The Benefits of Air Duct Sanitizing in Your Tampa Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic
If air ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can become a haven for germs and spread infections far and wide. With the coronavirus sweeping through the country, it's become increasingly important to take all the precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of more illnesses. The harsh Florida weather makes it almost impossible to handle spending time outdoors, and indoor living frequently requires considerable use of HVAC systems.
Old ducts can do more harm than good in the home, so it's best to get them cleaned to help battle the pandemic.
Recent advice on coronavirus and HVAC systems
Reports of the virus spreading through HVAC systems in commercial buildings, such as restaurants, have made it seem much more difficult to contain. In the cruise ship Diamond Princess, it is now suspected that the ventilation systems spread the virus across the ship, despite distancing and quarantine attempts. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, has released a statement saying that ventilation systems have to be cleaned and maintained to provide the most benefits and lower the risk of infection.
Benefits of air duct sanitization
Ventilation systems prevent a buildup of dust and allergens in the air. Usually, they will be caught by the HVAC filters, where they can't harm anyone. Dirty ducts can circulate germs around the house, infecting people even if they maintain social distance and are in different rooms.
Here are the main benefits of getting air ducts cleaned and sanitized:
Remove germs, mold, and other debris from the HVAC system. This way, the ventilation system spreads clean air throughout the house.
Improve HVAC efficiency. Dirty ducts and filters will reduce the house's overall air quality and increase energy costs to maintain a cool temperature.
Alleviate respiratory ailments. People with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions need fresh air, and cleaner filters remove allergens and dust from the house.
Reduce the risk of infection. If one household member tests positive for the virus, a sanitized HVAC system will lower the risk for other housemates.
Clean HVAC systems and air ducts won't entirely prevent the spread of coronavirus. Self-maintenance, hand-washing, and surface disinfection are still the recommended methods to reduce the risk of infection.
How does sanitization work?
Professional equipment is needed to disinfect air ducts after they're cleaned thoroughly. A fogger will spread the sanitizer throughout the HVAC system and kill all the germs and bacteria that lay dormant in the vents. After that, an ultraviolet lamp will kill bacteria and viruses by breaking down their DNA and protein shells. Additional options include installing sanitizing filtration systems and installing the UV lamp inside the HVAC system for a long-term germicidal solution.
When to get air ducts cleaned
Now is the best time to have the air ducts cleaned. Air duct cleaning experts follow all the recommended safety measures and use professional-grade equipment to make clearing the ducts a real breeze. Most cleaning companies will work during the pandemic, so feel free to contact us to get air ducts cleaned in preparation for spending more time in the house.
3D Carpet Cleaning and Restoration offers home service cleaning and sanitation, air duct cleaning, and 24-hour flood service in Tampa & South Florida. Call (813) 833-4126 today!
