Indoor Air Quality
American Lung Association Health House Program Survey

FAQ’s

Q:  How often should air ducts be cleaned?

A:  The American Lung Association recommends cleaning and disinfecting every part of the heating or cooling system regularly.  This includes humidifiers, filters, blowers, and air ducts.  Regular cleaning will not only eliminate certain health risks, it can increase efficiency by 30%. 

Q:  How do air ducts get dirty?

A:  Your central heating and cooling system provides an ideal environment for pollen, mold, mildew, dust, pet dander, bacteria and other foreign particles.

 Q:  What health problems can dirty air ducts cause?

A:  Air contaminants can aggravate most respiratory problems, allergies, hay fever, and even perpetuate asthma attacks.  On average, we spend about 90% of our time indoors.

      The Environmental Protection Agency has identified indoor air quality as one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to public health. Yet a survey commissioned on behalf of the American Lung Association Health House program in April 2002 found that many of those questioned are not aware of: (a) the potential dangers associated with poor indoor air; (b) steps homeowners can take to improve air quality in their homes. Key findings appear below:
 

• More than 50% of Americans are not aware that poor indoor air quality is one of the top five most urgent environmental risks to public health. And nearly 25% of Americans are not concerned about the air quality in their homes and the impact it can have on their family’s health.

• Less than 20% of Americans believe that the air inside their homes is more polluted than the air outdoors. However, the EPA states that levels of air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher – and occasionally up to 100 times higher – than outdoor levels.

• More than 70% of Americans have forced air heating and/or central air in their homes. Yet nearly 50% do not change their filters in their heating/air conditioning unit every two to three months as recommended. And 10% have never replaced the filter in their heating/air conditioning unit.

• Only 11% of Americans purchase high efficiency filters, despite the fact that high efficiency filters are more effective than standard fiberglass filters in capturing pollen, pet dander, smoke and other microparticles.

• More than 50% of Americans are not aware that forced air heating and air conditioning units should be inspected annually by a professional. And more than 30% of Americans have never had their forced air system inspected.

• More than 90% of American homes with forced air central heating and air conditioning systems have never had their air ducts cleaned.
 

Enhanced Filtration & Duct Cleaning