As homeowners, we often neglect our ducts. Nonetheless, duct cleaning services are important to consider in order to maintain a clean and healthy home. In this article, we’ll cover why, when and how to get your ducts cleaned.
Why Clean Your Ducts at All?
Dust, dirt, and other contaminants can accumulate in your home’s ductwork over time. If and when this occurs, it gives way to multiple issues such as:
And even if there have not been any construction or renovations done, dust and dirt build up in your ducts and circulate all around your home, affecting the air quality and causing health issues (making it even worse for allergy or respiratory problems).
Reduced working of your HVAC: If your ducts are jammed full of all this debris, your HVAC system needs to work much harder to push air through, leading to inflated energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your system.
Unpleasant smells: If there’s mold, bacteria or other contaminants in your ducts, it can cause foul odors that spread throughout your house.
Pest infestations: Rodents, insects and other pests can enter your ducts and create a breeding ground for their populations.
How Often Should You Clean Your Ducts?
There are variables surrounding the answer to this question, as the frequency of duct cleaning services is not a one-size-fits-all question.
The size of your home: Larger homes with extensive ductwork may require more frequent cleaning compared to smaller homes.
The number of occupants: If you have a large family, or often host guests, dirt and debris may collect in your ducts more quickly.
Pets: Pet hair and dander could clog your ducts, so homes with pets might need more frequent cleanings.
Allergies or respiratory problems: If someone in your home has allergies or respiratory issues, then you may want to schedule duct cleaning services more often.
A rule of thumb is that you should inspect and clean your ducts every 3-5 years.
How Are Ducts Cleaned?
The process of duct cleaning when carried out by professionals usually includes the following steps:
Inspection: Your technician will inspect your ducts to see how deep the cleaning should go.
Protection: The technician will protect your home by covering your furniture and floors.
Cleaning: The technician will utilize specialized tools with brushes, vacuums, and air whips at its end to clean your ducts.
Sanitization: When mold, bacteria, or other contaminants are present, the technician might use a sanitizing agent to eliminate such organisms.
Reassembling: Ductwork will be put back together by the technician after cleaning followed by making sure everything is working smooth.
The duct cleaning services are the least of the priorities for many when it comes to maintaining the home, but it is very crucial for the cleanliness and quality of air in the home. If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned in some time, or you’ve noticed problems with your air quality or HVAC system, it might be time to arrange for a professional cleaning.
