Central Air Duct Cleaning “History Of Sick Building Syndrome”

(Strata buildings are notorious for not cleaning their central air supply ducts, take an inventory of your buildings and ask yourself when was the last time they were cleaned? In most cases they have never been cleaned.)

Today, having access to a home with adequate heating/cooling is not just seen as a modern convenience, but as a basic human right, on par with food, water, sanitation, etc. Many residents, before the onset of winter, tend to invest in companies (such as Romeo’s Fuel, for example) and get oil deliveries stocked up for their boiler, furnaces, or water heaters. However, what they fail to understand is, that if proper care and attention to the appliances are not provided, it can quickly become a source of illness for the residents living inside.

The first heated air type of central air heaters emerged in early 19th century Great Britain, which ironically was used to heat up hospitals. The inventors discovered that patients healed quicker when they remained warm and comfortable (surprising, I know). Soon they have installed mills, and then personal residences.

These systems were supplanted by the ubiquitous hot water/radiator system, but they shared a key limitation of only providing heat during the winter months. Residents had little recourse during the hot summer months. By the 1950s however true climate control systems started to appear. Forced air systems were paired with air conditioners and heaters to provide year-round assistance.

However, the central air systems are not trouble-free or without risk. This was made apparent in the 1970s with the oil shocks. In order to save energy, many apartment and office buildings with central air systems were sealed off on the outside, and heating and ventilation was recycled within the building. This created the rise of “sick building syndrome, where poor air quality contributed to a number of illnesses.

While central system design improved dramatically in the 1980s and 90s, risks still remain. Over time central air venting will accumulate dust, organic materials, and other harmful items, that are then released into the system. living creatures, like bacteria, mold, and dust mites can actually grow inside the system, which is then distributed around a building. For this reason, many companies might want to search for companies similar to DUCTZ of DFW North, or ones in their local area, who can come and clean the air ducts, which might help reduce issues. These particulates can irritate people with allergies or asthma. It is also not a health issue. The Ducting’s efficiency drops as more and more dust and debris fill its interiors. This increases energy costs and decreases the system’s lifespan, as more energy is needed for longer in order to provide the desired temperature.