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Breathe Easier!
A
word from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
Duct cleaning generally
refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of
forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers,
grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate
drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit
housing. If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components
may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris. If
moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth (e.g., mold) is
increased and spores from such growth may be released into the home's living
space. Some of these contaminants may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms
in people if they are exposed to them.
Benefits of Clean Air Ducts:
Cleaning removes 5 to 15 pounds of dirt and debris from the ductwork!
A Clean system improves air circulation.
Cleaning will add life to your current system.
Cleaning will improve overall indoor air quality.
If you answer
"Yes" to any of the following questions, your home may suffer
from indoor air pollution:
· Do you experience headaches, nausea, or burning sensations in the
nose, throat, or eyes more frequently at home than when outside?
· Do you have allergies to mold and mildew?
· Do you have pets?
· Do you have a central air circulating system that utilizes standard
throw-away fiberglass filter?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been
shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that
have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and
very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the
HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall
plan to improve indoor air quality.
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If you answer yes to any of
the following questions you may be throwing money in the air:
· Do you regularly clean excessive dust accumulations from your
household furniture?
· Do you notice poor air flow?
· Do you live in a new or newly remodeled home?
· Do you live in a house that has been recently insulated or
weather-proofed?
· Do you live in a home that has never been cleaned by an expert?
Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may
allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive
mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break
down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively
than dirty systems.
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The Facts:
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor
air quality is among the five most important environmental concerns facing
Americans today. Not surprising, since the EPA also estimates that we spend
approximately 90% of our time indoors. The National Energy Management Institute
(NEMI) estimates that indoor air quality problems cost the economy more than $63
billion dollars a year in decreased productivity and healthcare costs. In the
home, the effects of poor indoor air quality can be just as damaging. EPA
studies indicate indoor air pollutants may be two to five times, and possibly
more than 100 times higher than outdoor levels. Prolonged exposure, or exposure
to contaminants at an early age can lead to a lifetime of debilitating
sensitivity. While young children and those with allergies and asthma are
especially susceptible to its effects, poor indoor air quality can lead to
health problems for any person. First Response Carpet Care is dedicated to
helping all people live and work more comfortably in their homes and offices. By
strictly adhering to industry guidelines, First Response is providing the
highest level of service to both its residential and commercial clients. The
importance of the issue of indoor air quality demands nothing less.
Additional Services:
· Blowers can be pulled and cleaned if needed to maintain
efficient airflow.
· The dryer vent is vacuumed-cleaned. This improves dryer performance and helps
eliminate the chance of fire.
· For the water heater, the technician cleans out the heat exhaust tube and
vacuums the flue pipe, cleaning away all debris.
How Often Should Residential HVAC
Systems Be Cleaned?
Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least
of which is the preference of the home owner. Some of the things that may lead a
home owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
· Smokers in the household.
· Pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander.
· Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
· Residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the
amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system.
· After home renovations or remodeling.
· Prior to occupancy of a new home.
The Cost of HVAC Cleaning
The Environmental Protection Agency says that duct cleaning
services typically but not always range in cost from $450 to $1000 per heating
and cooling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to
be cleaned, system accessibility, climactic region, and level of contamination
and the type of duct material.
Consumers should beware of air duct cleaning companies that making sweeping
claims about the health benefits of duct cleaning such claims are
unsubstantiated. Consumers should also beware of blow-and-go air duct cleaning
companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of
cleaning the heating and cooling system. These companies may also persuade the
consumer into unneeded services with and/or without their permission. First Response Carpet Care prices: Air Ducts 20.00 per vent (coupon!)
with a 10 duct/return minimum. HVAC units are 75.00 for a ground unit, and
150.00 for an attic unit. Example: 10 ducts/returns with a ground unit; total
cost 275.00!
Why so much less? We strive to keep our overhead expenses down to a minimum,
such as maintaining our equipment, doing research before purchasing supplies,
and keeping advertising expenses to a minimum, therefore passing the savings of
all of our services along to our clients.
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Cleaning Services Page]
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