If you have microbial growth in your home, it is probably a result of water or moisture. While this water or moisture can show up anywhere, it is most likely to be seen in attics, crawl spaces, the insides of walls, or in basements.  Places that are dark and wet are mold breeding grounds. Sometimes, an excess of humidity or condensation in your home can also grow mold spores and turn into mold.  This is very possible in our humid Mid-Atlantic climate in the metro DC area.
 
If you have a small patch of mold in your shower, that is something that you can take care of on your own, using a mild bathroom cleaning detergent. Keep in mind, however, that according to the EPA, chlorine bleach is not an approved chemical to remove mold from a residence or building.
 
If you identify that mold in your home has spread well beyond your bathtub or a small, isolated area then it is likely that you would need to hire a mold remediation professional. Some air duct cleaning professionals are also trained and certified in mold remediation; Dapper Ducts is certified in mold remediation.
 
Some mold is non toxic while other mold is toxic. This is the main reason why you need a professional cleaner who is licensed in mold remediation. If you try and remove the mold on your own, there is a chance that you could release the mold spores into the air and contaminate the rest of the house. This can cause serious problems for anyone with allergies or respiratory issues as well as those who are in good health. 
 
We often get questions from customers who see mold on an air vent asking if they can clean it themselves.  For the reasons discussed above, that is not a good idea. Call Dapper Ducts today if you suspect microbial growth in your heating and ventilation system. 
 

The winter months are busy months. The holidays, get-togethers with family and friends, and closing out the year at work keep the pace hectic and frantic. It’s easy to get so consumed in the hustle and bustle of the season and hosting out of town guests that you forget to get your air ducts, dryer vent, and/or chimney cleaned.
 
During the harsh winter cold in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, your heating system is working harder and more often throughout the day.  The colder temperatures usually show up in mid-November and last until March.  This means your HVAC system could be working inefficiently (which translates to higher energy bills) 4 to 5 months out of the year.  Another important point is that if your heating system is working harder, then there is a greater chance of it failing or being pushed to its limit. The last thing you want is for your heating to fail during the cold Maryland, Virginia, and DC winters so air duct cleaning is a must!
 
In addition, this is the time of year we use our fireplaces more often and for safety it is best to have your chimney cleaned and inspected at least every two years.  Our clothes dryers are used year round so any time is a good time to have it cleaned and the lint buildup removed for safety.
 
When you have any of these services (air duct cleaning, chimney sweep, and dryer vent cleaning) performed by Dapper Ducts, we offer discounts.  Please call us today for pricing.