Home air quality concerns most Tomball and Magnolia residents because we want our indoor air to be as breathable and healthy as possible. Today we spend about 90% of our time inside our homes and workplaces, and no matter how clean your home is, the concentration of pollutants indoors is 2-5 times higher than outdoors. Indoor airborne pollutants pose a health risk to all but can be dangerous to many. Young families with infants and toddlers, families with chronically ill loved ones who receive ongoing medical treatment, and seniors who need to breathe easily are at higher risk of illness from bad indoor air.
Indoor Air Quality & Pollutants
What causes indoor air pollution? Energy-saving synthetic construction materials, common personal care products, home cleaners, pesticides, and even our furniture can release toxic vapors inside our homes and offices. Other indoor air pollutants are:
Combustion byproducts (carbon monoxide, particulates from fire and burning gas, tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, etc.)
Lead/asbestos
Mildew/mold
Ozone
Pet fur/dander
VOCs (volatile organic compounds; burning fossil fuels, paints, etc.)
Airborne Pollutants’ Effects
Your IAQ may be poor if you or other family members frequently have allergy-like symptoms, and the dust buildup seems heavier than usual. Runny noses, headaches, and itchy eyes are minor issues, and dusty furniture can be controlled with regular cleaning. But there can also be long-term health effects from indoor air pollution:
Cancer
Cardiovascular disease
Central nervous system, kidney, or liver damage
Frequent respiratory infections
Lung disease
Studies have shown school buildings with a high concentration of indoor air pollutants have lower cognitive and verbal skills among students. Poor IAQ in workplaces can lead to slower response times and difficulty focusing and staying on-task.
Ductwork Cleaning: Necessary or Not?
You have probably seen an advertisement, received a coupon in the mail, or been approached directly by a company offering to clean your air ducts as a means of improving your home’s indoor air quality. While the debate about the value of periodic duct cleaning continues, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly.
-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency says ductwork cleaning can improve indoor air quality and prevent the growth of biological contaminants. But what’s most important is that your service provider be a reputable, trusted local company of trained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals who will clean all the necessary system components “and is qualified to do so,” says the EPA.
The Division of Occupational Health & Safety says prevention is the key to cleaner indoor air:
Change filters according to HVAC manufacturer’s instructions (or more frequently, as needed)
Schedule annual or bi-annual supply/return ductwork inspections
Schedule fall and spring HVAC maintenance
Seal ductwork during remodeling to prevent construction dust/debris from contaminating the HVAC system
Ask your HVAC technician if antimicrobial air duct fogging would be beneficial. A trustworthy company will only perform this service after a complete ductwork cleaning and if your home or office is at-risk for bad IAQ. For example, excessive humidity, too many illnesses, or loved ones with health issues justify antimicrobial air duct fogging.
What is HVAC Antimicrobial Ductwork?
Antimicrobial ductwork is an HVAC duct system that has been pretreated with an antimicrobial coating. The coating will deter the growth of bacteria, mildew, mold, and other contaminants that can become airborne pollutants. Antimicrobial ducts won’t eliminate the need for occasional duct cleaning but will substantially improve indoor air quality.
Country Air Antimicrobial Ductworks: The Ultimate Solution
For many years, new-home builders have known what “good old house” owners are now learning: Antimicrobial ductwork is a solid investment in clean air. If you plan to sell or if you’re building new, antimicrobial ductwork has an approximate 30% return on investment (ROI). If your home is a long-term residence, the health benefits of installing antimicrobial ductwork are viable.
Country Air antimicrobial ductwork is flexible and has an Agion® natural silver-treated inner core that deters microbial growth. The material’s core is airtight, fiberglass insulated, and a vapor barrier surrounds the entire duct.
Country Air won’t try to “upsell” your ductwork replacement or new installation with antimicrobial ductwork; we automatically install it because you need it. We use JPL’s AMBlue II ducts in all new installations. “With the high humidity we have in Northwest Houston, we feel it’s necessary to provide our customers with a product designed to prevent microbe growth in the ductwork,” said one Country Air HVAC specialist. “AMBlue II is a high-quality, flexible duct specifically engineered for our Texas coastal humidity.”
Country Air will always recommend what’s best and affordable. Duct replacement quotes are complimentary, and we welcome your questions about indoor air quality and antimicrobial ducts.
FAQs
Two frequently asked questions we receive are:
Upon inspection, if we determine duct cleaning is adequate, that’s our recommendation. Some problems could be solved by applying an antimicrobial treatment following a ductwork cleaning. But if there is extensive mold or moisture damage, you may need to replace your ducts. We will use JPL’s AMBlue II ducts because they’re best for your home health.
If you need new or replacement HVAC ducts, antimicrobial ductwork can prevent bacterial growth within your duct system, reduce airborne pollutants and allergens, and generally make your home healthier.
