The air we breathe is something we all take for granted; it’s all around us, all the time, and most of us never give it a second thought. However, for millions of people, the quality of that air matters because what you’re breathing—whether it’s indoors or out—can impact almost every aspect of your health and wellness, from how often you get sick to how much energy you have.
Cleaning the ductwork of your residential or commercial HVAC system is one of the most basic ways to improve the quality of the indoor air you breathe. An HVAC system is often the only means of filtering and circulating air in a home or business, but when dirt, dust, and debris particles from the outdoor air accumulate in the duct system, those contaminants get released through the vents and supply registers. By cleaning out the ducts periodically, you help make sure your indoor air is clean, safe, and healthy.
SafeAir Duct Solutions offers both residential and commercial duct cleaning so you, your loved ones, and your employees can be confident you’re breathing the best air possible. Unlike HVAC or carpet cleaning companies that may offer duct cleaning as an add-on service, duct cleaning is all we do, and we are true NADCA-certified specialists with state-of-the-art equipment, experienced technicians, and processes that meet or exceed industry standards.
Understanding Air Quality
The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a universal gauge for assessing the healthiness or hazardous nature of the air in a specific region. It quantifies the concentration of various substances in the air, such as allergenic particles or pollutants like ozone, using precise scientific measurements.
The AQI takes into account five key factors when evaluating air quality: ozone, particulate matter (including elements like ragweed or dust), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. These factors are measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 500. Higher numerical values signify a higher presence of these elements in the air, making lower numbers preferable.
The primary objective of the Air Quality Index is to educate the public about the potential effects of the air they breathe on their health and overall well-being. Air categorized as “unhealthy” typically contains elevated levels of substances known to cause illnesses or adverse health reactions, particularly allergens. AQI ratings within the range of 101 to 150 indicate air quality that is detrimental to sensitive individuals, while ratings exceeding 150 are associated with conditions likely to result in widespread and severe health consequences, such as respiratory problems and difficulty breathing, as well as various physical symptoms, including dizziness, long-term damage to the heart and lungs, and chronic conditions like asthma and allergies.
Air Quality in Oklahoma
Oklahoma currently ranks 8th on the list of states with the poorest overall air quality, ranking 44th out of 50 for the number of days with good air quality. This percentage reflects the average frequency of days when the air is considered to be of good quality. The state’s air quality woes primarily stem from a combination of factors, including emissions from transportation, industrial facilities, and the oil and gas production industry. Additionally, weather patterns play a role, with droughts and wildfires occasionally exacerbating air quality concerns.
Two other significant influences on Oklahoma’s air quality are allergens and wind patterns. The American Wind Energy Association has consistently recognized Oklahoma as a notably windy region, which, when combined with the state’s hot, arid summers, short, mild winters, and an abundance of pollen-producing vegetation, facilitates the widespread dispersion of allergens throughout much of the year.
Like many metropolitan areas, Oklahoma City and its surrounding areas bear the brunt of the state’s air quality challenges. Here, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) hovers just above 100, classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
The problem with outdoor air quality is that it typically doesn’t stay outdoors; airborne particulate matter readily adheres to individuals, pets, and clothing, finding its way into indoor spaces such as homes and businesses. These pollutants can then circulate through HVAC systems—recirculating 5-7 times per day—and compromising the quality of indoor air, potentially affecting the health and well-being of those inside. This is why, according to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
The Importance of Duct Cleaning to Improving the Quality of Your Air
Air duct cleaning is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent the contamination of your indoor air, and it can reduce the need for costly repairs to your HVAC system. By removing contaminants like molds, pollen, bacteria, dust mites, and chemical residue for your air ducts, duct cleaning reduces the number of airborne pollutants circulating in your home and improves your indoor air quality.
During a professional air duct cleaning, experienced technicians will use professional-grade equipment and negative pressure to remove any dust, dirt, and debris from your ducts and ensure it isn’t released back into your home or business. Comprehensive air duct cleaning should also include:
- Duct inspection for dirt, dust, and debris accumulation, as well as any kinks, holes, or other damage
- Cleaning of your entire duct system, including the supply, intake and return vents, registers, grills, fans, HVAC unit, and furnace (if you have one)
- Cleaning of the indoor evaporator coil, the air handler’s blower assembly, and the condensation system
- System-wide use of our professional-grade antimicrobial sanitary products to eliminate mold and bacteria and freshen the air in your home
- Removal of stubborn debris with specialized air nozzles and brushes
- Cleaning of the blower wheel, blower compartment, and return drop
Companies like SafeAir Duct Solutions can also make commercial duct cleaning easier for you and your business by performing services after hours to avoid interruptions or during normal operations to help you avoid costly shutdowns.
Get Clean Air with Confidence and Avoid Duct Cleaning Scams
When considering air duct services, it’s important to be cautious of pricing that may seem too good to be true because it can have adverse consequences for both your system and your health. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), a proper air duct cleaning for an average-sized home should typically fall within the range of $450 to $1,000. Anything significantly lower than this range should be a red flag to potential compromises in quality, effectiveness, and safety.
A quote that appears unusually low should raise concerns that the company might lack the necessary equipment, certifications, or experience to thoroughly and correctly clean your entire ventilation system. It could also signal that air duct cleaning is more of a sideline to their primary business, such as carpet cleaning or HVAC maintenance.
Similarly, be wary of “whole house specials” advertised at very low prices, as these usually cover only the cleaning of the main ducts. Critical components like the air handler, blower fans, coils, registers, and cutting access may come with additional charges.
When you choose an NADCA Certified professional duct cleaning company like SafeAir Duct Solutions, you can count on upfront and transparent pricing. They will utilize state-of-the-art equipment specifically designed for effective and efficient system cleaning. Partnering with a reputable contractor like SafeAir guarantees you receive comprehensive, professional-grade services at a fair and honest price.
Improve the Air Quality of Your Oklahoma Home or Business with SafeAir Duct Solutions
SafeAir Duct Solutions has more than 20 years of experience providing professional, reliable, and thorough air duct cleaning services for homes and businesses in and around the Oklahoma City area. Using state-of-the-art, self-contained Caddy Vac trucks featuring superior suction power, portable air-scrubbing tools, and specialized compressed air instruments, we can extract more cubic feet per minute of accumulated dirt and debris in your ducts while maintaining the utmost in cleanliness and safety standards and avoiding cross-contamination or HVAC system damage.
Our air duct cleaning services go above and beyond by exceeding industry standards, and all of our technicians are NADCA certified, ensuring the quality and efficacy of our cleaning methods. We also guarantee honest, transparent, and accurate pricing, with customized quotes for personalized solutions.
Don’t put the health of your loved ones or your employees at risk. Contact SafeAir Duct Solutions today to request a free quote, ask about coupons and specials, or schedule your professional air duct cleaning.