The air ducts of your home’s HVAC system transport an incredible amount of air each day. In addition, this air carries a variety of residues, including dust, cobwebs, insects, hair, dander, germs, and mold spores. How often should you clean your air ducts since so much dust is in the ductwork?
As a matter of fact, air ducts don’t necessarily need to be cleaned regularly. According to the EPA, you should only clean your air ducts when warranted.
National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), a trade group, endorses the practice of cleaning air ducts only as needed. NADCA notes, however, that households should have their air ducts tested annually to determine their condition. Only the last several feet of the ductwork are visible to homeowners. A company that cleans air ducts must do a video inspection in order to see the ductwork in its entirety.
However, this does not diminish the importance of duct cleaning. The presence of visible mildew or dirt in the system, rodents or insects, and people with allergies or illnesses are all reasons for air duct cleaning.
Conditions When Air Ducts Need Air Ducts Cleaning
Listed below are some signs for determining whether you need duct cleaning services sooner than later, and mitigating any potential negative effects caused by dusty and moldy ductwork.
- Detectable mold growth
- Air ducts are full of dust
- Rodents or insects
- Allergic, asthmatic, or otherwise ill residents
Furthermore, as a preventative measure, we include secondary conditions that can be precursors to the need for duct cleaning, such as:
- There are smokers in the house
- Dander-producing or hair-shedding pets
- Air ducts contaminated with water
- The ducts have been damaged
- Renovations, especially drywall work, have been completed recently
Benefits Of Having Clean Air Ducts
The primary advantage of having your home’s air ducts cleaned is mold removal. Contaminated air ducts can create a breeding environment for microbial development even under normal operating conditions. Mycotoxins, or toxic mold, can endanger occupants. When the HVAC system forces air through the ducts, mold spores are dispersed throughout the home.
Mold and mildew are likely to have grown in the ducting if water has entered it and the moisture has not been removed immediately. As a result, it is prudent to clean the ducts following this type of unforeseen event. If your home has recently undergone extensive remodeling, such as drywall work or floor sanding, it is also a good idea to have the ducts cleaned before turning on the HVAC system.
Having fresh and clean air without any trace of dust or debris, on the other hand, can be considered a secondary effect of having clean air ducts. This results in a more comfortable living environment as well as improved health by reducing allergic reaction triggers and other harmful airborne toxins.
DIY vs. Professional HVAC Duct Cleaning
DIY Duct Cleaning
- Cleaned return and supply duct ends
- Vents will be clogged with debris
- Debris from ductwork will be partially removed
Professional Duct Cleaning
- The entire ductwork will be cleaned
- The debris moved toward the HVAC unit
- Fully removed debris from the ductwork
While do-it-yourself duct cleaning can clean some of the ducting, you are primarily limited to cleaning the ends of your ductwork, as well as the registers (grilles or vents). A vacuum can reach 2 to 4 feet of return and supply ducts with an extension, but not every homeowner has access to such tools.
For thorough and system-wide air duct cleaning, a professional duct cleaning company is still the best option. The equipment and techniques used by these professionals, aside from years of experience, are not available to the average household.
Routine Duct Cleaning Services With Duct Pros
Because there is no set schedule for air duct cleaning, homeowners should be even more vigilant about the cleanliness of their ducting. It is critical to be aware and determined when deciding whether to use such services for both efficiency and general comfort. This will not only extend the life of your ductwork, but will also eliminate any inconvenience caused by it.
For all of your air ducts cleaning and sanitizing needs, get in touch with us at Duct Pros. Our indoor air quality experts are ready to offer you the best suggestions and solutions for your home’s ducting. Additionally, If you want to give your house more thorough maintenance from the inside, you can also look into our other services, like air duct replacement and repairs.
