Importance of Indoor Air Quality When Spring Cleaning

The long winter months with closed up homes and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems working over-time can result in an optimal breeding ground for contaminants. Come spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open the windows, scrub the floors and breathe fresh air, but what many fail to realize is that their indoor air may be preventing optimal cleanliness.

In fact, indoor air quality is ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals, which was featured on the Telly Award winning program Designing Spaces in January, advises homeowners that spring is an excellent time to improve their indoor air quality.

1. According to DUCTZ, the following are steps that can be taken to improve indoor air quality during spring cleaning:Change the air filter. According to American Lung Association maintenance is key when it comes to air filters, though many homeowners disregard the importance of this type of maintenance. DUCTZ strongly recommends strictly adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the frequency of changing or cleaning the air filter. If you can't remember the last time the filter was changed... then it's time to replace it.
2. Have your entire HVAC system inspected and, if necessary, cleaned. Multiple components of your HVAC system, including the ductwork, can trap contaminants and contribute to poor indoor air quality if not kept in proper working order. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), if there is visible dust, dirt or debris within the ductwork, your HVAC system likely needs to be cleaned.
3. Hire a professional. Not all duct cleaning companies can or should be trusted. An HVAC system cleaning that is not done correctly can actually make a home's indoor air quality worse. DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals, unlike many competitors, guarantees its work and adheres strictly to NADCA's rigid service standards.

"There's no better time than spring to have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned," said John Rotche, President of DUCTZ Indoor Air Professionals. "Clean indoor air provides for a cleaner home, and goes hand-in-hand with the spring cleaning initiatives that families already take annually."