What is Air Duct Cleaning? Is it Important?
The need for energy conservation while maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment has become an increasingly popular expectation amongst homeowners. As a result, home builders, as well as window and door manufacturers, are employing techniques to make the average home airtight in order to conserve the most energy. These processes minimize the leakage of hot or cold air, preventing it from escaping your home. Unfortunately, when you trap the air, you’re also trapping the dust, contaminants and pollutants along with it. The trapped contaminants are pulled into a home’s Air Conditioning system and are re-circulated on average, 5 to 7 times per day. Over time, this re-circulation can cause a build-up inside your ductwork.
The process of air duct cleaning typically involves the use of specialized tools to dislodge dirt, dust and other debris inside your ductwork. A high-powered vacuum is then used to remove the particles safely from your system, without releasing them into the air. It’s important to note that cleaning your ductwork without cleaning all the necessary Air Conditioning system components, often negates any potential benefit.
Should I Have My Air Ducts Cleaned?
Air duct cleaning is just one part of a broader industry aimed at the promotion of healthy indoor air. It’s critical to be mindful of companies selling this service as a way to improve your air quality and health. Note that when deciding whether or not to have your air ducts cleaned, that dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air. And clean ducts don’t necessarily translate to improved health. As a professional air duct cleaning service, we don’t want to sway you from the decision to have your ducts cleaned. Instead, we want to educate you on areas where duct cleaning would provide the most benefit, such as:
Recent Renovation
If you’ve recently undergone a renovation or addition, your home was likely subject to a lot of dust and construction debris. As air is circulated throughout your home, it’s possible these particles will end up settling inside your home’s ducted system.
Shedding Pets
Animal dander from pets that shed can collect in the ductwork. Over time the dander becomes the optimal breeding ground for bacteria, mold and other types of fungus.
Fire or Flooding
If you’ve had damage to your home caused by fire or flooding it’s good to have your ducts cleaned to make sure any contaminants from water or smoke do not continue to circulate throughout your home.
Smokers
If someone in your home smokes, even if it is a previous owner you may notice that the smell lingers. The ducts themselves do not absorb odors from smoking, but the dust and debris collecting inside the ducts can.
Evidence of Rodents or Animal Infestation
An animal infestation inside your home’s ductwork can be a cause for concern. Before having your ductwork cleaned, make sure it has been inspected by an Air Conditioning professional for any potential damage.
Visible Mold Growth
If you have mold growth on or within your ductwork it is necessary to have it removed safely and professionally. Harmful mold spores can wreak havoc on your home and health.
Asthma or Allergy Related Illness
Dust, dander, airborne bacteria and contaminants can trigger and aggravate asthma or allergy symptoms. If you or someone in your home consistently suffers from either illness, have your system inspected by an expert.
Choosing the Right Duct Cleaning Service:
Be wary of a cheap duct cleaning. Duct cleaning, if not done properly could cause more damage than they provide benefit to you.
Make sure you hire a reputable Air Conditioning Service Provider. Expect to invest anywhere from €400-€1,000 depending on the size of your home, accessibility, and the level of contamination.
Clean and inspect all system components, not just the ductwork.
Avoid companies that suggest you should have your air ducts cleaned regularly or on a schedule. Steer clear of excess wear and tear by only cleaning your ductwork as needed.
Avoid companies that suggest cleaning your ducts will improve your health. According to the CDC there is no evidence that duct cleaning will improve your health. However, if someone in your home suffers from severe allergies or asthma, excess dust and contaminants could act as a trigger.
Do not use chemicals. Do not allow a duct cleaning company to use chemicals such as insecticides, biocides or chemical cleaners without weighing the pros and cons. Always remember, whatever is in your ducts will eventually be circulating throughout your home.
Do not use steam. Steam introduces unneeded moisture into your Air Conditioing system. Even though the moisture in your ducts will soon evaporate, moisture that seeps into areas that do not receive air circulation are highly susceptible to mold growth.