Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned ?

 Having your air ducts cleaned is the removal of dust and other contaminates throughout the ductwork.The air in your home circulates through the ducts multiple times a day.According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through normal use.There are many benefits to having ductwork cleaned by a pro.Dust entering lungs can cause respiratory issues like coughing,sneezing and bronchial congestion.Removal of unpleasant odors is another great benefit,tabacco and pet odors in the home can be minimized or eliminated.An accumulation of dust and dirt over time can lead to a musty scent coming from the ductwork.In addition to dust, air ducts frequently contain harmful contaminants and bad micro-organisms that grow in the air of Jacksonville,Florida and surrounding high humidity areas. These include pet dander, bacteria, pollen, mildew, moldy spores, and like toxins. People suffer from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems are particularly sensitive to these air particles.Fortunately, a thorough air duct cleaning reduces the amount of interior cleaning and dusting necessary to maintain a hygienic home. Perhaps most importantly for your budget, regular preventative maintenance is less pricey than having to replace your HVAC unit prematurely.Conversely, a clean system will operate at its most peak efficiency and provide the most low cost-effective performance for your dollar. 

• 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
•   Accumulated lint in dryer vents is the leading cause of dryer-related fires: 34% of all dryer fires result from excess lint build up. 

Installation

• Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
• Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.
• Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.

Cleaning

• Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.
• Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
• Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.

Maintenance

• Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
• Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.
• Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
• Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
• Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and free of leaks.
• Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
• Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.
• If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer.

• Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
• Don’t overload the dryer.
• Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
• Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
• Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”
• Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).
• Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
• Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed. Dryer Vent Cleaning Jacksonville Fl & St Johns Fl