For the average homeowner, little is known about the home maintenance task of duct cleaning. When something is not in you line of sight on a regular basis, it is easy to forget about it or neglect it. Because it is impossible for an owner to see inside of their ductwork, it’s easy to understand why people don’t schedule routine duct service in Lacey. Although you may not need your ductwork cleaned every year, as with any other part of your home, an inspection by a professional is always a good idea.
Air Filter
Found in the furnace, an air filter is an item that filters particles out of the air and prevents them from entering the HVAC system. Air filters are rated on the MERV scale. Using and maintaining the appropriate air filter for your system is crucial to proper operation.
Air Quality
For duct service in Lacey, air quality is in reference to indoor air quality which concerns maintaining the health and safety of residents inside of a building. Air with lots of pollutants is considered to be of low quality.
Air Whip
A type of rotary brush used to clean the inside of ductwork. Equipment like this is used to dislodge debris that has built up on the inside of ducts.
Biocide
A chemical or compound used to kill or eliminate harmful organisms like mold and mildew. This is important for homeowners to be aware of because some duct service in Lacey will include an application of this. Consumers should always ask what products are being used inside their homes in order to make an informed decision about its use.
Blower
The component of an HVAC system that propels treated air into the home. Without a functioning blower, your home will not ever reach the temperature set on your thermostat. Part of proper duct service is cleaning the inside and outside of the blower.
Condensation
Most people are aware of condensation when it refers to a sweating glass of cold soda. When it comes to duct service in Lacey, condensation inside of ductwork is important to be aware of because it can lead to excessive mold and mildew growth.
Cooling Coil
A coil that holds refrigerant and works to remove heat from the air in order to cool your home. As with the blower, even though the cooling coil has more to do with HVAC than duct work, a thorough duct cleaning includes the cooling coil.
Heating Coil
This coil receives electric energy and converts it into heat energy in order to raise the indoor temperature. Similarly to the cooling coil, this component should also be cleaned during routine duct cleaning services.
HEPA Filter– High Efficiency Particulate Air filter. These filters are reported to remove at least 99.97% of airborne particulates with a size of 0.3 microns. Thins like dust, bacteria, pollen, and mold are the common targets.
MERV Rating
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating system to rank air filters performance. The lower the rating, the less particles captured. Higher rated filters are better able to remove specific molecules. However, higher isn’t always better. A filter that restricts too much can inhibit proper air flow for your HVAC system and cause undue stress on the units.
NADCA
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association, also known as the HVAC Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Association. This organization supports professionals in the industry with education and certifications in order to promote high standards.
Operating Life
The total length of time something lasts. A furnace or air conditioner, for example, has an average operating life of 15 to 20 years. No matter how well you take care of things, most will eventually need to be replaced.
Pollutants – An item that contaminates something else, specifically, water or air. In terms of duct cleaning, pollutants that technicians are concerned with are mold, mildew, dust, dander, and smoke. These particulates can cause many health concerns and symptoms so their removal is best.
Sealant
Some duct service in Lacey companies may offer a sealant option in order to prevent air leaks. As with biocides, consumers should be sure to get detailed information on any product used to ensure they are safe. According to the EPA, “These practices have yet to be fully researched and you should be fully informed before deciding to permit the use of biocides or chemical treatments in your air ducts.”
Duct Service in Lacey Can be Confusing
Just because something is confusing doesn’t mean we should completely avoid it. However, being ignorant on certain things leaves you at risk of being taken advantage of by less-than honorable companies. The more you know about duct service in Lacey, the better able you will be to decide if you need the service and which company to hire.