ductmasters

5 Things You NEED to Know Before Hiring a Duct Cleaning Company

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 03:04:33 GMT

5 Things You NEED to Know Before Hiring an Air Duct Cleaning Company in Florida

Unfortunately, there are a number of companies who don't perform air duct cleaning correctly. These companies are scamming you out of your hard-earned money. Here are the 5 things you should know before you hire an air duct cleaning company:

1. An A/C and duct hygiene inspection is needed to provide a proper proposal.

You may have seen $99 duct cleaning ads that sound too good to be true. They are. Beware of low price quotes that are advertised or given over the phone, as "bait and switch" pricing is common by Florida companies. We've seen this sleazy tactic used to get in the door of unsuspecting clients who are then told about how bad their system is. Some companies even go so far as to say they are going to suffer deathly health issues due to the mold in their system.

To be clear, mold and other contaminates found in your A/C and duct system can be harmful to your health. However, these companies will multiply their price to charge thousands of dollars more than they advertise and do not follow the correct procedures for properly removing mold within your duct system.

For over 30 years, DuctMasters has specialized in inspecting air duct systems prior to starting the work . We commonly find that air duct repair is needed, which must be addressed prior to air duct cleaning. Keep reading for what else we look for during your inspection.

2. What qualifications and experience do they have?

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) certifies Professionals in proper air duct cleaning methods. This is especially important in the case where mold is a concern. But be careful--some companies may be listed as having NADCA Professional, but do not follow the NADCA standards.

You should also make sure that the air duct cleaning company you choose is a licensed air-conditioning contractor as this is required by Florida law. Any invoices or estimates should have a contractor license number on it.

Since 1992, DuctMasters has cleaned and decontaminated thousands of systems for commercial clients such as schools, police and fire stations, hotels, as well as thousands of homeowners. We are also a Licensed & Insured Florida Air-conditioning Contractor #CAC056953 with four NADCA Certified Professionals on staff and many more employees in training. Most companies have just one or two.

3. Ask about their air duct cleaning process.

Here's a simplified explanation of our basic air duct cleaning process:

A High-Efficiency Air Filtration (HEPA) Vacuum should be connected to the duct system to create negative pressure, all vents should be removed and foam or plastic should be placed in each vent to ensure complete vacuum.
Next, agitation tools including brushes and air whips should be placed inside the ductwork to push the dirt towards the HEPA vacuum. This should be done one vent at a time.
Finally, an EPA approved sanitizing, deodorizing, and disinfecting agent should be applied through each vent to ensure any mold or bacteria in the air is removed. This step is optional.

You can see a video of our process towards the end of this article. If a company is using a Rotobrush "Duct Cleaning" system, which is basically a large brush with a vacuum attached to it, the ducts will not be properly cleaned because there is no "negative pressure" or vacuum on the duct system.

Negative pressure is required in accordance with National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) standards. The Rotobrush system pushes dirt from one duct to another since the system is never under vacuum.

4. Has your A/C unit been inspected?

A common misconception about air duct cleaning is that the A/C unit does not need to be looked at. If you air ducts need to be cleaned, the A/C unit supplying the air to your air ducts must be inspected by a NADCA professional.

Think about it this way: the air ducts are like the lungs of your home and the only way they get oxygen is from your A/C unit. If the A/C unit components including the coil, blower wheel, and cabinet lining are not properly cleaned, the air ducts can get re-contaminated. The blower wheel must always be removed and taken apart to be properly cleaned. The coil may need to be removed as well if it is heavily contaminated.

We also provide and install our DuctMasters Ultraviolet Light System , which goes into the cleaned system to minimize the chance of future mold or microbial growth and has a two-year warranty on the bulb and a lifetime warranty on the ballast.

Even if you think your A/C unit is fairly new or was recently cleaned, it should be inspected before work begins.

5. Do your air ducts contain fiberglass?

The large majority of air duct systems in Florida contain exposed fiberglass. Fiberglass is like a sponge for dust, dirt and mold spores.

If Mold Resistant Duct Coating isn't applied to the fiberglass portions of your duct system after cleaning, you could have loose fiberglass in the air after cleaning, which can cause skin irritation and breathing issues. In addition, if mold is believed to be present within the fiberglass or the system is over 20 years old, Mold Resistant Duct Coating can be an alternative to air duct replacement .

We recommend scheduling an AC Duct inspection before having your air ducts cleaned. Click the link below to get started.

Check out the video of the DuctMasters Duct Cleaning Process:

Since 1992, DuctMasters has been improving indoor air quality for thousands of homeowners and clients such as FPL, Miami-Dade Police and Fire Departments, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

We haven't been able to find any company that matches our level of cleaning, customer service, and professionalism. That's why we offer our price guarantee .

Also, checkout frequently asked questions , which includes answers on for our air duct cleaning process.

Please feel free to give us a call at ( 855) DUCT-411 regarding any questions you have.

Call the Masters today:

Miami Broward Palm Beach

(786) 477-5972 (954) 791-4111 (561) 995-7772

Toll-Free (All of FL for Commercial Projects)

(855) DUCT-411

SHOULD YOU GET YOUR AIR DUCTS CLEANED, REPAIRED OR REPLACED?

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 19:26:57 GMT

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MOLD IN AIR DUCTS? HOW CAN MOLD IN THE HVAC SYSTEM AFFECT YOU?

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:38:58 GMT

Mold in air ducts grows when the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) System is not properly cleaned, maintained and monitored . Mold in the HVAC system also grows when there is water damage or high humidity within the home or building.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF MOLD IN AIR DUCTS?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to molds can cause serious symptoms. Such symptoms include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Severe reactions include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may even develop mold infections in their lungs .

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Since 1992, DuctMasters has specialized in providing Clean Air Solutions through professional air duct cleaning and decontamination , HVAC mold remediation, antimicrobial duct coating of porous/fiberglass air ducts (see pictures on the right), and more.

As a Certified Mold Remediator with the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), our technicians often remediate suspect mold in air ducts and complete air conditioning systems.

In fact, our happy clients include thousands of homeowners and commercial buildings including hotels, schools, police and fire stations, and other facilities to ensure clean indoor air.

We offer a hygiene inspection of your HVAC system and air ducts to improve your indoor air quality.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, coughing, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people. These symptoms are worse for those with asthma or immune deficiency disorders. The IOM also found suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children .

Recent studies also suggest a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children. Fortunately, improved housing conditions appear to reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies, but more research is needed in this regard.

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME. COULD YOUR WORKPLACE BE GETTING YOU SICK?

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 17:40:43 GMT

Feeling sick? Allergies acting up? Your workplace could be what’s getting you sick. Whether its a cold, allergies, headaches or even nausea, you deserve to breathe clean indoor air. The average person spends about 10,000 hours a year indoors. Most people try to avoid taking off sick days, but the source of sickness could actually be the building you work in.

Indoor air pollution inside of buildings is often present due to mold and mildew inside of the building’s air-conditioners and air ducts. This results in contaminating the air you breathe and is what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). The EPA even suggests that 30% of U.S. buildings are considered sick.

There are several different things that can cause SBS. Chemicals from indoor sources to outdoor sources such as new carpets, copy machines, pesticides, tobacco smoke, and even car exhaust fumes all contribute to volatile organic compounds emitting resulting in indoor air pollution.

Biological contaminants such as pollen, mold, and bacteria living in the air ducts is a large factor and what is usually the “unknown” cause of SBS. To discover the source of the pollution and diagnose the best long-term solution for it, the EPA says a walkthrough is to be conducted. At DuctMasters, we conduct a hygiene inspection to determine what can be causing both the building and its occupants to get sick. To schedule an inspection of your building or home, enter your information online or call us at 855-DUCT-411 .

As Indoor Air Quality Specialists, we have seen several cases where mold and bacteria have affected occupants in a building. These often result in complaints and even lawsuits from employees and occupants. In our experience, Remediation is Cheaper Than Litigation.

We recommend routine cleaning and maintenance of the building’s HVAC systems. After building’s HVAC systems are initially clean, our customers join our Clean Air Maintenance Program (CAMP), which includes scheduled maintenance of your clean systems. This both gives you peace of mind that your equipment is kept in the best shape and allows you to breathe easy knowing your breathing clean indoor air.

7 WARNING SIGNS OF A INDOOR AIR QUALITY ISSUE

Fri, 22 May 2020 01:53:55 GMT

Indoor air quality issues can cause problems for you and your health. A common question we get at DuctMasters is, what warning signs should I look for? To answer that question, we’ve listed the 7 Warning Signs of an Indoor Air Quality Issue.

1. There is a mildew or musty odor within the building or home.

The first reaction many people have to a foul odor is to spray something to mask the smell or open upon a window to get fresh air. That doesn’t solve the cause of the odor problem. The air-conditioning system and ductwork can be built up with dirt, bacteria and even mold that causes a musty or wet-shoe smell. DuctMasters offers a wide range of odor elimination services to remove odors and prevent future odors.

2. Air vents may be showing signs of dirt, mildew or mold.

Air vents showing moisture, dirt, mildew or mold is one of the most common visual indicators of contaminated or leaky air ducts. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to mold includes eye and skin irritation, wheezing, nasal stuffiness and can even result in fever or shortness of breath. Here’s more information about the health effects of mold in the air ducts.

3. People in the home or building are complaining about their allergies or asthma acting up.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that the link between some common indoor air pollutants and health effects is very well established. They also explain that numerous air pollutants such as pet dander, dust, chemicals, cockroach allergens can contribute to our allergies. These contaminants are often found in dirty air duct systems. More about that here .

4. Recent construction has been performed with the air-conditioning system running and dust has accumulated within the system.

If appropriate measures aren’t taken during construction, dust, dirt and other contaminants can contaminate even a fairly new system. If you are undergoing structure renovations, duct cleaning is highly recommended after reconstruction.

5. A new air-conditioning unit is planning to be installed.

If a new system is installed to ductwork filled with dust, dirt or mold, it can affect the efficiency and contaminate the new system. As a licensed air-conditioning contractor since 1992, DuctMasters specializing in installing air-conditioning systems that are designed to be highly efficient and improve indoor air quality by reducing your home’s humidity.

6. The air-conditioning and air duct system have not been inspected by an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Specialist within the past 2 years.

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends an inspection of your air-conditioning and duct system at least every 2 years. Our IAQ Specialists often find a wide range of problem s that contribute to indoor air quality issues. Problems include ducts not being properly sealed or are leaking, ducts that are not properly positioned or undersize, and thermostat issues to name a few.

7. The ductwork has not been professional cleaned or decontaminated within the past 3 to 5 years.

While there is no set timeframe for air duct cleaning, we have found that over the course of 3 to 5 years, the system often gets dirty enough to warrant a cleaning. By installing a good pleated air filter (with a MERV of 8+ or FPR of 7+) in your air-conditioning system and having us install our DuctMasters U.V. light system, the system will stay clean in the years after professional air duct cleaning.

If you see any of these signs of an indoor air quality issue, please schedule an appointment online or call us at (855) DUCT-411 (toll-free).

One of our IAQ Specialists will be happy to speak with you about our services.

CAN DIRTY AIR DUCTS AFFECT YOUR HEALTH?

austin@ductmasters.com (Austin Herde) — Fri, 22 May 2020 01:53:55 GMT

One of the most frequently asked questions is “can dirty air ducts affect your health?” The short answer is yes.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend almost 90 percent of their time indoors. The levels of some indoor pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor levels. In fact, the people who are often the most at risk to the negative effects of pollution (such as the very young, older adults, people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors. A common complaint about indoor air quality is allergic reactions when at home or at the office.

What Causes Allergic Reactions? Your immune system’s job is to get rid of foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses. This is what protects us from diseases. People with allergies have very sensitive immune systems that react when they inhale, swallow or touch certain substances that contain the allergens. Some people are born with allergies. Others seem to develop allergies as they grow older.

The EPA states that the link between some common indoor air pollutants and health effects is very well established:

Episodes of Legionnaires’ disease, a form of pneumonia caused by exposure to the Legionella bacterium, have been associated with buildings with poorly maintained air conditioning or heating systems.
Numerous indoor air pollutants—dust mites, mold, pet dander, environmental tobacco smoke, cockroach allergens, and particulate matter. These are all items that can contaminate your air ducts. They are also “asthma triggers,” meaning that some asthmatics might experience asthma attacks following exposure.
Other health effects associated with indoor air pollutants include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory diseases, heart disease, and even cancer.

Whether you’re in your own home or working in an office, you deserve to breathe clean indoor air.

A before and after picture of clean fiberglass air ducts with our mold resistant duct coating .

Since 1992, DuctMasters has specialized in improving indoor air quality through our proprietary process of cleaning and refurbishing of air ducts and air conditioners . When needed, our technicians are also trained in repairing or replacing air ducts as well as installing a new high-efficient air-conditioner specifically designed to control humidity and improve indoor air quality.

You can schedule an appointment online or call (855) DUCT-411 (toll free) to learn more about our services.