Duct Cleaning Can Help Mitigate Mold in Schools
Dirty ductwork in a school’s HVAC system can aggravate asthma and other respiratory conditions of staff and students by spreading mold spores, dust, and other contaminants and allergens throughout the facility as air circulates. That’s why duct cleaning is frequently recommended as a way of preventing mold from growing and spreading and as a way to help mitigate a mold problem following an outbreak.
Dirty ducts provide mold spores with more opportunities to get stuck inside where they can accumulate, and removing buildup in the ductwork eliminates this opportunity. When you have ducts cleaned by an HVAC professional, technicians use brushes and other tools to loosen buildup inside the ducts, and the loose dust and debris is then vacuumed out of the ductwork, creating a clean, clear path for airflow. Technicians can also apply an EPA-approved sanitizer to the internal components, including the coils, to treat surfaces and help prevent further mold growth.
A comprehensive duct cleaning involves all components of your school’s HVAC system that are subjected to airflow while the system is running, as these are prime places for mold spores and other contaminants to accumulate. Components typically involved in a comprehensive cleaning include:
- supply and return ducts, vents, and registers.
- grilles and diffusers.
- heat exchanger coils.
- drip pans.
- fan motors and housing.
- air handling unit housing.
When and how often you should have your school’s ducts cleaned depends on several factors. Specific conditions or events that often prompt duct cleaning include:
- water damage/water in the HVAC system.
- a recent renovation or remodeling project.
- visible mold growth inside the ductwork.
- rodent or insect infestation.
- installation of a new system.
To learn more about duct cleaning for your school, contact HB McClure at 717-232-HEAT (4328) or request an appointment online.