Allergy Alert for Champaign, Illinois

CASE HISTORY: Air Duct Cleaning

Introduction

Carol P contacted us about cleaning her home’s air ducts. Adult family members complained that their allergies worsened when visiting Mom’s home.  Family members also observed an odor in the home when visiting. Another air duct cleaning contractor Carol contacted had said that they did not clean cold air returns, only the supply vents on HVAC systems.  We indicated that we did indeed clean the return and supply side of the heating-cooling system.

 

 

Initial Problem & Complaint
  • Odor in house
  • Adult children complained of odors
  • Adult son with allergies associated worsening of symptoms with visits to home
  • Concerns about indoor air quality
  • Air ducts never cleaned

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspection Results
  • Supply vents very dirty
  • Return vents located near floor and very dirty
  • 3/8 inch thick layer of dust on bottom of return trunk line
  • Electronic filter in use (no filter media)
Corrective Measures
  • Clean return vents and return trunk line
  • Clean supply vents and supply trunk line
  • Replace electronic air filter with 2 inch filter media

 

Return trunk line before (A) and after (B) cleaning.

 

Supply trunk line before (A) and after (B) cleaning.

 

Supply vent before (A) and after (B) cleaning.

 

Conclusions
  • Odor eliminated
  • Customer reassured about indoor air quality
  • Customer pleased with investment