Indoor Air Quality: Smoke Odor Removal

After the dangers of a wildfire or structural fire has passed, the cleanup can be an immense task. Even buildings close to a fire that didn’t suffer any actual flame damage can require extensive cleaning from peripheral smoke damage. Smoke, soot, and ash are dangerous contaminants that cause serious health concerns if not cleaned properly. These toxic particles can infiltrate HVAC systems and cause long term damage to the systems and prolong poor indoor air quality.

Dangers of Smoke Damage

Smoke damage does not just cause an unpleasant smell. These fine particles are toxic contaminants that can settle on surfaces as well as in the HVAC system’s ductwork and units. The particles that cause smoke odor can also cause serious health concerns including burning eyes, runny nose, cough, and even aggravate chronic conditions like heart and lung disease.

People who are most at risk are young children, senior citizens, people with diabetes, pregnant women, and anyone who has a respiratory ailment. Health issues like angina, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and asthma can all be made worse by smoke odor.

Not only does smoke cause severe health issues for the inhabitants of a building, but it can also cause damage to the HVAC system. Smoke particles that are not properly cleaned out of the ducting, vents, and units can cause the system to become highly inefficient. It can also cause mechanical problems that require costly repairs. It is much more economical to have these systems thoroughly cleaned before long term damage occurs.

Smoke Odor Removal

Once the visible signs of smoke damage have been cleaned or removed, often the space still smells of smoke. If there is smoke odor in a building, it means that there are still fine smoke particles somewhere. They are often lurking within the air ducts and HVAC system itself. It is imperative that a thorough cleaning of the HVAC system is completed, as this is a key element in any smoke remediation plan.

Toxic particles, ash, and soot can settle in the venting as well as on the heating/cooling units, and around the coils. If these areas are not thoroughly cleaned, the dangerous particles will continue to contaminate the space every time the HVAC system is used.  

Choosing a Qualified Air Solutions Expert

In order to thoroughly and efficiently clean a space after smoke damage has occurred, it is important to work with a professional company that has experience in this specialized cleaning. All traces of smoke, soot, and ash must be removed for the space to once again be safe to work or live in.

A reputable company will have a clear set of steps they follow for smoke odor removal. They should include an overall assessment of the building, cleaning all elements of the HVAC system including vents, coils, and unit surfaces, and replacing filters.

In order to ensure that an indoor air quality solutions expert is qualified, make sure they are a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). They should also be a state licensed HVAC contractor with experience.

Working with an experienced indoor air quality solutions company can help any property owner restore their building back to safe air quality standards.