer to overheat and become a fire hazard. To clean your dryer like a pro, you’ll need to use the air duct cleaning method, which involves the combination of a vacuum and a brush. Attach the vacuum to the exhaust vent on the outside of the home. Then insert a tube brush into the vent and brush the lint and debris away from the walls. Luckily, there are professional dryer vent cleaners who can help you out. This article will help you understand more about air duct cleaning and why it’s important to use professional dryer vent cleaning services. Why Does My Dryer Vent Need to be Cleaned? Every year, there are up to 3,000 dryer fires, resulting in over $35 million in property damage, dozens of injuries, and up to five fatalities. One of the factors leading to these fires is clogged dryer vents. Unclean and dried-out vents might still be harmful even if a dryer doesn’t catch fire. Whenever dryer vents are blocked, dangerous gas vapors enter the house. Your health could be significantly impacted by breathing in these gasses. Benefits of Dryer Vents Cleaning Maintaining a clean vent will help extend the life of your dryer. Your clothing will also dry more quickly as clean dryers operate more efficiently than filthy ones. Additionally, an inefficient dryer raises your energy costs because a dirty dryer uses more energy when it works harder. Your bill may decrease once you clean those vents. The main advantage of cleaning your dryer is your family’s safety. You can’t wait until someone is hurt to take action. Maintaining your dryer can ensure that it functions effectively while protecting your family. Can’t I Just Clean the Dryer Vents Myself? You may. Dryer duct cleaning regularly is an excellent idea. It will minimize any buildups that you can’t get to. However, you most likely lack the equipment and adequate knowledge that professional cleaners have, making it impossible for you to remove all of the debris and obstructions from the vents. Always Hire a Professional While you may do an excellent trial on your own, you should always engage professional dryer vent cleaning for a thorough cleaning. Our experts have years of expertise cleaning dryer vents, all the necessary equipment, and the appropriate training. What to Expect From a Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Our knowledgeable technician’s initial step will be to locate the external dryer cap and take it off. They will slip a vacuum and snake brush into the vent, dislodge, and remove any obstructions. They’ll use the snake brush to scrub any blockages off the inside of the vents. The elbows and other kinks in the ventilation system will get the top care. After a dryer vent cleaning, we will often perform a diagnostic test. The results of this test will determine the amount of gas entering your home and whether there are any leaks. However, not all dryer vent cleanings include this step. Most cleanings include scraping material away and sucking it out of the vent. Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning If your dryer vent begins to clog up, you can tell by paying attention to some of these indicators: Drying your clothes requires more than one round Wet clothing has a musty odor after washing The room gets hot when the dryer is on There’s debris inside of the dryer vent The lint trap is overflowing with lint The smell of used dryer sheets is noticeable Professional HVAC & Dryer Vent Cleaning in Phoenix, AZ A-Z Air Duct is your go-to company when you want to improve the air quality in your home and save money on energy bills year-round. We are a family-owned business in Phoenix, Arizona, offering complete air duct professional dryer vent cleaning services. Since we are located in the same area as you, we can easily relate to the challenges we Phoenicians have with the air quality. Whether it’s the dead of winter, the height of summer, or the dreaded monsoon season, we’ll ensure your home is clean and dry so you can relax safely. Contact us today for a free quote and learn more about our services. Image Credit / Shutterstock / Lost_in_the_Midwest CONTACT US TODAY
Benefits Of Air Duct Cleaning in Arizona
Did you know the average home collects about 40 pounds of dust yearly? Most of this dust goes into your air duct and out into the warm or cool air pumped and circulated into your household. While air ducts are vital components of a home’s HVAC system, they typically collect dirt and dust, increasing the need for scheduled cleaning. As a relatively new concept, duct cleaning services are becoming increasingly popular due to the resulting air duct cleaning benefits. Check out below the key benefits of air duct cleaning. Improves Indoor Air Quality Indoor air typically contains dust, pet dander, volatile chemicals, pesticides, and carbon monoxide, which get sucked into the HVAC system. Gradually, these contaminants accumulate in the ducts and eventually find a way into your indoor living space. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to such contaminants can have mild to adverse effects such as allergy stimulation and respiratory problems. Fortunately, professional residential duct cleaning services help eliminate these contaminants. By keeping your ducts clean, your indoor air quality will automatically improve. Eliminates Awful Odors Odors in a typical household range from tobacco fumes and paint fumes to cleaning agents and spoiled food. Stale odors often get stuck in the ducts and flow back in. Unfortunately, odors can be persistent and create a long-lasting negative impression. Furthermore, stale odors make your home uninhabitable and attract flies or unwanted pests. Eliminating awful odors and trapped particles from the ductwork is one of the best air duct cleaning benefits. Helps Eliminate Irritants The average ductwork likely harbors dangerous microorganisms and airborne contaminants. Exposing children, seniors, or individuals with weak immune systems to such airborne contaminants can have adverse effects. Such irritants include pollen, mold spores, and pet dander, triggering asthma attacks and allergic symptoms upon entering your indoor atmosphere. Scheduled duct cleaning services can help eliminate and prevent allergens and irritants from circulating within your indoor atmosphere. Having your air ducts cleaned improves the cleanliness of the air in your home. Prolong the AC Unit’s Lifespan Dirty and dusty air ducts cause the AC units to run longer periods to maintain comfortable indoor air conditions. Unfortunately, this puts an extra strain on the AC unit and increases the chance of unit tear and wear. Even worse, the AC unit will be more prone to unexpected breakdowns, leading to costly in-house repair calls. The longer you stay without cleaning your ductwork, the further you strain vital AC components, potentially leading to system failure. Therefore, one of the long-term benefits of air duct cleaning is prolonging your HVAC system’s lifespan. Boost Your HVAC Unit’s Efficiency Is your AC running slower or less efficient than expected? An ineffective HVAC unit can result from many factors, such as a damaged thermostat or electrical wiring failure. Low and fluctuating airflow is a common inefficiency in HVAC units caused by debris and dust particle accumulation within the ductwork. The inefficient flow of conditioned air leads to hot and cold spots within the house. Consequently, this strains your HVAC unit to try and compensate for the air loss, leading to increased utility bills. Cleaning your ductwork allows air to travel easily, allowing your AC system to function optimally and helping you save air conditioning costs. Professional Air Duct Cleaning in Phoenix, AZ A reliable and reputable AC company can help you realize and enjoy the benefits of air duct cleaning. A-Z Air Duct is a leading HVAC company serving residential and commercial clients in Phoenix and its surroundings. If you’re unsure how often you should clean your air ducts, schedule a consultation with one of our air conditioning experts for proper guidance. However, if you’re ready to improve your indoor air quality, contact us for a free quote. Image Credit CONTACT US TODAY
What Type of Air Purifier Do I Need?
How to Choose an Air Purifier: Buying Guide The quality of the air inside your home is as important as the temperature. While your HVAC system is responsible for heating and indoor cooling air to stay comfortable when you are inside, it does not regulate the air quality, which could be a problem. If you want to breathe easier, it is a good idea to look into which types of air purifiers are available for your home. The ActivePure technology offered by A-Z Air Duct is a superior system designed to keep your air clean and improve your quality of life Understanding What You Are Buying Before you start shopping around for an air purifier, you need to understand exactly what you are looking for. An air purifier is different from a filter. A filter keeps contaminants out of your HVAC unit, while an air purifier pulls pollutants out of the air to improve the indoor air quality of your home. The purpose of using air scrubbers in the home is to pull contaminants out of the air inside the house and make it easier for you and your family to breathe. You may not even know that you have poor indoor air quality until you invest in an air purifier and notice a difference in your breathing. Many people think that relying on standard air filters and basic air purifiers is enough to clean up the air inside their homes, but this is not always true. ActivePure Technology is a superior type of air purifier that creates oxidizing molecules to sanitize the air. Why Room Size Matters in Air Purifier Selection Every room in your home is affected by the quality of the air inside the house. Traditional air filters protect the HVAC unit, but they do little to remove contaminants from the air inside the home. Other air purifiers may only work in small areas, so if you want your entire house to be filled with crisp, clean air, you’ll need to install an air purification unit in every room. However, you can invest in ActivePure technology to purify all the air in your home. Just make sure the size of your HVAC unit is compatible with the size of your home, and the purification technology will do the rest of the work. What’s In the Air and What Do You Want To Remove? At any given time, you have thousands of microscopic particles floating in the air inside your home. You may not have paid attention to your indoor air quality in the past, but if you are struggling with allergies or tend to fall ill more often than you should, it may be time to test the air in your house. If your air quality is poor, you may find bacteria, viruses, organic compounds, and odors floating throughout your house. Poor air quality can also be caused by having the following particles floating inside your home: Smoke Pet dander Mold Dust mites Pollen Viruses Any of these particles could trigger respiratory issues. While they could manifest in allergy or cold symptoms, these respiratory symptoms could also just make you feel fatigued and keep you from getting adequate rest so you can recharge. Improving the air quality of your home by removing these pollutants is an easy way to boost your quality of life. ActivePure Technology works by oxidizing the molecules of your indoor air to strip away these unwanted particles. The system has been proven to remove 99.99% of pollutants to leave you with crisp air inside that can improve your quality of life. What Not To Buy – Buyer Beware Air purifiers can be helpful, but they are not a treatment for respiratory issues. They can eliminate many of your triggers, but installing one doesn’t mean that you can stop other types of treatment. Most air purifiers only work on certain types of particles, so they are only effective if they get rid of the specific particle that is triggering your health problems. For example, few air filters get rid of dust mites because they tend to live in carpet or bedding. If pollen and pet dander are what trigger your allergies, an air purification system can be helpful for reducing your symptoms. If you’re interested in improving the quality of air inside your home, it is best to use a whole-house system such as ActivePure Technology. Rather than simply filtering the air in a single room, the purification system will work throughout your home to reduce the number of allergens in the air. If you only invest in a portable air purifier, you will only have clean air in a single room. Air Purifiers Vs. ActivePure Technology System Standard air purifiers and ActivePure technology have the same essential purpose, but the latter option is much more effective. Air purifiers are only capable of cleaning the air inside your home, while ActivePure technology also targets surfaces to eliminate pollutants. This revolutionary technology uses UV rays to clean surfaces and clean air molecules before releasing them back into your home to identify and get rid of any contaminants in the air. Additionally, as an active system, ActivePure actively purifies the air in your entire home, while passive systems only capture what is sucked into the system or filter in that room. Passive systems may be less expensive upfront, but the costs add up in the long term with the energy consumption required to suck in and blow out air and the constant replacement of filters. Passive air filtration systems can also be much noisier than an ActivePure system. Making the Choice – Fitting Your Needs ActivePure Technology is a great investment for your home. Not only does it clean your air, but it also removes pollutants from the surfaces inside your home, so you can breathe easier. It is more effective than traditional air purifiers at getting rid of common contaminants, and studies show that this technology effectively removes up to 99.98% of pollution inside
Which Contaminants Can Affect Home Air Quality?
Around Phoenix and throughout the country, indoor air quality remains a considerable concern. This concern only grows as people spend more and more time inside due to environmental disasters that pollute outdoor air, like forest fires. However, when the concern is something microscopic and otherwise invisible to the human eye, it can be challenging to know exactly what contaminants affect home air quality and what contaminants to be concerned about. With this difficulty can come a belief it’s not essential to filter your home’s indoor air. Unfortunately, those beliefs are unfounded. To demonstrate this, we’ll go over the adverse health effects of indoor air on human health and some of the most common sources of poor indoor air in homes and businesses. Why Are Indoor Air Pollutants Hazardous? To care about the quality of your home’s air is to care about your health and the health of anyone else who enters your house. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, just a single exposure to a pollutant is enough to cause adverse health effects, such as dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and irritation in your eyes, nose, and throat. For those with asthma, the consequences can worsen and cause an aggravated attack. It should be noted that these are merely the immediate effects. The long-term effects of exposure to indoor air contaminants and air quality problems can be even worse. Severe illnesses, like cancer, heart disease, and some forms of respiratory disease, can develop in those with repeated exposure to indoor air pollutants. While these extreme outcomes may not occur for everyone, the fact that these illnesses are possible should concern everyone. What Indoor Air Pollutants Are Hazardous? Some indoor air contaminants come from expected sources, such as cigarette smoke. Others may come from a beloved pet. Due to our dusty environment in Arizona, we must be especially vigilant in maintaining a high standard of air quality in our home. If you don’t, you may find yourself dealing with the health issues listed above. 1. Bacteria and Other Biological Contaminants Biological contaminants, such as bacteria, mold, mildew, and viruses, can be hazardous0 to those breathing them in. These contaminants can easily spread through the air and are difficult to control. That is, if someone has the flu in one part of your home, the virus can spread through the HVAC system even if the person is otherwise isolated. Mold and mildew can also spread and grow rapidly due to microscopic spores. Suppose you’ve recently had an issue with standing water or issues with damp, moist areas of your home. In that case, you are even more likely to experience the spread of these biological contaminants. 2. Combustion It’s incredibly important for a home or business to be well ventilated. Gas-fired appliances, such as furnaces, ranges, and water heaters, can produce dangerous gases. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrous oxides can quickly build up in your home. Somewhat fortunately, some gases give off a noxious odor that makes them relatively easy to identify. Carbon monoxide, on the other hand, is colorless and odorless. Without appropriately placed carbon monoxide monitors inside your home, you could be exposed to this toxic gas without even realizing it. Should the carbon monoxide leak occur at night, it may be too late for you to take corrective actions and leave home. 3. Dust Arizona’s desert environment is prone to dust storms. There also tends to be a lot of new construction and remodeling projects in the area. Any of these sources can cause it to be swept up into your HVAC system and spread throughout the home. As you continue to breathe in the dust, your eyes may begin to water and your throat can become scratchy. You may find yourself coughing more than typical, which can further exacerbate the irritation. If you’re having construction done inside your home, it’s essential to take steps to stop the spread of dust. For instance, air filters can help prevent them from entering your HVAC system. 4. Pet Dander In some cases, your family’s beloved pet could be the cause of your home’s poor air quality. Dander, which are technically small flakes of skin that fall off the animal, can cause anyone to experience negative health effects. If you’re allergic to dogs or cats, you may find your allergies especially difficult to deal with. Pet dander is extremely small and light. This allows it to stay in the air for longer than other contaminants such as dust. Dogs or cats that are prone to shedding tend to release more dander than breeds considered shed-free. 5. Pollen & Seasonal Allergies If you experience seasonal allergies, the cause is likely pollen. During each season, certain plants will release tiny grains. These grains are lightweight and capable of traveling in high concentrations and to far distances. Biologically, pollen aims to help fertilize plants of the same species. One of the most common pollen allergies is caused by grass. However, ragweed, sagebrush, tumbleweed, and quite a few trees also release allergy-inducing pollen. Pollen allergies are fairly widespread. That’s why the pollen count is often included in weather reports. 6. Radon Gas in Homes Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. This means it’s incredibly important to take steps to prevent it from entering the interior air of your home or business. Generally, it should be noted that radon levels in Arizona are quite low. However, there are certain areas outside of Phoenix that are considered potential hotspots for this lung cancer-causing toxin. Tucson, Verde Valley, and the Granite Dells all contain higher-than-typical radon levels in the state of AZ. Even though radon levels may be low in Phoenix, it’s still important to test your home for the naturally-occurring radioactive gas. For information on how to do so, check out the EPA’s website. 7. Tobacco & Cigarette Smoke Cigarette smoke is dangerous for those who inhale it, whether it’s first-hand or second-hand. The studies on tobacco dangers are so
The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
4 Major Benefits of Getting Your Air Vents Cleaned Many people don’t think about cleaning their air ducts until they are reminded. However, there are many positive benefits of cleaning air ducts in your home and keeping ducts clean year-round. If you haven’t been keeping up with this chore, here are the top four reasons you should have an air duct cleaning scheduled this season: A Cleaner Smelling Home You may not notice it at first, but all the dust and dirt building up in your air duct can actually hold in smells that get spread throughout your home by your air conditioner or heater. The odors tend to become worse with time, often leading to a musty or dusty smell that hangs around even when the house is clean. Air Duct Cleaning Reduces Allergens in the Air For those who suffer from asthma and allergies, air duct cleaning is especially important. This is the only surefire way to keep pet dander, pollen, and dust from re-entering your home and causing a reaction. The longer you wait between cleanings, the more buildup there is, and it gets especially bad during the changing of seasons like spring and fall. Cleaned Air Vents Improves Efficiency of Your System One thing you may not know is that your air conditioner works hard to keep air flowing throughout your home. When your air ducts are not cleaned, all of the debris builds up in filters and restricts airflow. This means that your unit has to work extra hard to deliver fresh air to you. Cleaning your air ducts and replacing your filters can instantly restore your unit to its original efficiency, saving you money month after month. Protecting Your Home Finally, air duct cleaning in Phoenix is an important part of protecting your home and your belongings. When your ducts are not clean, they can stir up dust and debris and cause them to settle in your curtains, carpet, and upholstery. Even bookshelves and other hidden compartments can trap in the dust that your AC tosses out, meaning that you’ll have to do even more housework to keep up. Air Duct Cleaning Services in Phoenix, AZ These are just the four most significant reasons that you should consider duct cleaning in Phoenix. Your whole family can feel the health benefits that come with clean ducts, and your home will enjoy a fresh new smell free from dust. Call A-Z Air Duct at 480-568-6451 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and your very first air duct cleaning. We can help give you peace of mind with clean air in no time. CONTACT US TODAY
How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
Improving indoor air quality is important. With so much attention paid to air pollution outside our homes, it’s odd that many people don’t focus on indoor air quality. Yet, the air we breathe inside is just as important as the air we breathe outside. In fact, due to the amount of time we spend inside, it’s easy to make the case that the air quality inside is even more important. What is Indoor Air Quality? Air quality is a measurement of the health quality of the air inside a residence, business, or building of any type. It is measured by testing collected air samples, measuring airflow, collecting samples from surfaces (i.e. walls and ceilings), and measurements of human exposure to pollutants. Indoor air quality measurements are mainly concerned with not only how comfortable a building’s air is to breathe, but also how breathing affects overall health. Measurements and tests generally look for organic pollutants such as molds and bacteria and harmful gasses such as carbon monoxide and radon. The quality of your indoor air can have a lifelong impact on your family. While few people recognize the importance of clean air and how it affects their health, many are suffering from symptoms of poor air quality, without understanding the source. Suppose you find yourself dealing with some respiratory issues that seem to disappear when you change location. In that case, this is an indication that you may require the indoor air quality services of a reputable, professional team. In the meantime, though, there are some steps you can take to improve the quality of the air inside your home in Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding cities. Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality 1. Change Filters Regularly Your air conditioner, vacuum, kitchen vents, and clothes dryer all contain filters that try to separate dust, dirt, and other contaminants from the air you breathe. As these filters do their job, they become dirty themselves. This doesn’t just ruin the air quality inside your home; it makes those appliances work harder each time you turn them on. Each appliance should have manufacturers’ instructions that detail how often their filter needs cleaning or replacement. It’s best for your air conditioner or heating system to do this at least once a year. 2. Check Your Air Ducts Air ducts can serve as the central base from which contaminants and pollutants spread through your house. If they are left uncleaned, dust, dirt, and bacteria can begin to build up. Then, every time you switch on your heater or air conditioner, the conditioned air sweeps those gross particles through the ducts where they exit through your home’s vents. You want your HVAC system to spread clean air. For that to happen, the ducts themselves need to be clean. Otherwise, you may find yourself dealing with regular asthma or allergy attacks. Ideally, you should have air ducts cleaned at least once a year, but you should consider doing it more often if you live in a dusty environment, like Phoenix, AZ. 3. Consider Your Plants Plants are often considered beneficial to air quality due to their ability to take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. So, it makes sense to include indoor greenery, especially ferns and lilies, because they may take in contaminants and release clean, breathable oxygen. However, some plants may actually trigger allergies for some people. Depending on the plant, they may also encourage the growth and development of mold spores. If you have plants inside and are suffering from allergy-related issues, you may want to keep your greenery outside. 4. Improve the Ventilation While we often consider the air our HVAC systems push through our house to be fresh, that air is usually re-circulated from inside the home. So, if your indoor air quality is poor, turning on your HVAC will just keep pushing that same dirty air throughout your home. A ventilation system with built-in filtering and air purification systems can help remove harmful substances from the air and greatly improve overall air quality in a home or business. We’re lucky that the Valley often provides sunny days that allow us to keep our windows open. According to the EPA, when we open a window, we’re allowing fresh air to enter our home and improving ventilation. This is especially important if you’re engaging in any tasks, like painting or cooking, that may release fumes or smoke into your home’s environment. 5. Maintain a Clean Home The quality of air inside your home can be reflective of the level of cleaning conducted within your home. If you don’t take the time to regularly dust and sanitize your home, you may be passively encouraging poor indoor air quality. It’s especially important to clean your carpets and rugs at least once a week. Due to their fibrous nature, they easily trap dirt and other contaminants. When you vacuum, try to use a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter. This will help ensure the vacuumed particles aren’t immediately released back into the air. 6. Use an Air Purifier There are times when it may be difficult to identify the source of your home’s poor indoor air quality. There may also be times when you have uncovered the source but aren’t willing to part with it, as is often the case with a furry pet. In those cases, an air purifier can help remove some of these irritants from the air. Even if you can’t remove the source of the allergy-inducing particles, you can benefit by simply reducing the concentration of allergens in the air. 7. Get Indoor Air Testing Having indoor air quality testing done to ensure there are no odorless pollutants in the air is advised. For example, the air pollutant – radon is colorless and odorless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Due to its aforementioned properties, it can only be detected by testing the air. Health Benefits of Improving Indoor Air Quality By performing a home or business air quality test, you
Is Air Conditioning Duct Cleaning Worth it?
Maintaining excellent air quality in the Phoenix area can be challenging and HVAC systems require a lot of maintenance to remain viable for decades. One essential part of this maintenance is air conditioning duct cleaning. A lot of people neglect it because they think it is superfluous. It seems like a lot to hire a professional to come out to your home to clean the ducts. However, this is a vital service you need to take advantage of if you do not already. You will benefit immensely in the long run. Finding Contaminants It is possible for debris, odors, pet hair, and other substances to make their way into the air conditioning ducts. These particles then spread throughout the home. Your air ducts require regular cleaning to ensure these materials do not get caught in the system. Every homeowner should clean out the ducts at least once a year to keep them vibrant. You may need an air conditioning duct cleaning more often if extenuating circumstances are present. Eliminating Mold You need an immediate air conditioning duct cleaning if you suspect there is mold in your air ducts. When moisture gets in the ducts, it can lead to mold growth. Mold spores will then spread throughout your home, which can lead to serious health complications. You know you have mold somewhere in your home if you experience chronic coughing, itchy eyes, rashes, and headaches. Some people suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Over time, mold can develop into a black mold, so you will need to remedy the situation right away. Overcoming Illness Many people develop allergy-related symptoms for no apparent reason. When this happens, you should take every step necessary to decontaminate your home. If you have tried everything else to no avail, then you need to get your ducts cleaned. The HVAC system could be the culprit. It could be spreading dangerous contaminants throughout your home, causing your family members to suffer. Cleaning After Animals Homes with pets need to be particularly mindful and schedule air conditioning duct cleaning often. Pet dander and fur can get inside the system. Although pets may be confined to one area of the home, it can feel like they are everywhere at once. If you have guests come over who are allergic to animals, then you may think you are fine cleaning the furniture. However, pet dander circulating throughout the home can make guests feel incredibly uncomfortable. Finding Pests & Unwelcome Guests There are numerous signs pests have made their way into your home. You will find droppings, urine odors, and gnawed holes throughout your home. These animals have to live somewhere, and your home’s air ducts make for the perfect environment. It could also explain why it feels like an animal is in your home even if you do not have any pets. Our Phoenix air duct cleaning services can safely remove the animals from the ducts and clean it out thoroughly. Cleaning After a Remodel After you remodel any area of your home be sure to clean out your air ducts. Regardless of how big or small the renovation was, dust and other particles may have made their way into the ducts. Clean it out immediately before you send that construction dust throughout your home. Contact Phoenix Air Duct Cleaning Services There are plenty of scams out there so you’ll want to make sure you hire the best professional Phoenix air duct cleaning services. A-Z Air Duct offers exceptional services, and our team will not stop until your ducts are fully clean once again. Contact us at your earliest convenience to get a quote. CONTACT US TODAY
Best Indoor Air Pollution Solutions for Your Home or Office
How to Solve Indoor Air Pollution Issues Even in the tidiest of homes, invisible pollutants can affect the quality of interior air you are breathing. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help improve air quality with air pollution solutions Some of these air quality solutions and tasks can be completed by yourself, while others, such as regular air duct cleaning, should be completed by a professional. Remaining diligent about keeping the quality of your home’s air at a satisfactory level can help prevent air quality-related issues down the line. Maintain Your HVAC Air Filters Your HVAC air filters serve to remove dust and other airborne particles that are circulating through your system before they are able to reach the living spaces of your home. It’s important to maintain your filters according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Properly maintained filters provide an excellent service to your home, but too much build-up can clog a filter, leading to more contaminants circulating through your system than if no filter was present at all. Consider an Air Purification System Some individuals, particularly those who are sensitive to allergens or have a medical condition such as asthma, choose to add air purifiers to the home. If your air filters miss pollutants, pet dander, and other airborne particles, an air purifier can grab them from the air for additional filtering. Air filters are particularly useful for removing invisible mold spores in the air, which are highly allergenic to many individuals. Commit to Regular Vacuuming Although it seems like common sense, one of the best ways to reduce dust and contaminants in the air is to keep it from building up in your home. Regularly vacuuming and dusting your surfaces and floors, particularly if you have pets, can significantly reduce the number of pollutants that are stirred up into the air and circulated throughout your home. Look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter and a sealed canister system that can be cleaned regularly. Introduce Indoor Plants It’s no secret that houseplants can improve your air quality and reduce pollution by adding freshness and producing new oxygen, so adding a few to your home can potentially help improve the air you breathe. Try adding some plants that do not require a lot of care, such as English Ivy or Snake Plants, so you can receive the benefits without worrying about excessive maintenance. Reduce Household Chemicals The air quality in your home can be significantly reduced when chemical pollutants are being continually released. By being more product selective, you can help reduce the introduction of new chemical air pollutants. Choose non-toxic and fragrance-free cleaning products. Pay attention to off-gassing from furniture and textiles. Look for low or no-VOC paint products. Air Duct Cleaning & Indoor Air Quality Professionals in Phoenix Dust, mold, and other contaminants can enter your home through the air ducts if they are not properly sealed. Ducts should be routinely inspected to look for seal breaches or damage and repaired as needed. A technician can perform a home air quality test to see what issues have arisen since your last inspection. Routine cleanings can keep your air ducts in top form and functioning as intended. Cleanings are a vital part of HVAC maintenance in Phoenix, AZ. If you live in the greater Phoenix area and are due for an air duct inspection or need a routine duct cleaning, call A-Z Air Duct at (480) 568-6451 or contact us online. Their professional technicians can get you started with air quality solutions toward your goal of improved air quality, so schedule a cleaning today and get ready to breathe more easily. CONTACT US TODAY
Air Duct Contaminants Commonly Found in HVAC Systems
In the past, we have discussed the importance of having your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis. However, most homeowners believe that their homes are clean enough that they don’t have to worry. You may be shocked to learn just how many harmful contaminants gather inside of your air ducts, even without you noticing them! Here are some of the biggest threats hiding in your HVAC system. Common Air Ducts Contaminants in Arizona The first category of air duct contaminants is a rather broad one, encompassing a wide range of debris. Inanimate particles can come from things like: Everyday Dust and Dirt Pet Dander Dead Skin Cells from Humans Inanimate particles coalesce to form a thin layer of dry dust inside your air ducts. When the HVAC system turns on, these particles are swept up and sent back out into your home. They float around and are breathed in. While everyone responds to these particles in different ways, we know that pet dander and dust can seriously irritate sinuses and allergies, and the more of these particles are in the air, the worse the symptoms will be. Homeowners should be especially aware of inanimate particles in their HVAC system if they have been doing any work on their homes. These include: Drywall Dust Asbestos Fiberglass These particles usually come with heftier warnings because they are not safe for inhalation and could cause long-term breathing issues if you aren’t careful. Even if you have not completed any recent construction projects around the house, rusty lines in your HVAC system can cause debris to flake off the inside of your ducting and float down the line. Air Ducts Living Particles Unfortunately, your air ducts also provide a perfect place for mold and mildew to take root. When layers of dust gather in your air ducts, and then moisture gets in from a leak or condensation in your cooling system, you have a recipe for disaster. Once a mold spore takes hold in your system, it will continue to multiply until you begin to notice a smell in the ambient air of your home. If there is mold in your air ducts, your system could be blowing loose spores out into the air, or onto your walls and surfaces where it will begin to grow anew. Remediation for serious mold issues like this can cost thousands of dollars and your health. Bacteria Growth in HVAV Systems Bacterial growth is another issue. Bacteria tends to grow in warm, moist areas where it can replicate rapidly. The drip pan in your attic is one such place where bacterial growth could succeed. You should also keep in mind that when organic materials of any kind, including pollen and pet dander, build up in one place, they will eventually begin to decompose. This decomposition causes another growth of microorganisms as the material starts to break down, creating bacteria that flows through your ducts and winds up on your countertops, beds and other surfaces where it can cause chronic or repeated illness. How Do I Know if My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned? Now that you’ve seen some of the most common air duct contaminants, you can see why air duct cleaning in Phoenix is so necessary, but how do you know when it’s time? In general, experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every other year to prevent excessive buildup in your system. Also, you should have your ducts cleaned anytime there has been a water leak or a construction project that may have caused buildup to accumulate faster than usual. If you feel like you are always dusting, or your allergies are getting consistently worse with time, having your air ducts cleaned is a good place to start. Even if it is not the only culprit, it can still provide notable improvements in your health. If you are noticing a moldy or mildew smell settling in your house, make sure you call right away because mold spores can cause significant damage to your health and home. If you see any signs of damage to your HVAC system, you should also make a call. Water leaks in your ducts could be introducing outside particles into the system and make things even worse. Your ducts should be properly sealed and cleaned to keep your air conditioner in excellent shape year round. For more information about scheduling your air duct cleaning in Phoenix, AZ, contact us today. A-Z Air Duct can put you on the schedule to ensure that your ducts are as clean as can be for a truly healthy home. Our team of experts can clean your air ducts in no time at all using the best available methods for breaking up all the dirt and grime. View Our Air Duct Services in Arizona Residential Services in Arizona Air Duct Cleaning Dryer Vent Cleaning Residential Air Purification Active Pure Technology Commercial Services Air Purification Negative Pressure Air Duct Cleaning High Dusting Services More From A-Z Air Duct in Phoenix, AZ About Us Air Duct & Dryer Vent Service Areas near Phoenix, Arizona Testimonials Gallery Blog Contact Us Home CONTACT US TODAY
