If you notice any signs of mold growth in your duct system, you may need to get your ac ducts cleaned. Asbestos fibers, which serve as duct connectors, can be dangerous to humans and pets. Excessive dust accumulation may also be a sign that your ducts need to be cleaned. However, how do you know if your ducts need to be cleaned?
Asbestos Is A Fiber Used To Serve As Duct Connectors
Asbestos is a material that is known to cause serious health risks. The duct connectors that are made of asbestos can become friable and release dangerous amounts of asbestos into the air. This type of material should be removed by a professional, who is licensed to handle asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can occur in a wide variety of ways, including working on your home.
Ductwork connectors are essential to an HVAC system because air flows through them. In the mid-20th century, asbestos was considered the most durable and flexible material available. Asbestos-containing duct connectors typically contained chrysotile asbestos. Unfortunately, use of asbestos in ductwork began to decline in the late 1970s, both in the US and in the rest of the industrialized world. In addition, awareness of the deadly effects of asbestos exposure led to the closure of the last mines.
Asbestos lawsuits have been a common source of compensation for victims of asbestos exposure. These lawsuits have revealed that companies knew about the deadly effects of asbestos, yet continued to use it despite the risks. In 2005, a jury in San Francisco awarded Genaro Garcia $2 million for his symptoms after working around Duro Dyne asbestos flexible duct connectors for 48 years.
Asbestos Requires Specific Cleaning Procedures
Identifying Asbestos: The proper removal and disposal of this material requires specific cleaning procedures. Asbestos containing materials may include a variety of materials such as cement, wood, fiberglass, or metal. Cleaning asbestos-containing materials requires special safety measures to ensure the protection of workers and the environment. Listed below are some of these precautions and more.
Asbestos abatement: This includes containing the release of asbestos fibers and other substances, encapsulation and enclosure of the material, and removal. The procedures are based on standards published by recognized standards organizations and are included in federal and state regulations. Asbestos-containing materials are especially hazardous when they are remodeled or constructed. Professionals must be trained and certified in the proper removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Cost Of Ac Duct Cleaning
Depending on the size of your home, the cost of air duct cleaning will vary. While larger homes will need multiple compressors and longer ducts, a standard 2,500-square-foot home should cost somewhere between $300 and $480. Some companies offer a fixed rate and specify exactly what services are included in that price. Others may charge by the square footage but offer tiered pricing. This makes the final cost much more expensive.
If you suspect that your air ducts are causing your allergies or asthma, you should consult with your doctor first. He or she will be able to recommend alternative methods. However, it is important to determine whether your air ducts are the cause of your symptoms and whether duct cleaning will help. If you are not sure, contact a professional AC duct cleaning company to help you make the best choice. There are many benefits to hiring a professional company to clean your air ducts.
If you have rodents in your ducts, you should contact an exterminator immediately. While most rodents and bugs do not pose a threat to humans, their droppings can be dangerous. The removal of rodents can cost anywhere from $150 to $500. In addition to duct cleaning, you may need to hire a pest control company to remove the rodents. This will cost you an additional $200 to $1,200, and it will add to the overall cost.
