Input on Duct Cleaning & Mold Testing
chisue
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crazybrunette64
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Duct Cleaning
Comments (3)If you keep the a/c filters changed on regular basis, I see no need in having ducts cleaned. However, if the ducts have come apart in the attic any place, then, dirt, etc can get into the ducts. I have lived in our house since 1965 and have never had ducts cleaned. Is the ceiling around the vents clean or have dirty look around them? If ceiling is dirty then ducts are not clean and/or ac has a problem, or mold has formed due to a leak from ac.... if ac is in the attic. One way to test and see if ducts are dirty, put a/c filter fiber over vents and see if they become dirty. The filter fiber looks like quilt batting but is intended for ac vents. Not sure whether polyester quilt batting would put a strain on the ac or not. Only time I used filter fiber was when we bought allergy special filters and the mfg. sent vent fiber to put over vents before using allergy filters. The fiber did not get dirty....See MoreMold in AC ducts and Dust
Comments (13)Hey guys, I got a similar issue. I live in Arlington, VA. I have a split heat pump system. In my air handler we have found some, what looks like, mold/dust around the insulation of the cylinder shaped element that drives the blower. I have had some people come in to look at it, and these are their respective comments: -replace the whole heat pump system (quote 6,000-7,000 for 2 ton trane/ge air split heat pump system) as clean up (removal of insulation around the "driver") of the air handler will be so expensive that it's not worthwhile. Also, as the outside unit is 15yrs old and the inside unit (air handler/furnace) is 20yrs old you might as well replace the whole thing - someone quoted me to clean up the airhandler for $600 - had the insurance agent come over who told me that it's not even mold - did myself a check with bleach and mold/dust did not change the dark colour We have tenants in the house now, and have lived for some time in the house. The house is in generally good shape and there is no smell of mold in the air handler or the house. If this is clear to anyone, any ideas what I need to do?...See Moremold test kit for home
Comments (1)I have never used a mold kit. But my impression is that the presence of "harmful molds" is less a health issue than the concentration levels of harmful mold spores in the air. Since molds are all around us, but are usually kept in check by environmental factors, merely detecting their presence would be of no significance, other than causing you needless worry and expense. Have you seen evidence of mold on your walls? Has your house been affected by flood waters or very serious water damage recently? Have you had your heating ducts cleaned and inspected? Do you have hygrometers measuring indooor humidity at various places in your house? If you have serious health concerns I would engage a reputable environmental testing firm, preferably one not engaged in mold remediation work to avoid a conflict of interest. HTH, Molly~...See MorePurchasing home with Transite HVAC ducts
Comments (12)I felt the same way in terms of the "asbestos fear factory." But I had a contractor explain to me that the bigger issue is the cement dust (a carcinogen) that will be created once the interior coating on the cement wears off. He found that about mid 1960's built homes and earlier will be releasing cement dust. Easy way to check: rub your finger on the ceiling of the duct: if you have dark "smudge" that is clearly not house dust which would fall to the bottom of the duct...you have cement dust blowing into your house. My house was built in 1959...and there was definitely cement dust on my hand when I rubbed the interior ceiling of my duct. Plus there is the fact that the inspector called out the Transite ducts...and I just did not want to buy a house with any asbestos fibers not encapsulated. I am just sharing my experience and that I found Duct Armor to be a great solution...and they were definitely not promoting a fear of asbestos when I spoke with them which was refreshing. Cheers....See MoreZalco/bring back Sophie!
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