According to the USEPA, levels of some hazardous pollutants in indoor air have been found to be up to 70 times higher than in outdoor air. A major source of indoor air pollution is dirty air ducts. Every time the oven or air conditioner is running, dust, dirt particles, debris, pollen, pet dander, and other contaminants enter the duct system. Over time, the particles build up in the ducts. The duct system eventually becomes the perfect environment for mold, bacteria, and other organisms to grow.
Air is pumped through the system and dispersed throughout the home where family members and pets get sick. People with respiratory conditions like asthma or people prone to allergies are at higher risk of getting sick. Children and the elderly are also at high risk of getting sick from lack of indoor air. Fortunately, people can now clean their ducts to improve indoor air quality. People who live in condos have the same indoor air pollutants as homeowners and must clean their ducts as well.
By having room exhausts, heating / cooling systems, and clothes drying units cleaned, condo managers are providing residents with a healthy breathing environment. Dryers produce large amounts of lint. There is a fair amount of lint escaping from the lint trap and into the ventilation system. Over time, buildup of dryer lint can create a fire hazard. Because lint is a highly flammable material, many insurance companies and fire departments require that the dryer vents be inspected and cleaned regularly. Clogged airways and heat can cause lint to catch fire. Also, dryers that don’t ventilate properly are less efficient and therefore more expensive to operate. Cleaning vents and exhaust systems on clothing is essential to reduce fire risk and improve energy efficiency.
When there is inadequate air ventilation, the indoor air becomes polluted with air pollutants. Decreased air ventilation causes condo residents to breathe bad air. The air duct cleaning method used by many cleaning companies consists of a portable vacuum cleaner and an air compressor. This type of unit, or a unit of similar design, allows technicians to reach out and thoroughly clean the entire ductwork system in a condo. Cleaning units are quiet so residents are not interrupted. Most companies use the latest duct cleaning equipment technology available. For example, robotic duct cleaning equipment is fast becoming a popular choice for many businesses.
Many buildings are now affected by a condition called ‘Sick Building Syndrome’, including condos. This term means that a building or house has pollutants that are making its occupants sick. Some of the main causes of sick building syndrome include: toxins in items such as upholstery, carpets, treated wood products, cleaning products, as well as pesticides and certain types of plastic material that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air , including formaldehyde. . Biological contaminants can include pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds.
Dirty or damp air ducts provide the perfect home for the accumulation of debris, dust mites and organisms. This can result in “sick building syndrome”. Because condos can have extensive ductwork, it is essential that the systems are cleaned regularly to maintain healthy indoor air for the residents of the condo.
