What Is Air Duct
Air ducts are the part of your home or business which are used to move and deliver air. These conduits are used for the HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems). These systems are important for not only maintaining a comfortable thermal temperature but also provides satisfactory indoor air quality.
It is important to keep your air ducts clean to maintain good air flow and ventilation. Dust can accumulate in air ducts and cause health problems. The best way to prevent any health issues to is to maintain the air ducts with regular cleaning. Ductwork can be easily neglected because it is usually designed to be inside walls and high up in ceilings. Because of the nearly invisible design of air ducts, routine cleanings can be forgotten until there is a problem with the HVAC system.
At United Air Duct Cleaning, they can schedule your routine cleaning. They service a wide variety of customers ranging from residential and commercial air ducts, commercial kitchen ventilation systems, dryer ventilation, fire and boiler chimney cleaning, grease trap cleaning, commercial air handler units (AHU). United Air Duct Cleaners will also give you a free estimate when you call 718 255-6674.
The team members at United Air Duct Cleaning are licensed by local and international trade organizations and certified by NADCA, IKECA, and FDNY. Any professional HVAC servicing company must meet the requirements of NADCA and have proof of membership. When you have certified air duct cleaners service your HVAC systems, then you can have confidence your ducts are maintained satisfactorily.
Not only will United Air Duct cleaners give you local and professional service, but they are affordable. There is no need for routine air duct cleaning to be neglected when free estimates are just one easy phone call away. To receive a free quote from licensed experts, certified by NADCO, call 718 255-6674. Affordable air duct cleaning for your residential or commercial needs are available.
The History of the Air Duct
Every day in residential and commercial building an ingenious feat of engineering creates a comfortable living environment. The unsung hero of construction are the air ducts inside walls and ceilings. The regulate ventilation, air flow, temperature, and ambient humidity. Thanks to HVAC systems, we can be unaffected by outside temperatures and weather conditions. Until the system has a problem, most people take for granted the comfortable temperatures and air quality inside.
Air ducts is a centuries-old engineering technology. Beginning in the 7th century with the Chinese and Greeks, chimneys and flues were used to heat homes and create thermal air flow. This progress in engineering made it possible to keep a building warm without filling it with smoke. While this in itself was an engineering marvel at the time, it wasn’t until around 300 B.C. when the Romans used tubes under the flooring to heat a room. The tubes were interconnected with a wood stove, which sent the warm air through the ducts under the floor. This is the first recorded use of central heating.
Further engineering was developed in the Renaissance when hot water or steam was sent through pipes in order to create heat for a building. This eventually developed into the modern-day radiator. This type of heating system was used primarily through the 19th century.
Using ducts to heat an area was not the only innovation of temperature control. Those who lived in warm climates sought out ways to cool the ambient temperature inside buildings. Ancient Egyptians used to hang soaked reeds in their windows. The air would blow in, and created a rudimentary air conditioning. Benjamin Franklin and Michael Faraday also found that the evaporation of alcohol or using compressed liquefied ammonia had the ability to freeze water.
Using air ducts for ventilation and thermal control has been around for a long time. The air ducts we use today are important in our everyday lives and should have routine cleaning scheduled maintenance. For a free quote, call United Air Duct Cleaners at 718 255-6674. The team members are experts at keeping HVAC systems clean and running efficiently. They are certified and licensed, and understand that the air duct systems in your building should have routine cleanings and maintenance services in order to keep the air you breath comfortable and good quality.
Types Of Duct
Maintaining and cleaning your air ducts is an important and often neglected process. At United Air Duct Cleaning, the licensed and certified team members know how to treat your air ducts with the care they deserve. They will be able to service any air ducts, no matter what type is installed in your building. For a free quote to get your ducts clean, call 718 255-6674.
- Flexible Air Ducts
Flexible air ducts are inexpensive, lightweight, and very easy to install. They are constructed with a steel wire spring helix. Because of the spring, it is important to keep the length of the flexible ducts as short as possible. The length and number of bends within the duct will noticeably affect the efficiency of the system.
- Fiberboard Air Ducts
Fiberboard air ducts are created with compressed resin and fiberglass. The foil on the outside is a barrier between vapor and air. To prevent fiberglass from entering the air stream, the inside of the fiberboard air duct is sealed. Fiberboard air ducts are arguably the most economical of ducts, and also provide acoustical as well as thermal benefits to the building.
- Sheet Metal Air Ducts
Sheet metal air ducts, composed of galvanized steel or aluminum, is the most common variety of rigid air ducts used in construction. They can be found in rectangular, spiral oval, or round shapes. Sheet metal air ducts are the most durable in construction and are the least likely to develop mold or any biological growth because of the non-porous surface of the metal.
- Fiberglass Lined Air Ducts
Some types of sheet metal air ducts have internal or external fiberglass lining. The fiberglass lining helps to prevent heat loss and the formation of condensation in very cold air exchange areas, or there is high ambient humidity. Fiberglass lining also creates softer acoustics by dulling the noise from the existing HVAC system.
- Fabric Ducting
This is a simple duct, not used for air-conditioned ventilation. It is made out of a polyester material, and available in a wide variety of colors. There are many options for this type of duct including treatment for making the fabric more air-permeable, and silk screening for decorations. This type of duct is not used in ceilings or attic spaces, and needs a certain range of air flow and static to work effectively.
No matter what your HVAC system needs are, the experts at United Air Duct Cleaning can assist you in affordable and proper care for your air ducts. They are ready to answer your questions and give a free quote. Make sure your ducts are clean and call today at 718 255-6674.
Air Duct Cleaning When
Cleaning air ducts routinely is often neglected in residential buildings. Professional air duct cleaners, such as those in the NADCA will advise owners to have their HVAC systems cleaned for several reasons. If you have pets that shed a lot, then you are a good candidate for professional air duct cleaning. Some other indicators that it is time to have your air ducts cleaned by certified professionals is if you bought a new home. It is recommended you have the HVAC system cleaned before occupancy. Also, your HVAC system should be checked and cleaned after fire or flood damage, an infestation of pests in the ducts, if there are resident smokers, or anyone living in the building who has allergies or suffers from asthma.
Besides the above indicators, you may need to call your local air duct service to make sure your HVAC system is clean if you experience any of the following signs:
1. Excessive dust in your home.
When your air ducts aren’t clean, air flow in your home is reduced. With reduced air flow, that means less of the dirty air in your home is flowing through the air filters which clean out dirt, mold, and pet dander. Dirty ducts mean the air won’t be as clean as expected. The evidence is in the unusual amount dirt and dust in your home.
2. Inefficient heating and cooling systems.
Dust or dirt accumulation can hinder the heating or cooling systems. Air circulation will be reduced and you will notice that the thermal settings are harder to maintain. If the ambient temperature seems inconsistent with usual temperature, then it could be time to have a professional clean your system.
3.Mold infestation.
Mold can very hazardous to your health. Those with allergies or asthma are at an even greater risk. Getting your air ducts cleaned by professionals will prevent the spread of mold and other allergens throughout the house.
4. Dirty Air Vents
One of the easiest ways to assess your air ducts is by looking at your air vents and return air grills. Because they are so visible, you can make an accurate judgement of the state of the air ducts based on an accumulation of dust and dirt in the vents and grills. If needed, you can open the air vents and return air grills for a closer inspection. Any dirt or dust accumulated on the vents and grills is a good indication of what is inside the air ducts.
United Air Duct Cleaning understands the importance of a clean HVAC system in your home or business. They will provide a free quote for your system when you call 718 255-6674.
How Often Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Cleaning your air ducts can help improve heating and cooling performance and air quality. However, because air ducts are a mostly unseen part of the building structure, it can easily be neglected. Routine cleaning by a professional can help your HVAC system maintain peak performance. United Air Duct Cleaning has the expertise to assess and service a variety of air duct systems. They also provide a free quote when you call them at 718 255-6674.
Since cleaning your air ducts is important, how often should they be serviced? That is a question that has many variables. For example, one factor to consider is what part of the country you live in. Requirements for a country home may differ from those that are urbaner. How often you use the HVAC system also plays a part in the frequency of cleaning. Another aspect that needs to be considered is how many pets live in the home, and how much they shed. Most importantly, the overall health of the occupants needs to be considered. For example, does anyone have allergies or asthma? Those conditions would make them more sensitive to particles of pet dander, dirt, and dust in the air?
United Air Duct Cleaning can help you to assess the need and frequency for routine cleaning your HVAC system. As professional air duct cleaners, they know that the National Air Duct Cleaners Association suggests cleaning every 3 to 5 years. The EPA also highly recommends having a professional clean your air ducts if:
- You notice vermin infestation anywhere in your home.
- You see a poof of dust released from heat registers when air is expelled.
- You suspect mold forming in air ducts.
- You see black debris inside your vent register.
United Air Duct Cleaning will assess your air duct cleaning needs and with expertise and proper equipment be able to free your HVAC of any pollutants, allergens, dust, and dirt. For a free quote call today at 718 255-6674.
How To Find The Best Air Duct Cleaning Companies
Every building is different and has its own variety of specific needs. Generalizing about the best air duct cleaning company may be impossible but the search can be narrowed down by following some simple criteria.
1. Check Credentials.
The first criteria should be to ask the company to provide proof of certification from NADCO for performing HVAC cleaning services, such as United Air Duct Cleaning. Make sure the company is a member of NADCO in good standing. Get proof that the company is licensed and that both team members and equipment are properly insured.
2. Ask for recommendations.
Don’t be afraid to ask friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations of reliable air duct cleaners. Also, you can check out the Better Business Bureau for a listing of accredited air duct cleaners.Always read the BBB customer reviews for further information.
3. Sniff Out Scams
Avoid companies that offer services for a nominal fee. They will quote a nominal fee and then will either do a poor job of cleaning out the air ducts, or will hit you with extra cost of thousands of dollars, claiming they have to clean out toxins or mold. Another sign of a scam is that while they might stick to the agreed cost without any extra fees, but they will leave your home a mess. Getting your vents cleaned should make your home feel cleaner, not dirtier.
4. Get written estimates.
Make sure to get written estimates of not just the cost of all the labor but also of materials needed and any additional fees possible. A proper cleaning will run between $400 and $1000, according to the EPA. The cleaning will include the registers, vents, interior air ducts, and all other aspects of your HVAC system.
United Air Duct Cleaning meets all the criteria for a reputable and professional cleaning service. For your free quote call 718 255-6674.
Why Is Air Duct Cleaning Important?
Over time, contaminants such as pollen and dust build up in air ducts. As the furnace or air conditioner pulls air, it also moving around all other air born particles. One of the important aspects of air duct cleaning is that it removes those particles and improves air quality. These particles that build up and re-enter the home can be particularly hazardous for those with allergies and asthma. Maintaining clean air ducts eliminates extra particles in the HVAC system, and creates a cleaner environment.
Another reason air duct cleaning is important is that it can boost your energy efficiency. Build up of debris, dust, pollen, and pet dander can restrict the air flow in the HVAC system. This makes your heater or air conditioner work harder, consuming more energy and costing you more money. By scheduling regular air duct cleaning, the build up of dust and dirt is removed creating a more efficient HVAC system.
A messy HVAC system can lead to clogged air conditioning and heating coils. It can also damage blower wheels, motors, fans and other parts, which leads to expensive repairs later. Protect your heating and cooling systems by making routine cleaning a part of the normal maintenance of your home. Most HVAC professionals will attest to the fat that many system failures are a result of excess dirt and dust.
Lastly, one of the most important aspects of keeping air ducts clean is because of safety. Furniture is made with a lot of lint. This lint can settle in the HVAC systems of your home. It can easily overheat and catch fire and spread quickly. Lint in your air ducts can be a fire hazard and needs routine cleaning for safety. Keeping your air ducts clean of lint helps to improve fire safety in your home.
The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Air duct cleaning refers to the services of a professional to remove dust, dirt, allergens, and pollutants from your HVAC system. Because the heating and air conditioning systems circulate the air in your home, it is important to routinely clean the air ducts. There are many benefits to having your air ducts cleaned.
1. It removes odors.
Our homes are subjected to a wide variety of odors every day. Pets, cleaning chemicals, paint fumes, tobacco, food, and mold all find their way into the air ducts in your home. When the air conditioning or furnace turns on, these odors are distributed through the house. Having unrestricted air ducts means the particles causing the odors are removed, and no longer part of the air circulation in your home.
2. Easier breathing.
Even if no one in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, having clear air ducts improves air quality for everyone. Particles from pollutants, dust or dirt can trigger coughing or sneezing in anyone. Air ducts that are clean remove excess particles creating cleaner air for everyone to breathe.
3. A cleaner home.
Dust and dirt circulate through the HVAC system along with air. It lands everywhere in your home creating a coating of allergens and pollutants on bedding, counters, tables, and carpets. Clean air ducts means a cleaner home because the particles of dust and dirt are removed from the air.
United Air Duct Cleaning has the expertise and equipment to take care of any build up in your HVAC system. Their services are thorough and affordable. For a free quote call 718 255-6674 today.
