What is Duct Cleaning, Sanitizing & Disinfecting - Contrasting the Differences
Understanding how to effectively protect ourselves from illness is more important than ever. Unfortunately, there has been considerable confusion surrounding cleaning methods and their effectiveness in achieving sterilization.
While the terms cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilization are often used interchangeably, each has distinct meanings and purposes. Learn about the appropriate techniques to ensure you achieve the desired level of cleanliness.
Importance of Cleaning and Disinfecting
Routine air duct cleaning removes debris such as dirt and plaster dust from your ducts. In addition to cleaning and disinfecting your home’s ductwork, sanitizing also eliminates any hidden mold or mildew. Furthermore, it helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal growth for approximately six months after application.
Benefits of Duct Sanitization
Duct sanitization effectively kills mold or fungus inside your air ducts, making it the only way to eliminate this unwanted, hidden mold.
It also removes pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, helping to protect everyone in your home or workplace from illness.
For individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues, duct cleaning can significantly improve their breathing.
Moreover, duct sanitization can help eliminate any lingering unpleasant odors in your ducts.
It’s a cost-effective solution, lasting up to six months, and is suitable for all types of ductwork, whether for dryers or air conditioning.
Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting
Cleaning
Cleaning involves removing debris, dirt, and other contaminants from the system. Over time, this buildup occurs in all systems, but it is especially problematic in air ducts.
Exposure to these toxins can lead to wheezing and respiratory issues, and they can spread dust and grime throughout the premises.
According to the National Institutes of Health, regular air duct cleaning is essential for preventing these and other problems. The most effective air duct cleaning employs a ventilation technique to suction out dirt and debris from the system.
Additionally, components like conveyor engines and cooling units within the HVAC system also require regular cleaning.
Sanitizing
Sanitizing targets microbes, germs, and bacteria, while cleaning focuses on removing dirt. Moreover, ductwork and HVAC systems can accumulate both.
Dead insects and animal waste are common sources of bacteria and viruses, but airborne germs and viruses can also enter the vents.
The sanitization of a ventilation system is often performed alongside cleaning. This process typically involves injecting a cleaning solution into the air ducts.
Disinfecting
While disinfection completely eliminates bacteria and germs, sanitizing only reduces their quantity. Think of disinfection as an enhanced form of sanitizing.
During the disinfection phase, an eco-friendly disinfectant is sprayed throughout the HVAC system, similar to the sanitizing process.
This type of disinfection is commonly used in healthcare facilities and is becoming more prevalent in other commercial buildings as well.
Do you need to clean, sanitize, or disinfect your HVAC system?
The HVAC systems in your building must be properly maintained to ensure the well-being of both customers and staff. What actions should we take?
Every facility requires routine air duct cleaning, as dust and debris accumulate in all structures. Sanitizing or disinfection may be necessary less frequently or under specific circumstances.
You might need to have your system serviced or disinfected if:
Employees in the building have specific health issues, such as asthma or allergies.
There are concerns that the air ducts may harbor mold or other microorganisms.
The air ducts emit an unpleasant odor that could indicate mold presence.
The building has experienced plumbing issues or leaks.
There is a pest problem in the facility.
While viruses like COVID-19 are non-living and do not remain contagious on surfaces over time, many building owners choose to disinfect their facilities before employees return to work full-time. Regular sanitation and cleaning of the system help ensure the healthiest environment for your facilities.
Is it Safe to Sanitize and Disinfect Air Ducts?
It depends on the materials used to construct the air ducts and whether the sanitizing and disinfecting methods are applied correctly.
Experienced technicians know how to clean air ducts thoroughly. We ensure that the disinfectants we use are safe when applied properly, and we are well-versed in their application.
Conclusion
When required, our skilled specialists will inspect your systems and provide the best maintenance recommendations, such as cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.
To arrange for your HVAC system's cleaning and maintenance, call us right away.
