Dallas-Fort Worth Air Duct, Tile, Grout & Carpet Cleaning Services
Preventive health care for you and your family is being recommended more and more by medical professionals and is frequently discussed in the news. But did you know that your own well-being is closely intertwined with your home’s state of health? The indoor air we breathe has become an increasingly important health factor since, according to the EPA, it is up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Add to that the fact that most people spend 60-90% of their time indoors and taking care of the health of your home is clearly not something to be ignored. Get a better glimpse into how much your home impacts your health by considering these stats:
- About 50% of all illnesses are either caused by or aggravated by polluted indoor air (American College of Allergists)
- One of 6 people who suffer from allergies do so because of the direct relationship to fungi and bacteria in the duct systems where they spend their time (Better Health Magazine)
- An average 6-room house collects 40 pounds of dust each year (Discover Magazine)
Heating and air conditioning systems work in a similar way to your lungs, bringing in air, conditioning or purifying it, and distributing it throughout the house. To keep your home in the best condition, it’s essential to clean these systems regularly. This type of cleaning is particularly important in the following situations:
- Members of your family have allergies, asthma or similar respiratory issues
- You experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or burning eyes, nose, or throat when inside your home
- Your home has pets
- You discern odors when the HVAC system is used
Other signs that your home may need a check-up include: the presence of regular dust on furniture, and not getting enough airflow from vents. Using standard, disposable fiberglass furnace filters alone does not guarantee good air quality. When dirt and dust accumulate and are exposed to moisture, the air duct system in your home can become a breeding ground for mold spores, bacteria, fungus, or mildew, which pose a significant health risk. It is much more cost-effective to implement preventive air care and sanitization measures for your home, rather than trying to remove these harmful contaminants once they have taken hold.
Indoor air quality is also affected by the health of your carpets. Carpets absorb and retain crumbs, spills, odors from pets, cooking, and smoking, as well as tracked-in residues. That’s why it’s important to do a semi-annual deep cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing of your carpets. Steam cleaning equipment is the most effective method as it thoroughly cleans without leaving any soap residue behind. Carpet cleaning is best done with a two-step process:
- A special heated solution is sprayed deep into the fibers to loosen hard-to-reach dirt;
- water is used to lift and remove dirt. Similarly, upholstery, rugs, drapes and furniture can be included in your annual “spring cleaning.”
In addition to air ducts and carpets, it’s also important to clean dryer vents and chimneys to maintain good indoor air quality. Lint from dryers can be flammable, so it’s recommended to clean the dryer vent ducts every 3 years. Regular cleaning of chimneys prevents fire hazards caused by the accumulation of soot and smoke. The National Fire Protection Association advises homeowners to have their chimneys inspected annually.