| According to the USEPA, The levels of some | | | | therefore are more expensive to operate. |
| hazardous pollutants in indoor air have been found | | | | Cleaning laundry vents and exhaust systems are |
| to be up to 70 times greater than in outdoor air. | | | | essential to reducing the risk of a fire and |
| One major source of indoor air pollution is dirty air | | | | improving energy efficiency. |
| ducts. Each time the furnace or air conditioner is in | | | | When there is improper air ventilation, the indoor |
| operation, dust, dirt particles, debris, pollen, pet | | | | air becomes contaminated with air pollutants. The |
| dander and other pollutants are drawn into the | | | | decrease in air ventilation results in Condo |
| duct system. Over time, the particles accumulate | | | | residents breathing bad air. The air duct cleaning |
| in the ducts. The duct system eventually | | | | method used by many cleaning companies |
| becomes the perfect environment for the | | | | consists of a portable power vacuum and an air |
| proliferation of mold, bacteria, and other | | | | compressor. This type of unit, or a similar |
| organisms. | | | | designed unit, allows technicians to reach and |
| The air is pumped through the system and | | | | thoroughly clean a Condo's entire duct system. |
| dispersed throughout the home where family | | | | The cleaning units are quiet so residents will not |
| members and pets become sick. People with | | | | be disrupted. Most companies use the most |
| respiratory conditions such as asthma or people | | | | current duct cleaning equipment technology |
| who are prone to allergies are at a greater risk of | | | | available. For example, robotic duct cleaning |
| getting sick. Children and the elderly are also at a | | | | equipment is fast becoming a popular choice for |
| high risk of getting sick from poor indoor air. | | | | many companies. |
| Fortunately, people now have the ability to have | | | | Many building are now becoming afflicted with a |
| their ducts cleaned in order to improve the quality | | | | condition called 'Sick Building Syndrome,' including |
| of their indoor air. People who live in condominiums | | | | Condos. This term means that a building or home |
| have the same indoor air contaminants as | | | | has contaminants in it that are making the |
| homeowners and they should also have their | | | | occupants sick. Some main causes of Sick Building |
| ducts cleaned. | | | | Syndrome include: toxins in such items as |
| By having in-suite exhausts, heating/cooling | | | | upholstery, carpets, treated wood products, |
| systems, and clothing dryer units cleaned, Condo | | | | cleaning products, as well as pesticides and certain |
| managers are providing residents with a healthy | | | | types of plastic material that can emit volatile |
| breathing environment. Dryers produce very large | | | | organic compounds (VOCs) in the air, including |
| amounts of lint. There is a fair amount of lint that | | | | formaldehyde. Biological contaminants can include |
| escapes the lint trap and gets into the vent | | | | pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds. |
| system. Over time the accumulation of dryer lint | | | | Dirty or moist air ducts provide the perfect home |
| can create a risk of a fire. Because lint is a highly | | | | for the accumulation of debris, dust mites, and |
| flammable material, many insurance companies | | | | organisms. This can result in 'sick building |
| and fire departments require dryer vents to be | | | | syndrome.' Because Condos can have an |
| inspected and cleaned regularly. Blocked airways | | | | extensive duct system, it is essential to have the |
| and heat can cause lint to catch fire. Also, dryers | | | | systems cleaned regularly in order to maintain |
| that do not vent correctly are less efficient and | | | | healthy indoor air for the condo residents. |