Air Duct Sanitizing: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
You've hired a professional to clean the dust and debris out of your air ducts. But then they ask: "Would you like to add sanitizing to kill bacteria and mold?"
Is this just an upsell, or is it a necessary step for a healthy home? Let's break down exactly what sanitizing does and when you absolutely need it.
What is Sanitizing?
Standard cleaning removes physical debris (dust, pet hair, dirt). Sanitizing treats the biological contaminants you can't see.
We use an EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectant that is fogged into the system. The mist travels through the supply and return vents, coating the interior surfaces to kill:
- Active mold spores
- Bacteria and viruses
- Dust mites
- Mildew odors
When Should You Sanitize?
You don't always need sanitizing. However, we highly recommend it in these specific scenarios:
1. You Bought a New Home
You don't know who lived there before you. Did they have pets? Smokers? A flu outbreak? Sanitizing resets the home's "microbiome" so you aren't breathing the previous owner's germs.
2. After Water Damage
If you've had a flooded basement or a roof leak, moisture entered your system. Mold can start growing in ducts within 48 hours. Sanitizing stops it in its tracks.
3. Persistent Odors
Does your house smell like "wet dog" or old socks when the AC turns on? That bacteria living on your evaporator coil. Sanitizing neutralizes source of the smell.
Is It Safe?
Yes. The botanical-based products we use are safe for children and pets roughly 1-2 hours after application. It leaves behind a fresh, clean scent (usually thyme or citrus) that dissipates quickly.
breathe Easier Today
Don't just clean the dirt you can see. Kill the germs you can't. Ask about our Sanitizing Package.
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