Considerations During Air Duct Sanitization

Air Duct Sanitization

Illness can spread rapidly in enclosed spaces. While most individuals focus on surface cleaning and frequent handwashing, air ducts become neglected. It is important to ask, when an individual in your home has recently recovered from the flu, cold or even COVID, how air ducts are maintained.

During periods of sickness, the majority of individuals suffering from flu and cold are most likely of the opinion that air duct sanitization is of little use.

Why Air Ducts Are Considered Important While Recovering From Illness

HVAC systems are not merely temperature regulators. They recycle the air in the house and, to that matter, germs, allergens and even viruses if the air handling unit is not cleaned appropriately. During the air duct cleaning, an individual is sick; the air that is stagnant in the ducts and the air that is circulating gradually increases the chances of reinfection or new outbreaks of diseases.

How Air Quality Can Be Changed Through Air Pollutants Associated With Diseases

The sick person’s cough or sneeze, as well as normal breathing in an uncontrolled, unventilated indoor environment, can release minute droplets containing viruses, pathogens, or bacteria. These droplets:

• Stick to surfaces 
• Be caught in the vents of the returned air. 
• Circulate in the HVAC system. 

Unless the ducts are arewell-maintainedd, the illness-related contaminants can persist for extended periods of time in the ducts.

Regulations Air Duct Disinfection

Air duct sanitization is a type of duct cleaning that applies EPA-registered disinfectants into the HVAC ducts and, as a result, the bacteria, viruses, molds, spores, and other germs are neutralized. Not every duct cleaning company disinfects the ducts, and therefore, air duct sanitation is a prescribed type of duct cleaning targeting the health of the individuals in that environment.

When to Consider Air Sanitizing Ducts After Sickness

To try and determine the timing as to when to think about sanitizing the ducts, consider the following:

• One of the occupants of the house had an acute infectious disease and was in close contact with the rest of the family (flu, strep throat, or COVID-19). 
• Acute illness is usually accompanied by fever, malaise, and in some cases asthenia. 
• Must or mildew odor is coming out of the vents. 
• It’s been over 1 to 2 years since the last duct cleaning. 

In the cited scenarios, experts recommend the corrective action of air duct sanitization post-illness for minimizing the risk of further illness.

Post-Illness HVAC Cleaning Benefits

Elevated Air Quality

Viruses and disease-causing germs would no longer be part of the air we breathe.

Lessened Chances of Re-Infection

You cannot be re-infected with the same illness after air duct sanitization.

Elimination of Odors

Germs and molds are the roots of foul smells, which, once eliminated, are rendered clean.

Reliability

Knowing your HVAC system is clean provides comprehensive health and comfort assurance.

Duct Cleaning Sanitization: Professional Services vs. Do It Yourself

There are chances of lacking the required pack of equipment, disinfectants, and the working environment, hence the assumption of trying to do it yourself.

• Complete cleaning is guaranteed when you hire a specialist. 
• Inspection and cleaning services 
• Moisture application with safe, EPA-listed sanitizing solutions. 
• No damage to your HVAC system 

In Georgia, duct sanitization Atlanta experts are well-trained in providing safe and effective services.

Professional Sanitization Steps

Below is a common outline of performing professional sanitization of ducts.

Assessment

Technicians perform airflow evaluation tests and visual inspections of the vents and the ducts utilizing specialized cameras.

Vacuuming

Sound out and remove dirt, dust, and residue with vacuums fitted with HEPA filters.

Disinfecting

The duct system is disinfected utilizing spraying or fogging techniques.

Pre-checks and Post-checks

The air is tested to validate the improvement of the air quality.

Recommended Schedule

To maintain a healthy home, consider the following guidelines:

• Post any significant illness in the home 
• As a routine with the HVAC system, every 1–2 years 
• Noticing mold odors or having allergy symptoms requires servicing the ducts immediately.
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The Importance of Duct Sanitization for Atlanta Residents

Combining heat and humidity in Atlanta with pollen and allergens form a micro environment in which bacteria and molds develop and grow within air conditioning and heating systems. When you require commercial duct cleaning in Atlanta, use experts who consider local natural factors.

Do Not Let Your Air System Harbor Any Illnesses

After all the hard work of restoring your family’s health, do not allow a reservoir of germs to persist in your household. Following an illness, make sure all air ducts are sanitized so that not only do you feel better, but so does your environment.

Conclusions

Home is where one expects to relax and recuperate. However, the presence of stagnant bacteria and viruses in your HVAC system can negate that. These restorative post-illness HVAC and professional cleaning measures are simple but will yield excellent results for your home’s health.

For Atlanta residents, contact a local duct sanitization professional for clean, fresh, and safe air within the home.

Common Queries

How long should I wait after an illness to sanitize the air ducts?

Best practice is to wait a week after all symptoms have resolved to sanitize air ducts.

Will regular air duct cleaning remove viruses, too?

Regular cleaning will not remove viruses, as it only removes the dust and debris; sanitization is needed to remove viruses and bacteria specifically.

Can allergy issues post-illness be relieved by sanitizing ducts?

It is a fact that duct sanitation can help in eliminating some harmful pollutants, allergens, sanitizing the ducts, and enhancing the air in general, which is useful during the recovery process.

Is the sanitization of ducts harmful to pets and children?

Not at all, because to sanitize, non-toxic, EPA-approved sanitizers are used, which are safe for children and pets.

What is the estimated cost of duct sanitization in Atlanta?

Depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the system, the price will change, but most services will fall within the $300–$700 range.