Frequently Asked Questions | 4 Seasons Air Care

FAQ-4 Seasons Air Care

If You Have Inquiries About 4 Seasons Air Care Atlanta, GA FAQ We’ve Compiled and Addressed the Frequently Asked Air Duct Cleaning, Dryer Vent Cleaning, Carpet and Rug Cleaning Questions to Assist You!

How and why do air ducts become dirty?

The HVAC system, akin to our body’s lungs, intakes air through return ducts and exhales it through supply ducts. When the return ducts draw indoor air, they also draw pollutants like chemicals, smoke, pet hair, dust, and other contaminants that occupants generate in their daily routines. Over time, as the HVAC system recirculates the air multiple times a day, these contaminants accumulate deep within the air ducts.

Why does my system need cleaning?

Dust comprises dirt, pollen fibers, mold spores, hair, and other allergy-inducing particles, all of which get pulled into your HVAC system. Approximately 95% of these particles pass through your filter and re-enter the room or accumulate on fan blades, grills, or inside your ductwork. The accumulation of dust not only reduces airflow but also triggers allergic reactions for those prone to allergies and leaves your house with a musty odor

What factors may increase the need for air duct cleaning?

Several factors can heighten the need for air duct cleaning, including:

Occupants experiencing headaches, itchy eyes, asthma, allergies, sinus infections, or other respiratory health conditions.
Most home remodeling projects or renovations.
Presence of smoking occupants.
Pets shedding.

How do I know when my system needs cleaning?

Reflect on these questions:

Does anyone in your family experience morning or nightly headaches, nasal congestion, or sinus issues?
Is there a smoker in the house, or has there been one previously?
Do you have pets, or have pet owners lived in your home?
Does dust accumulate rapidly on your furniture even after cleaning?
Is your furnace using only a standard disposable fiberglass filter?
Do you notice insufficient airflow from your vents?

If you responded YES to any of the questions above, contemplate hiring a professional service for air duct system cleaning. Air ducts function as a building’s respiratory system, and over time, they amass dirt, dust, debris, tobacco smoke, pet hair/dander, and various other contaminants. Neglected ducts can transform into a conducive environment for pollen, mold spores, mildew, bacteria, and other potentially dangerous bio-pollutants. These substances can easily evade the furnace filter, ultimately entering the air that you, your family, or colleagues breathe.

Do you handle mold and mildew?

Certainly! Our technicians undergo training to identify and remedy any mold and mildew in your ducts. After a thorough air duct cleaning process, they apply a special anti-bacterial and anti-mold disinfectant directly into the ducts using specialized equipment, ensuring it spreads deep inside the ducts. This process also eliminates any unpleasant odors caused by mold and adds a pleasant scent to the air being blown out through the supply vents. The active materials added to the air ducts continue to work long after the scent dissipates. It’s advisable to request an inspection six months after this treatment to ensure no new mold or mildew starts building up again. In some cases, mold or mildew issues may result from a malfunction in your HVAC system combined with dust. If you discover mold or mildew, we recommend scheduling an inspection by a certified HVAC technician for your system.

Do you replace the HVAC filter as part of your service?

Absolutely! HVAC filters need regular replacement (cleaning for reusable filters) every 1-3 months, depending on the filter type and grade. We highly recommend keeping spare filters at home and purchasing new ones when you’ve used your last spare. During our service, we will gladly replace the filter for each serviced unit. Please ensure you have a filter with the correct size that matches your HVAC unit, as these sizes vary. If you’re unsure about your system’s filter size, contact us, and one of our technicians will guide you over the phone to determine the needed filter size.

How can I determine if the HVAC air duct cleaning was effective and done correctly?

There are several ways to ascertain the effectiveness of the HVAC air duct system cleaning. Still, the most reliable method is to conduct a visual inspection before and after the service. Our technicians capture sample pictures of a few serviced ducts before commencing and after completing the cleaning. They will show you the pictures, allowing you to witness the difference in how the ducts looked before and after the cleaning service. You should expect to see immaculately cleaned ducts with no dirt, mold, or debris. Additionally, remember to ask the technician to replace your HVAC filter with a new one.

Do you use anti-bacterial and anti-microbial materials to sanitize the ducts?

Absolutely! After completing the duct cleaning, the technician will utilize environmentally friendly anti-bacterial and anti-microbial spray, ensuring it penetrates as deeply as possible into the serviced ducts. This spray prevents mold and mildew buildup inside the ducts, addressing microbial contamination and controlling odors, especially on nonporous surfaces like HVAC systems.

How much will it cost to have my dryer vent cleaned?

Several factors influence the cost and duration of the service, such as:

Accessibility of the system (especially if a high ladder is required).
Length of the dryer duct (extra charge per foot for ducts over 10 feet).
Whether the service can be conducted from the outside dryer wall vent cover (typical approach) or if inside servicing is necessary (involving pulling out the dryer, disconnecting the back duct, cleaning the duct from that side, reconnecting the duct to the dryer, placing the dryer back, and ensuring proper functionality).

Do cleaning my ductwork offer any health advantages?

Did you know that dirty ducts can be a major source of air pollution within your home? Breathing in contaminated air can cause you to feel unwell and may also attract unwanted guests. Bacteria and dust adhere to the walls and ceilings of the ductwork, circulating into the air we breathe. Regularly cleaning your ducts can help prevent this.

Children, especially, are vulnerable to airborne pollutants, as they breathe more rapidly than adults. They are also closer to the ground, leading to higher concentrations of airborne pollutants in their bodies compared to adults. Moreover, airborne pollutants are known to contribute to respiratory problems in elderly individuals. If you have asthma or any other respiratory issue, consider ductwork cleaning.

Regular ductwork cleaning lowers your utility bills. The cleaner and more efficient your ductwork, the less dust accumulates on your furniture and other surfaces. This is beneficial for people with allergies or asthma and will make you feel better when you return home. However, even if you don’t have specific health concerns, remember that clean ductwork equates to better air quality.

Air Duct and Carpet Cleaning Services