6 Reasons You Need Duct Cleaning

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In today’s homes, where indoor air quality is as crucial as outdoor air quality, the importance of clean air ducts cannot be overstated. Duct cleaning, often an overlooked aspect of home maintenance, plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient living environment. Like the veins of a home, air ducts circulate air throughout, impacting everything from air quality to energy costs. Here are six compelling reasons to prioritize duct cleaning in your home.

Ensuring Optimal Air Quality

A Respite from Allergens and Irritants

The air ducts in your home can become a haven for various allergens and irritants, including dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. These contaminants, when circulated through the HVAC system, can significantly impact the health of residents, especially those suffering from allergies or respiratory conditions. Regular duct cleaning removes these harmful particles from your indoor air, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and respiratory issues. The process is particularly important in regions with high pollen counts or in homes with pets, where the likelihood of allergen accumulation in the ducts is higher.

 

Combatting Persistent Odors

Air ducts can accumulate a myriad of odor-causing particles, such as tobacco smoke, cooking fumes, and pet odors, leading to a lingering mustiness in the home. These odors can be particularly tenacious, resisting typical household cleaning methods. A thorough cleaning of the ducts is often the only way to eradicate these odors completely, ensuring a fresher and more pleasant indoor atmosphere. This aspect of duct cleaning is essential for homes that have been exposed to smoke or have a history of pets, as these odors can become deeply embedded in the ductwork over time.

Boosting System Efficiency and Longevity

Elevating Air Flow Efficiency

When air ducts are clogged with dust and debris, the airflow within the HVAC system is impeded, causing the system to work harder and less efficiently. This not only leads to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills but also places undue stress on the HVAC system. Clean ducts ensure that air can move freely, enhancing the efficiency of the system and potentially leading to significant energy savings. This aspect of duct cleaning is particularly beneficial in climates with extreme temperatures, where HVAC systems are heavily relied upon.

Prolonging HVAC System Life

A clean duct system reduces the strain on your HVAC unit, thereby extending its lifespan. When the system doesn’t have to overexert itself to heat or cool your home, it undergoes less wear and tear. This not only translates to fewer repairs but also delays the need for a costly replacement of the HVAC system. Regular duct cleaning, thus, becomes a prudent investment in the long-term health of your home’s heating and cooling systems.

Cultivating a Healthier Living Environment

Mitigating the Spread of Germs

Unclean air ducts can be a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, which can then be circulated throughout the home. In light of health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of clean air in preventing the spread of illness has gained unprecedented attention. Regular duct cleaning can play a significant role in minimizing the circulation of these microorganisms, fostering a healthier living environment for all occupants.

Promoting Overall Cleanliness

The cleanliness of your ducts directly impacts the overall cleanliness of your home. Ducts laden with dust and debris distribute these particles throughout your living spaces, settling on surfaces and necessitating frequent cleaning. By keeping your ducts clean, you reduce the amount of dust and dirt in your home, making it easier to maintain a clean and tidy environment.

The Importance of Professional Duct Cleaning with Six Penny Chimney

In light of these reasons, it’s clear that duct cleaning is not just a maintenance task but a crucial component of sustaining a healthy, efficient, and comfortable home. Sixpenny Chimney offers professional duct cleaning services that cater to all these needs. Our expert team is equipped with advanced tools and extensive experience to provide thorough and effective duct cleaning, ensuring your home enjoys optimal air quality, enhanced system efficiency, and a healthier living environment.

We invite you to explore our range of services and learn more about how Sixpenny Chimney can assist you in maintaining a pristine home environment. Visit our website to discover more about our offerings and how we can help you achieve a cleaner, healthier home. Choose Sixpenny Chimney for your duct cleaning needs and breathe easier in a home that’s not just clean, but holistically healthy.

 

White washer and dryer in unfinished basement laundry room

The Importance of a Clean Dryer Vent

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With the continuous advancement in technology, dryers have become a significant part of most households, drying bedding, linens, and clothes. A typical residential dryer works two to ten times a week.

After regular use, the dryer vent, a tube running from the dryer to outside your home that removes moisture and hot air, will accumulate lint and debris, which could lead to clogging and other complications. This post discusses the importance of cleaning your dryer vent.

Why You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent 

Keeps Clothes Looking Good Longer

Whenever you load clothes in the dryer, they lose a tiny fraction of their quality as the extra heat will deteriorate fibers within the clothes, slightly stretching them.

You can do little to counter the process since clothes eventually wear out. However, you can slow it down by regularly cleaning the dryer vent.

A dirty, clogged vent will make your dryer inefficient, as it will have to run longer to remove all the water altogether. So when you use the machine, it will subject your clothes to prolonged wear and tear, reducing their quality.

Lower the Risk of Dryer Fires 

Lint, which regularly accumulates inside dryer vents, is highly flammable and can easily cause a massive house fire. 

A National Fire Protection Association report states that clothes dryers account for an estimated 15970 house fires yearly. Also, up to 80% of the fires are caused by clogged dryer vents. 

By clearing all the debris and lint build-up in the dryer vent, you ensure there is nothing to spark fires that can cause severe damage.

Save Energy

While working, dryer vents will collect dust and debris. When the debris accumulates, it occupies more space in the vent, leaving little room for air and heat to pass through. 

Consequently, your dryer will have to work harder to complete its tasks, consuming more energy, which means a higher electricity bill.

You can significantly reduce your power costs by cleaning the dryer vent. An open vent provides enough space for hot air and moisture to move freely, placing zero pressure on the appliance.

Lessen Wear and Tear on Your Appliance

Regularly cleaning your dryer vent increases the lifespan of your machine. When there are alot of obstructions, lint, and other particles stuck inside your vent, they strain parts of the dryer by causing faster wear and tear.

In some instances, the particles can block the vent entirely and lead to fires since the hot air won’t have an outlet to pass through.

Also, the cleaning will reduce the money spent on repairs, as the machine will run optimistically longer.

Keep Allergens at Bay

A significant downside of a dirty or clogged dryer vent is that it captures water flowing from the wet clothes. Over time, the water accumulates various allergens, such as dust, mold, and more.

Unfortunately, these allergens will spread from the vent to other parts of your home, and inhaling them could make you develop a cough, congestion, or rash. The condition can be detrimental, especially for persons with respiratory challenges.

Avoid the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

There are electric and gas dryers; if you use the latter, a clogged vent could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

While working, gas dryers produce small amounts of carbon monoxide, which gets passed out through the dryer vent. However, a clogged vent means the toxic gas could flow back through the pipe into the house, creating a hazardous environment for you and your family.

Once in the body, excess carbon monoxide will deprive vital organs of oxygen, cause loss of consciousness, and lead to death through suffocation.

Ensuring your dryer vent is clean prevents such incidents as the air will flow smoothly.

Enables Faster Drying Times

The more lint and other materials accumulate inside the vent, the less air it can pass. This means it will take the machine longer to dry clothes, for the clogging can prevent bedding and clothes from drying thoroughly after one cycle, forcing you to repeat the process. 

On the other hand, a clean dryer vent will let out the heat and moisture faster, thereby drying your clothes faster.

How Often Should You Clean the Dryer Vent?

We recommend cleaning once a year for a household with two or five people. But you can schedule cleaning every six months if you have a large family, eight or more people.

Get Your Dryer Vents Professionally Cleaned in Northern, VA

Are you in Northern Virginia, Looking for a professional to handle your dryer vent, chimney, and gutter cleaning? Sixpenny Chimney has been doing so for years and has mastered the art. Contact us for a quote today.

Several air ducts on a building with new homes who's air ducts need to be cleaned.

Moving into a New Home? 6 Reasons to Have the Air Ducts Cleaned

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f Moving into a new home is a thrilling and memorable experience. Of course, you have a list of things to do, like fitting the rooms for furniture and windows for curtains, repainting the walls, and more.

While preparing a new home, most people forget to clean the air ducts, which is essential as it will ensure you and your family enjoy the cleanest air possible and give your house a homey feel. Let’s look at six reasons to have air ducts cleaned in a new home.

1. Remove Mold

You should remove all potential allergens from your environment, especially if you or a family member suffer from allergies.

Mold ranks high among allergens, and mold spores can cause allergic reactions like wheezing, headaches, itching, and running nose.

It can thrive inside and outside your house, so you should check for it in damp places such as basements, the kitchen, and bathrooms.

Mold can also grow inside an HVAC system, and it’s extremely challenging to go through the whole system looking for it. Hence it’s preferable to have a professional inspect the air ducts and remove any mold.

2. Remove Dander and Pet Hair

Being a pet parent is fulfilling; they love us unconditionally and brighten our days. While pets such as fish and reptiles don’t have any dander or fur, cats and dogs can give you a mild or severe allergic reaction, especially if you have a dander allergy.

A report by the American Lung Association states that more than 161 million cats and dogs stay in American households. So, the chances of you moving into a house that previously had a cat or dog are high. Therefore, cleaning your new home’s air ducts is critical before settling in.

3. Ensure the HVAC System Runs Efficiently

There are numerous reasons why an HVAC system may not function as it should. The ductwork may leak, air filters can be dirty, and items could have fallen into the system, damaging the ductwork.

Due to one or two of these reasons, a faulty HVAC system can significantly raise your cooling or heating bills.

Before moving into a new building, it’s better to mitigate the risk of an ineffective HVAC system by cleaning and inspecting the ducts.

4. Keep Away Unwanted Guests

Insects and rodents like mice and rats are attracted to dark, unkempt, dirty places. Keeping air ducts clean will help get rid of any creepy crawlers that could be lurking in them. It will also discourage other animals that feed on these insects from entering the ductwork.

5. Remove Debris and Dust

You may want to paint or renovate some rooms to personalize your new home.

Dust from the painting and sanding may accumulate inside the air ventilation system, and trade workers don’t usually clean them.

Additionally, they could leave items in the vents while working. For such reasons, air duct cleaning will ensure clean air circulation and prevent breathing discomfort.

6. Get Rid of Old “Lifestyle” and Cooking Smells from Previous Owners

People have different lifestyle choices, which you may not be comfortable with. Cleaning the air ducts of your new home will help clear all lingering cooking or smoking smells from previous house occupants. Doing so will make you feel comfortable in your new environment.

Tips For Finding a Qualified Professional to Clean Your Air Ducts

Homeowners generally find air duct cleaning to be stressful and time-consuming — which it is. So, stepping back and having a professional do the work is preferable.

Finding one that will provide excellent service will be easy if you know what to check for.

Here are some factors to consider:

Does the company have all the credentials?

Check that the HVAC cleaning company has the necessary credentials and is insured. Ask if they have a surety bond and liability coverage for more protection.

What’s their experience?

You’ll need to choose a company with enough experience cleaning air ducts and working with HVAC systems. That way, you lower the chances of costly mistakes and ensure effective cleaning.

Research Their Workmanship

Has the company received any positive reviews and ratings? What do their past clients say about their services?

It’s always better to work with an expert who provides a customer-centric service that will meet all your needs. You can check their website for such information.

Sixpenny Chimney — Professional Air Duct Cleaners in Northern Virginia

Cleaning your air ducts before moving into your new home and regularly after will ensure you keep away the allergens and always have fresh air.

Sixpenny Chimney in Northern Virginia offers exceptional air duct cleaning, HVAC maintenance, and replacement services.

Whether you want to install an air purification system or even clean the chimney, we can do that for you. Contact us today for more information.

A person holding their thermostat control examining it for any HVAC myths.

HVAC Myths You Swore Were True

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Many HVAC myths appear to be wishful thinking rather than based on any facts. And unfortunately, if you center your HVAC operation and maintenance on these misconceptions, you’ll probably end up being more out of pocket than if you followed recommended procedures. See these five HVAC myths you swore were true and save yourself some hard-earned cash.

1. The Larger the HVAC System, the Better

One of the prominent HVAC myths is the misconception that larger systems are better for home comfort and air quality. Sure, a bigger furnace or air-conditioning unit will pump out more hot or cold air quicker than an undersized unit. But the right size equipment is selected to perform best for the square footage of your home.

If you buy a system larger than recommended for your home, there will be problems. Even heating and cooling throughout is more difficult, and energy use is higher. So, you’ve wasted money on buying the more expensive larger unit and spent more on energy overall for the year.

Short Cycling Causes Damage

One of the biggest problems with oversized HVAC equipment is short cycling. Because the system quickly heats or cools to the set temperature, it is prompted to start and stop repeatedly. The constant operating changes cause high wear and tear on system parts, shortening their lifespan.

2. Closing Off Air Vents is Another of the HVAC Myths

So many people follow this next myth to their detriment. They believe that vents should be closed off in rooms that aren’t actively used. They believe this will keep more and better air going through the high-use rooms in the home. Unfortunately, that’s not how central heating and cooling work.

HVAC systems are designed to balance the airflow and temperature in every room with vents. If vents are closed, the system sends the same air volume through the ducts, but the flow is no longer balanced. As a result, pressure builds up in the system, putting strain on ductwork. Eventually, this causes leaks in the ducts, with repairs necessary.

The increased strain on the system will also raise energy consumption and up your power bills.

3. Resetting Thermostats with Large Temperature Swings

More HVAC myths center around thermostat settings. On a scorching day, you may be tempted to drop the temperature by many degrees, believing this will quickly cool the house down. But this will merely result in higher energy costs.

Your HVAC system is designed to remove hot indoor air to outside the home at a constant pace. This process continues until the temperature in all rooms meets the average of the thermostat setting. A significant drop in the thermostat temperature setting doesn’t mean the HVAC equipment can work any faster. However, it is put under a lot of stress to achieve a lower temperature.

Overworking central air strains HVAC parts, shortening lifespan and raising energy costs. The process of quickly increasing the temperature with central heating has similar problems.

4. My HVAC is Running Just Fine, so I Can Skip Annual Maintenance

Skipping annual upkeep can hit your wallet hard. Maintenance by professional HVAC technicians and ductwork cleaners heads off many unseen problems that may be starting. By the time your system starts to show signs of trouble, damage to equipment has already happened. It’s a false economy to save on maintenance costs and then have to fork out money for repairs.

5. High-Efficiency Filters are Better than Standard Filters

Another of the HVAC myths that don’t stack up is around air filters. With continual advice from government departments and industry that efficiency is key to reducing energy costs, it’s natural that there can be confusion around high-efficiency equipment.

The use of HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) air filters and standard air filters depends to a large extent on your circumstances. If you have family members who suffer from allergies or asthma, they may be significantly helped with HEPA parts. These air filters have a denser mesh that captures more airborne allergens and particles, resulting in higher air quality. But there are disadvantages.

As the thicker HEPA filter catches more airborne material, it clogs and reduces airflow. This puts strain on the system, leading to damage and shortened lifespan. HEPA filters must be regularly cleaned or replaced, more often than standard filters.

Professional Ductwork Cleaning in Northern Virginia

Six Penny Chimney provides expert fireplace and chimney cleaning services. Additionally, we can look after all your air duct cleaning requirements. Our friendly, high-quality work is no myth. Request a Quote or Service, and we will quickly respond. See you soon!

Person holding up their hand and coughing due to uncleaned air from polluted ductwork.

What’s That Smell? 5 Side Effects of Uncleaned Ductwork

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ectsOur homes should provide a healthy barrier from the onslaught of industrial chemicals and pollutants in the outdoor atmosphere. Nature throws in her fair share of air contaminants as well. Surprisingly, the air quality in our homes can be worse than that outside, and our home HVAC is often implicated. So, if you’re wondering, what’s that smell? See these five side effects of uncleaned ductwork and how to fix the problem.

1. Live and Kicking in Your Ductwork

Well-sealed ducts shouldn’t house live animals and insects, but nature is always enterprising and will breach any weak spots. Over time normal wear and tear, particularly around joins, will result in gaps forming and small holes opening, and if not attended to, parts of the ductwork may collapse.

Rodents, including mice, rats and squirrels, and all types of creepy crawlies, find shelter within ductwork that’s preferable to facing inclement weather outdoors. So they will take up residence, and it doesn’t take long for their droppings, urine, dander, and fur to emit unpleasant smells. And let’s not talk about the bacteria accompanying these by-products, producing intense odors from uncleaned ductwork.

A thorough professional cleaning is needed to get rid of these unwanted guests and their accompanying smells.

2. Natures Air-Borne Contaminants in Ductwork

The air outdoors always contains a concentration of allergens and pollutants, particularly in spring and summer. Mold, fungi, and pollen spores can easily lodge within your ductwork, particularly if the air filters are dirty and there is persistent dampness within the air ducts. These tiny outdoor pollutants only need an open door or window to make their way indoors.

A sign that you may have a high spore level in your HVAC is if family members are sneezing, coughing, or suffering from asthma when the cooling or heating is operating. Annual inspection and cleaning will help reduce any allergens residing in the system. In addition, special bio-sprays or bleach and other disinfectants may need to be used to kill off the spores permanently.

Another indicator of mold and mildew residing in the ductwork is a musty, earthy scent and the visible presence of black spots around vents.

3. Damp and Moisture in Air Ducts

Dank water, dampness, mold, and bacteria growth go hand-in-hand. There are several reasons why moisture can accumulate in the ductwork and cause issues. A leaking roof, damaged pipes, and condensed water vapor from air conditioner coils are all common ways that moisture gets into the air ducts.

Bacterial contaminants in ductwork flourish when stagnant pools of moisture form. Legionella is a dangerous bacteria that causes pneumonia in susceptible people. Outbreaks of this disease are regularly traced back to air conditioning systems.

A hint that you may have bacteria in the HVAC are musty, dank odors, sometimes described as being like dirty socks.

4. Noxious Gasses Spell Trouble

If you’re getting a smell reminiscent of exhaust gasses, Sulphur, or a combination of burnt matches with vinegar overtones, don’t go sticking your nose into this problem. These odors mean that noxious fumes are moving through the air ducts. The fumes usually occur due to damage or failure of internal components. For example, this can happen when a heat exchanger unit in the HVAC has cracked, and toxic gas is released directly into the air ducts instead of venting outside.

Carbon monoxide, the odorless, colorless, deadly gas, may accompany the other noxious by-products generated in the HVAC. Likewise, a partially blocked flue can result in toxic fumes being backed up into the HVAC and distributed through the ductwork.

Any problems with gas leaks require emergency assistance from HVAC technicians. Never attempt to fix this yourself.

5. Dust Off Odors from Uncleaned Ductwork

Sometimes getting rid of persistent smells from the HVAC is a pretty simple fix. If you smell dust, it’s probably just that — dust and dirt particle contaminants in ductwork. If it’s been a while since the dust filters were replaced, now’s the time to do exactly that. Heavily used heating and cooling systems should have the air filters changed every 90 days or so. This is an easy DIY job, so there are no excuses for this particular lingering odor.

Get Rid of Ductwork Odors with Professional Cleaning

Besides looking after all your fireplace and chimney cleaning needs in Northern Virginia, Six Penny Chimney also provides expert air duct cleaning services. So if you’re experiencing side effects or odors from uncleaned ductwork, request a quote or service, and we will get right back to you. We’ll quickly banish those bad smells from your home.

Living room with proper heating and AC maintenance done to ensure safety for homeowners

Heating & AC Maintenance Facts Homeowners Should Know

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Your comfortable home environment depends on your HVAC operating effectively during every season it’s needed. Regular maintenance is vital to have your system working at peak efficiency. For most people, the HVAC equipment’s complexity means they rely on qualified technicians to perform this work. But what should you expect from maintenance technicians, and how often should you schedule them? See these crucial heating and air conditioning maintenance facts homeowners should know.

Air Filters

Regularly changing or cleaning air filters for heating or cooling equipment is a primary maintenance task. It’s the single most effective heating and AC conditioning maintenance job you can do to keep your indoor air at a high-quality level.

Changing air filters is also relatively easy for most homeowners to do on their own. It’s not highly technical; it just relies on knowing which specific air filter to purchase and finding where it is located in your equipment. In most cases, you should be able to simply slide out or click the existing filter and install a new one in the same manner.

The type of filter and its location should be detailed in the user manual or technical specification accompanying your equipment purchase. If your equipment was installed before purchasing your home, an online search will probably retrieve the needed instructions. Or you can always contact the relevant call center to get the details.

Inspection and Detection

When an HVAC service call is scheduled, you should expect your technicians to provide you with a comprehensive list detailing the equipment inspection tasks. They should also discuss any minor repairs you can expect as part of the service call. For example, whether ductwork will be sealed where gaps have been detected or exactly what air duct cleaning will entail. Ensure you also discuss any concerns with them about odors, noises, or poor air flow that you’ve noticed.

Ask to have a look at the technicians’ checklist and see that it covers the following:

  • Thermostat testing
  • Checking and replacing air filters
  • Airflow tests
  • Checking the levels of refrigerant
  • Inspecting equipment connection points
  • Testing electrical connections
  • Examining blower mechanisms
  • Lubrication, tightening, and sealing of connection points and moving parts
  • Looking at drain lines and water collection pans
  • Identifying and notifying any pests or contaminants that have taken up residence in the ductwork, and
  • Reporting on the general condition of the system.

An important outcome of the final report is to give the owner a heads-up on the expected remaining life of the equipment. Any hint of equipment failure that may happen in the future without replacement or major repair is also helpful. Better to be prepared and have money set aside for such eventualities.

Some Common Problems to Focus On

HVAC equipment has some common fail points, mainly when heating and AC maintenance has been irregular. These include leaks in connector and drain lines and corrosion of metal parts where moisture accumulates, such as connecting wires.

AC units can often develop faults in circuit breakers or fuses. If airflow becomes a problem, check that the space around the unit is clear and open. Furniture or household items may have been inadvertently misplaced and be a hindrance.

Furnaces can fail for several reasons; thermostats malfunction, ignition switches fail, and blower motors stop. If a furnace is not pumping out heat in its usual manner, often the culprit is dirty filters hindering the free flow of air.

Scheduling Heating and AC Maintenance

Most maintenance plans for HVAC equipment include two service calls each year. One service will focus on inspecting, servicing, and any necessary repairs on the air conditioning equipment. Scheduling should be planned so that all work is done well before the hot weather begins. Similarly, the heating component will be serviced before cold weather sets in.

With a set maintenance plan, you minimize the worry of anything going wrong with your equipment when needed most during the peak of summer or winter. It’s not worth skipping maintenance even if you think you can get by for a year. Little problems can quickly turn into severe ones in a heavily used HVAC system.

Of course, an annual service will be satisfactory if you only have an air conditioner or a heating component.

HVAC Cleaning Services in Northern Virginia

Six Penny Chimney in Northern Virginia has an intimate understanding of the local weather and the impacts on your heating and cooling systems. We provide expert maintenance for chimneys, fireplaces, gutters, furnace flues, and HVAC ductwork. Book your service with us today. 

Clean air ducts in a well-lit and clean building hallway

7 Common Air Duct Cleaning Questions Answered

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Opinions on how often air ducts need cleaning are mixed. For example, a new home heating and cooling system is unlikely to have a build-up of mold or dust and may not require cleaning for some years. On the other hand, old HVAC equipment or a location near an industrial estate may be exposed to elevated dust and contaminants, and annual cleaning is justified. Here are seven air duct cleaning questions, answered to give you the information to decide when services are needed.

1. Do Air Ducts Need Annual Cleaning?

The answer to this is — it depends. Deciding how often to have your air ducts maintained depends on the level of contaminants in your system. If pollutants have built to a high level, there can be health implications in breathing poor-quality air. An annual HVAC inspection should highlight any ducting issues that justify cleaning.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has examined the issue of air duct maintenance and has fallen short of recommending that annual cleaning is necessary. However, the agency has delivered some guidance on instances when servicing is indicated.

2. Does the Presence of Mold Justify Air Duct Cleaning?

This is undoubtedly an instance where servicing is necessary. If mold or fungi have found a suitable nook or cranny to lodge and grow, the problem will likely continue and could expand rapidly. Spores can be blown through the ducts into rooms, lowering air quality and causing health problems.

It can be difficult for you as a homeowner to view any mold, as parts of the system aren’t easily accessible. Technicians use specialized equipment to view inside the HVAC ducts. Ask the technicians to show where mold is present if you have any doubts.

3. How Can I Tell if Mold is Really Growing in the HVAC Air Ducts?

Substances like stains or debris may give the appearance of mold, though they are relatively harmless. For a reasonably small charge (under $100), you can get a sample vetted by a microbiology laboratory and confirm its exact nature. If the result shows a harmless element, you may save unnecessary air duct cleaning costs.

4. If Mold is Present, How are Insulated Ducts Cleaned?

Unfortunately, cleaning is impossible when the insulation material has become wet and then moldy. The insulation should be removed and then a new product inserted. You should make sure that the cause of the moisture and mold entering the HVAC has been identified and repairs made before replacing the insulation.

5. What Do I Do If there are Pests or Vermin in the Air Duct?

It’s bye-bye pests time. If you’ve heard animal noises or noticed an odor of rodents or insect droppings, the pests must be expelled. Either call in a pest controller or see whether local air duct cleaners will get rid of the wildlife and then clean the air ducts. Of course, you will want thorough air duct cleaning after dealing with this problem.

6. Is Visible Dirt and Grime Normal?

If heavy dust and grime are clinging to air vents, then this is probably a good time to consider getting the HVAC ducts cleaned. Continual build-up of dirt will affect air quality in your home, interfering with airflow through the system. In turn, the build-up will make the system work harder, becoming less efficient and raising your energy bills.

7. Should I Allow Chemical Biocides to be Applied in the Air Ducts?

After cleaning mold out of your HVAC, some service providers may want to apply a chemical biocide to destroy any residual spores and stop future infestations. There are pros and cons to the use of these types of substances, and you should judge their use in regard to the circumstances applying in your home. Any potential toxicity should be carefully assessed. However, there are EPA-approved disinfectants and mold-destroying products that should be relatively safe to use.

Local Air Duct Cleaners in Northern Virginia

If you’ve had to ask any of the above questions about your HVAC, then your system is probably overdue for air duct cleaning. At Six Penny Chimney, we provide thorough expert cleaning using Power Vac trucks with industrial strength equipment. After we vacuum dirt, grime, and biological substances out of your ducts, we then use additional tools to remove any clinging substances. Your HVAC will be fresh as a daisy when we’re finished.

If you’re a Northern Virginia resident, get in touch for a free no-obligation quote on air duct servicing. We can also look after your chimney and fireplace inspections, repairs, and any chimney sweeping needs.

4 Common Air Polutants Gathering in Your Home (And What to Do About Them)

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Clean, high-quality indoor air is vital to our health. So, it may surprise you to know that the air in your home may contain pollutants at higher levels than outdoors. How does this happen? Well, there are many ways that contaminants and toxins can be brought indoors or produced inside and held in the air that you breathe. Here are four common air pollutants that may be gathering in your home and what to do about them.

1. From the Outdoors In — Radon

Uranium is present in many soils, and as it breaks down, it forms radon gas, releasing it into the atmosphere. Radon’s radioactive properties make it a contaminant to be excluded from the home as much as possible. The gas is implicated in thousands of lung cancer cases in smokers and non-smokers every year.

Radon typically enters homes through cracks and holes in the foundation and gaps in walls. Poor ventilation can then allow the gas to build up to dangerous levels. Radon exposure occurs in every US state.  

How to Remedy

While you cannot eliminate radon from your home, you can reduce it to safe levels. Inexpensive home testing kits are an easy, quick option to show the amount of radon in your home. An unsafe gas level is four picocuries per liter of air (4 pCi/L) and above. Professional technicians can seal problem areas in the house and install venting systems to bring radon to a safe level.

2. The Dangers of Particulate Matter

Eliminating and reducing common air pollutants in your home is a constant chore. This is especially so if you have an open fireplace or use unflued gas or kerosene heaters. As fuel burns, it releases what’s called particulate matter — a mix of tiny solid and liquid particles floating in the air. Smoke, soot, and ash, for example, are frequently found in particulate matter.

When these noxious chemicals are inhaled, they are detrimental to health, especially those who suffer from respiratory illnesses, such as asthmatics.

How to Remedy

You can minimize particulate matter caused by burning fuel by making sure fireplaces, chimneys, and flues are regularly inspected and cleaned. Air duct cleaning is also important in maintaining good air quality in your home.  

3. Molds are Common Air Pollutants

Molds travel through indoor and outdoor air constantly, and in low concentrations, don’t usually cause health problems to people. However, if they find a damp, dark area in your home, attach themselves, and start growing, then that’s a different matter. Mold can spread rapidly, covering large surface areas and damaging the underlying material they are growing on.

From a health perspective, molds can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

How to Remedy

Mold can be removed with water and detergent and wiped or scrubbed off the surface. Vinegar can also be used by spraying the affected area, leaving for an hour, and then scrubbing off. However, to permanently stop mold, you must find the source of the dampness and fix the cause. For example, if a leak causes the moisture, get that repaired. If the air in your house is too damp, then improve the ventilation and consider investing in a dehumidifier.

4. Inhaling Dust Mites Cause Allergic Reactions

A common cause of allergies in many people result from exposure to dust mites. These microscopic spidery bugs feed off the skin shed by people and burrow into household dust, bedding, carpets, and other fabrics. They are present in most homes, breeding quickly in warm, humid environments.

While live mites themselves aren’t usually in the air we breathe, their waste and dead body parts are. It’s these particles that are inhaled and trigger allergies and asthma.

How to Remedy

The prevalence of dust mites makes them almost impossible to eliminate. However, their numbers are reduced by keeping humidity in the home low. Cleaning sheets weekly, airing blankets and bedcovers, and reducing dust levels in the house will help significantly. Certified asthma and allergy vacuum cleaners can trap more airborne particles stopping dust mite waste from getting into the air.

Local Air Duct Cleaning in North Virginia

The duct and filter components of HVAC systems operate to trap airborne particles, remove stale air and exhaust air and moisture into the outdoors. Therefore, one of the most important ways to eliminate or reduce common air pollutants is by regular air duct cleaning.

You will receive expert peace of mind service by engaging Six Penny Chimney in North Virginia to inspect and clean your chimneys, fireplaces, and HVAC air ducts. Get in touch for a free quote and speedy service to meet all your expectations.

How to Prevent Dryer Vent Clogging and Potential Fire Hazards

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Sometimes, it’s the most innocuous things that can spell disaster for households. One of these is the humble air dryer, a commonplace piece of laundry equipment in millions of homes. Across the U.S., more than 15,000 fires a year have been said to be caused by laundry dryers. Most of these fires are attributed to poor dryer vent cleaning. See how to prevent dryer vent clogging (and potential fire hazards) and keep your home safe.

Why Do Laundry Clothes Dryers Catch Fire?

Laundry dryers move and roll wet clothes around inside a dryer drum like the action of a washing machine. However, instead of water, air is drawn into the equipment through vents located on the outside of the machine. Heated and blown through the dryer by fan action, hot air soon dries out the clothing items. During the drying cycle, air continuously flows into the machine, is blown through a lint screen, and vented outside through a rear duct.

Lint, dirt, and fibers are forced from the clothes during the drying process due to the tumbling action and the blowing hot air. As a result, grime and material specks build up within the lint trap and the rear vent duct and, when dry, are highly flammable. As debris builds up, it clogs up the vents, reducing airflow. At best, this buildup slows the time to dry clothes properly. At worst, overheating of the dryer can occur with the lint sparking a fire.

While there are variations, for example, there are ventless dryers, overall, this is the process resulting in a very high percentage of home fires.

How Often Should You Clean the Clothes Dryer?

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) provides some startling statistics, showing that up to 92% of home fires have been associated with clothes dryers. Furthermore, the leading cause of these fires has been identified as inadequate dryer vent cleaning.

So how often should the dryer be cleaned? According to Consumer Reports, a non-profit organization that provides independent product reviews, there are two cleaning tasks with dryers:

  1. Clean the lint filter after every clothes load is finished, and
  2. Clean the vents and the rear exhaust duct at least once a year.

Aside from preventing fires, regular maintenance cleaning will minimize clothes drying time and subsequently keep your energy costs lower. 

How to Properly Carry Out Dryer Vent Cleaning

Cleaning the rear exhaust duct thoroughly every year can be a little tricky due to the location. First, after disconnecting the power, the dryer usually must be moved away from the wall. Next, you must manually disconnect the duct from the back of the machine and then use a vacuum to remove as much lint and debris as possible. Finally, you must reconnect the duct, tighten the clamps or other fasteners, and move the dryer back against the wall.

Contact your local service provider if it looks like you’ll need help with dryer vent cleaning.

Some Tips for Preventing Dryer Fires

Aside from regular cleaning, here are a few extra tips to help reduce the odds of a dryer fire in your laundry.

  1.     If you have to go out, don’t leave the dryer on at home while you’re gone. Many dryer fires have happened when the owner has stepped out, causing significant damage before being noticed.
  2.     Never place clothing items that contain plastic or rubber pieces in the dryer. These substances can melt in the heat of the machine and combust.
  3.     Keep drying loads within recommended limits. Overloading dryers puts strain on the motor and may cause overheating.
  4.     Ensure the dryer vents are kept clear of items that may restrict airflow. Again, this may cause overheating and a potential fire to start.
  5.     Pay attention to any burnt smells coming from the dryer when it’s operating. The motor may have overheated, or lint be in a state ready to combust.
  6.     Be extra careful with any clothing soiled with flammable elements, such as gasoline, grease, or oil. It’s best to wash these a couple of times if necessary and hang them on a line to dry. These are substances you don’t want to get into the dryer.

Expert Dryer Vent Cleaning in North Virginia

At Six Penny Chimney, we provide the highest quality cleaning services for chimneys, fireplaces, and clothes dryers. So, if you haven’t checked the dryer lint trap or exhaust duct for some time, it’s probably time to call us in. If you reside in North Virginia, let us give you a free no-obligation quote on our cleaning services.