5 Ways to Keep Home Air Clean & Cold
Getting your air ducts cleaned can be costly. But the fact that it is costly, doesn’t by any stretch of imagination mean that you should let your air ducts stay dirty and contaminate the air that you breathe. Air duct cleaning through professional companies is one aspect of keeping your air vents clean of dust and debris. If you are unable to keep them clean, you will need repeated and regular air duct cleanings. Hence, there are some steps that you will need to take to keep your air home’s air clean, smelling fresh, and blowing cold. How to Keep Air Clean in Your Home Below are five of the most effective tips for keeping your air clean in your home. 1. Use a High Quality Air Filter First things first, where do the dust and debris in your home comes from? It is typically carried into your home through the air coming in. As the air comes in to the air duct and its velocity decreases, leaving the dust in the air duct, over time this can lead to an embankment. The best way to avoid it is to make use of a high quality filter to keep the dust and debris out of your air duct. The filter will act as a barrier and the better the quality of the filter the longer it can run efficiently. 2. Get Proper Duct Insulation Done Air ducts will typically have insulation done. This insulation is an important part of keeping your home cooler during the summers and hotter during the winters. But a faulty insulation around the air duct or one that deteriorates with time and is left to do so unchecked can both contaminate the duct. When you get insulation installed, make sure you get it done by professionals. Secondly, keep tabs on the state of the insulation, they typically have a set life and once that life has passed, they need to be replaced. 3. Get Professional Air Duct Installation What is the point of having an air duct installed if it isn’t placed properly? Air ducts are designed to let fresh air enter your home and to let the older air exit. If the air duct has been wrongly placed or installed negligently, this can hamper their performance and leave it to assemble dirt and dust. Hence, you should make sure that you get proper air duct installation done. 4. Conduct Periodic Checks Checking your air ducts everyday is impossible. So how do you keep them clean? You do that by ensuring periodic checks. These checks need to be after every set of few days or every two weeks etc. to ensure that your air duct is in pristine condition. Without periodic checks, you will be unable to catch any issue or dirt building up in the air duct, before it seriously starts to impair your breathing. 5. Get Ducts Cleaned Thoroughly As mentioned above, air duct cleaning is important. You may restrict the amount of dust that can come into the air duct by the above steps but once it is there, you will need to get it cleaned. For that, it is integral that you choose a top company in Arizona. Contact A-Z Air Duct Today! If you live in the Phoenix metropolitan area and are suffering from dirty air duct, take a moment to call (602) 466-2234 or email us for a fair and honest evaluation and quote to clean your vents. CONTACT US TODAY
Reduce Indoor Air Pollution To Improve Health
Did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency has listed indoor air pollution as the fourth greatest environmental threat that is faced by Americans? This highlights how indoor pollution is a growing concern for most people in the country as anything that affects the quality of the air we breathe will affect our health. Why You Want to Clean Your Indoor Air Most of our homes rely on the air ducts for circulation of air. But what would happen to the air if they were contaminated or in need of a cleaning? Wouldn’t this ruin the air quality in our homes, endangering you and your family day in and day out? Hence, it is important that you get your air ducts cleaned every couple of years. Some of the advantages of getting the air ducts of your house cleaned are highlighted below. Better Indoor Air Quality The EPA also believes that the air inside our homes is 70 times more polluted than the air outside. This is largely due to the contamination of the air, as it enters your home through the air ducts. This could either be a result of the dust collected in the ducts, mold growth or much more. When you get your air duct cleaned, you are giving a clean and safe passage into your home to the air outside, which will improve the quality of air inside your home as well. Dust Protection Often, when you are done with your cleaning, you notice that there are patches of dust that have started to reappear on the places you rid them of in the first place. This is because air can carry embanked duct particles in the air duct with itself as it enters your home. As air comes into contact with the objects in your home, these particles appear on the surface you have cleaned. If you clean the air duct, the air will have little or no dust to carry, keeping your home cleaner. Greater Equipment Lifespan A large number of systems that are used in our day to day life fail due to dust or debris collection; your heating, cooling and ventilation systems are no exception in that regard. If you get your air duct cleaned, it removes the dust and debris that has collected in the air duct and reduces the amount of contaminants that have been carried into the air as a result, giving you greater equipment life. Why should you get your ducts cleaned? You are not the only one that lives in your home. If you have kids, their health and well being is your responsibility. Polluted air can cause a number of breathing difficulties in children and affect their health adversely. If getting your air ducts cleaned can prevent that from happening, why would you not want to get it done? Phoenix-Metro Air Duct Cleaning by A-Z Air Duct One of the biggest issues that families face when considering having their air ducts professionally cleaned is finding a company that they can trust to get the job done right, on time, and within budget. Fortunately, A-Z Air Duct has an extensive history of going above and beyond the needs of our customers, so call (602) 466-2234 or click here to contact a representative for a free quote today. CONTACT US TODAY
How Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Service Works
Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning If you are considering having your dryer duct cleaned, don’t wait! A common cause of house fires is a clogged dryer vent pipe. Dryer duct cleaning and inspection should be done annually, and most homeowners are not equipped or trained to do it. Risks of Unclean Dryer Vents According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 clothes dryer fires strike each year. The leading cause (34%) of these fires is unclean dryer vents. That buildup of dust, fiber, and lint accounts for 27.6 percent of first ignition fuel in the fires. Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Safe? You have to do more than hope you are not one of the victims of nearly 3,000 clothes dryer fires this year. Keeping your dryer’s ductwork clear is essential, and professional, an annual inspection is an answer. Besides dust, fiber, and lint, other things can block the duct, including: Bird Nests Rodent or insect Nests Pocket contents such as folded papers, forgotten cigarettes or candy wrappers Your clothes dryer’s lint screen only intercepts about 75 percent of dust, fiber, and lint, leaving the dryer duct and vent hood to gather the rest. A quick look at your vent hood outside your home will reveal a substantial amount of dryer lint built up, possibly blocking the airflow. Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Process With one call, our trained technician will arrive at your home with an industrial vacuum and the right cleaning brushes to perform a professional dryer duct cleaning. We will move your dryer, detach the dryer vent hose (the flexible portion) and insert a bristle brush designed to precisely fit your dryer duct. The industrial vacuum with HEPA filtration leaves your laundry room or kitchen cleaner than when we arrived. The brush moves through the entire duct, leaving the inside metal walls clean and dust-free. We ensure your flexible hose is not kinked, reattach your dryer and verify smooth airflow. How Often Should Dryer Vents be Professionally Cleaned? The whole process of professional dryer vent cleaning takes a fraction of your day and is needed only once a year. In return for such a simple call, you get the assurance your home’s clothes dryer will not cause a lint fire that could be a life-altering tragedy. Contact A-Z for Your Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Today! Why take chances? Contact us today to arrange an inspection of your clothes dryer and its venting system. A-Z Air Duct can quickly clean your vents and prevent issues related to dirty air. Instead of scouring the internet looking up “how to clean dryer vents,” let our trained technicians clean and vacuum your duct to increase your home’s safety. We care about the air you breathe! CONTACT US TODAY
The Top Six Causes of House Fires in Arizona
Causes of House Fires in Arizona With help from the Phoenix Fire Department and the U.S. Fire Administration, we have tracked down the top six causes of house fires in Arizona. Some may surprise you and nearly all are preventable! Cigarettes Phoenix’s bravest say that cigarettes are a leading cause of house fires, not just in Arizona, but nationwide. A carelessly dropped lit cigarette can start a smoldering fire in upholstery or a mattress and hot ashes can set a carpet afire. If you cannot quit, at least smoke outside. Candles Second for the Phoenix Fire Department are candles, which will catch drapes or paper on fire quickly. Do not use improvised candle holders, keep candles away from combustible materials, and consider battery-operated or flameless candles instead. Overworked Electrical Cords Overloaded circuits, frayed wires, and misused extension cords are the third most common cause of Arizona house fires. All of these issues have simple remedies: 1. Discard, repair, or replace appliances with frayed wires. 2. Read warning labels on extension cords, and never gang them together. 3. Use power strips to help control loads. Clogged Dryer Vents Nationally, the U.S. Fire Administration reports 2,900 clothes dryer fires annually, causing approximately $35 million in property losses, 100 injuries, and five deaths. What is the most common cause for dryer fires? Failure to clean dryer vents! Air duct cleaning companies are also equipped to provide dryer vent cleaning. For superior dryer vent cleaning, Phoenix residents should turn to A-Z Air Duct Cleaning. Cooking The U.S. Fire Administration ranks cooking as the nation’s leading cause of house fires resulting in injuries, at 37.2 percent of all fires. Remember three ways to prevent cooking fires: Smother grease fires with a lid; never pour water on them. Install smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, but away from the stove. Never leave food to cook on a stove unattended. Monitor children in the kitchen. Heating Arizona does not compare well to the nation as a whole; 83.3 percent of fire deaths were from residential fires, far higher than the national average of 74.7 percent. Part of the reason is heating (not including candles), which nationally was the cause of more than 12 percent of house fires. Call A-Z Air Duct to prevent Dryer Fires near Phoenix, AZ A-Z Air Duct can help with preventing dryer fires. The same technology we apply to air conditioning duct cleaning can save you from the anguish and terror of a dryer fire. Contact us today to learn more. CONTACT US TODAY
Is Cleaning Air Ducts Worth It?
Imagine a whole room in your Phoenix-area home that you have never dusted and never vacuumed, but that gets constant use. If you have a furnace, central air conditioner, and ductwork, you actually have such a room: it’s your home’s air ducts. The Importance of Cleaning Your Air Ducts The total volume of most Valley homes’ ductwork is equal to that of a small room in a typical house. Now consider this: If you have never had your ducts cleaned, every bit of air moving through your house first has to pass through that dirty, dusty “room” before you breathe it. What is in Your Ducts? Anything caught up in the return registers of your home’s ductwork can lodge in the ducts. These contaminants include: Mold Mildew Pet Dander Insect droppings Fungi Bacteria Tobacco byproducts Dust Human skin cells and hair Debris in the Ducts of New Homes The ductwork in new homes is, you might think, completely clean. It is installed that way, yes, but construction debris can get swept up into the ductwork during routine furnace and AC testing during construction. Older Homes Your existing home comes to you with a murky history. Did the previous owners have the ducts cleaned? A buildup of mold, mildew, pet dander, dust, and other organic and inorganic matter can accumulate in just a few months. Children Children’s immature and developing lungs are far more sensitive to allergens and contaminants than adults’ lungs. Children breathe more rapidly, are closer to the ground where contaminants settle and tend to suffer from asthma at higher rates than adults, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. HVAC Performance Dust and dirt in your ductwork are usually caught by your air filter, but it can easily become clogged. Any particles that land on the heating element of your furnace, or your AC’s coil, rob the system of energy efficiency. Recommendations for Air Duct Cleaning The Environmental Protection Agency recommends duct cleaning for several very good reasons: Substantial, visible mold growth; Ducts are home to vermin (rodents, insects); Ducts are visibly clogged with dust and debris; You see or feel particles released into the home from your supply registers. Air Duct Cleaning in Phoenix, AZ So, is air duct cleaning worth it? Only you can weigh the factors affecting your Phoenix home, so consider your family’s health and make the decision to take advantage of the benefits of air duct cleaning. Contact us at A-Z Air Duct today to schedule a visit. CONTACT US TODAY
What Happens During Air Duct Cleaning?
Duct cleaning has gained prominence in the last few decades, with more and more research being done on the importance of the quality of air that we breathe. As the levels of pollution continue to rise in the world, the role of air ducts becomes even more essential. Nowadays most people are willing to get their air ducts cleaned, but they homeowners have a number of questions they typically ask before they let an air duct cleaning company into their homes. One of the most common questions is, “what happens when the air ducts are cleaned?” This blog will provide an answer to this question. What is the Aim of Air Duct Cleaning? When you have hired an air duct company to clean your air ducts, you may be unsure of exactly what they’ll have to clean. Despite having a fair idea that your air ducts are not in the best state, knowing exactly what’s up is highly unlikely on part of the homeowner. This is why cleaning companies don’t take any chances. They will come prepared to clean your air ducts of all the dirt, debris, mold, dust, mildew, and anything else you and your family may be breathing in. Each of these airborne particles can tamper with the air coming into your home and are dangerous on their own accord. While some may be easy to eradicate, others may be caked over the duct work in your home and be tougher to remove completely. The Actual Process First things first, when you contact an air duct cleaning company they will take a look at the area to be cleaned, and give you an estimate, based on the area that is to be cleaned. Once you have given them a go ahead, the workers may start to prep the place to ensure that the rest of your home, your furniture and other items are kept safe from the after effects of the cleaning, if any. These companies also have a wide array of tools that are used in the cleaning process. For instance, for the tougher particles clinging on to your air ducts, they make use of an agitator tool. The tool will loosen the stuck fragments. Once they are loose vacuums are used to suck them off the duct. Also, when the job is finished, the company will give you an overview of what has been done in the form of an inspection. What’s more, a good company will make sure that they highlight the difference between the condition of the air duct pre-cleaning and the one that you have post cleaning. Some firms will also make antimicrobial treatment options available which ensure that all the bacteria that may have gathered in your air duct as a result of the dust and debris is removed. Get a Free Air Duct Cleaning Estimate Today Residents in Phoenix face a lot of dust collection in their homes; including their air ducts. If you want your air ducts clean of dust and debris you should contact A-Z Air Duct today for the most professional duct cleaning in the Valley! CONTACT US TODAY
How Often Should You Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
The debate has been raging on and on for a very long time as to how often to get your air ducts cleaned. Should the cleaning be done on a yearly, a bi-yearly basis, or on a more regular schedule? These are all questions that have haunted homeowners for some time with no satisfying answers being available. The reason for this is that a number of people have different opinions about this question. What the Experts Have to Say According to one of the leading air duct cleaning associations in the US, the National Air Duct Cleaner’s Association, air ducts need to be cleaned in every three to five years. This means that once you have gotten your air duct cleaned, you can sit back and relax for the next three years at least. Yet, there are experts in the industry that believe that this cleaning needs to be done on a bi-yearly basis. The fact that the opinion is split within the industry is largely due to the fact that different areas in the US have different amount of dust and dirt levels in the air, that are damaging your air ducts. Factors such as these and other related ones are what determine when it’s best for you to get your air ducts cleaned in Phoenix. When Must I Get My Air Ducts Cleaned? There is an easy way out of the debate on when to get your air ducts cleaned and that is to decide based on the situation that you find your air duct in. Here is a lowdown of some of the instances when air duct cleaning becomes absolutely necessary according to the Environmental Protection Agency. You are able to clearly see evidences of dirty air or a “poof” of dust in the air as it exits the air vents through the supply registers. You have reason to believe that there is mold growth in your air ducts. You are able to identify or notice infestation of vermin, rodents or insects in your duct work or their free movement inside the duct work. If you are able to see pollutants, black debris, etc. in your system. You are able to see lots of duct buildup in the area and on your filter, when you are changing it or having it changed. Frequently Asked Questions About How Often to Clean Air Ducts If you are still perplexed as to when and how to get your air ducts cleaned, here is a conclusion to the most commonly asked questions by homeowners: 1. Does a New Home Need to be Cleaned Right After Completion? Once you have completed the construction of your new home, you need to get your air ducts cleaned to ensure nothing from the construction period remains inside. 2. Should I Clean the Air Ducts After Moving Into a New Residence? Once you have moved into a new home, you won’t know when the air ducts were last cleaned and it’s best to get it done before you start living there. 3. How Often Should Phoenix Residents Have Their Air Ducts/ HVAC Units Cleaned? Once every two to five years. Some contractors may try to trick you into a more regular cleaning schedule though. Request a FREE Air Duct Cleaning Estimate If you’ve recently moved into a new house, brand new or existing, or it’s been a while since you’ve last had your air ducts cleaned, please call (602) 466-2234 or click here to speak with a specialist with A-Z Air Duct – Phoenix’s leading provider of air duct and dryer vent cleaning. CONTACT US TODAY
A-Z Air Duct Has the Right HVAC Cleaning Tools for the Job
A good air duct cleaning company is one that makes use of the right tools for the right job. As there are a number of tools that are used for HVAC cleaning, the challenge is being able to choose the right one for the job. This blog will highlight some of the most common tools that can be used for air duct cleaning, inspection, restoration, etc. The Tools We Use to Clean Your Air Ducts When you work with a company like A-Z Air Duct, you are guaranteed that you’ll get the finest in air duct cleaning services. We seamlessly perform every job with perfection thanks to having the right tools operated by experienced technicians. Continue reading to see what tools we use and how we use them. Tools for Inspection Before beginning cleaning of the air duct, technicians need to know what contaminants the air duct contains. This can be done simply by way of a visual inspection of the area, but the position of an air duct often makes it difficult for the human eye to reach it. Hence, this is done through a variety of tools instead, such as: Digital cameras Periscopes Adjustable mirrors Technicians will enter underground return areas Accessing Tools Air ducts can sometimes be hard to reach. Typically, air duct access points will be small, and not very welcoming for cleaning or inspection. For this, there are special tools available that make this task easier. This includes ladders, long hosed vacuums and other such items. Tools for Cleaning Once you have gotten access to the HVAC system, a cleaning regime rids the air duct of the contaminants. This can be done using a number of tools. Typically, they are referred to as hand based cleaning tools. Some of the devices that are often used in such cleaning include: Power brush with vacuum Manual brush Air skippers Blow guns Air whips The choice of the cleaning device is the most important one because there are different types of air ducts and each type will warrant a different cleaning tool to be used. If that is not the case, the air ducts may become damaged. For instance, the use of over aggressive or extremely powerful cleaning tools in fiber glass lined metal duct works can damage them. Devices for Dust and Debris Collection Once the air duct has been accessed and cleaned, there is a need for the dirt, debris and mold removed from the area, to be removed from the home. This allows for better containment of the spread of these contaminants in the future. Vacuums are used to suck all the trash and particles out of the duct. There are two primary types of vacuums: Portable units on wheels Portable units carried as a backpack While the first one is powerful, the latter is more easy to use and the decision is often made taking into account the need at the time. Get Your Air Ducts Professionally Cleaned Today What differentiates a good cleaning company from the others is the choice of tools as that determines the quality of the work that they can provide to their clients. If you are looking for a professional air duct or dryer vent cleaning company in Phoenix, contact the pros at A-Z Air Duct today to get a free estimate! CONTACT US TODAY
