Air duct cleaning is one of the services that integrates with the indoor air quality maintenance program and the assurance of the effective running of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. However, there are many important factors to consider before rushing into scheduling an air duct cleaning.
The following article considers nine important things you need to know before performing air duct cleaning and will help you through the process of making a decision when hiring a company to perform this service.
Knowing What to Expect with Air Duct Cleaning
Air duct cleaning consists of more than just sucking dust and other particles out of the ductwork you can see within your home. The entire heating and cooling system should be cleaned, including all the supply and return air ducts, registers, grilles, diffusers, heat exchangers, coils, drip pans, and the air-handling unit.
Be sure that the company you hire is going to provide you with a thorough cleaning that will include all the parts involved in your HVAC system. This attention to detail can enhance the efficiency of your system and its life expectancy.
The Purpose of Air Duct Cleaning
Many people turn to air duct cleaning as a method of improving the quality of air in their homes, but beware of exactly what the service can do. When your ducts are cleaned, it will, in most cases, reduce dust and allergens circulating throughout your home; however, it isn’t a panacea for poor air quality.
Though air duct cleaning will have some benefits, for instance, dust accumulation or mould growth, it should be done concerning a general program of indoor air quality maintenance. It would also include frequent changes of filters, adequate ventilation, and control of other sources of indoor pollution.
The Need to Pick the Correct Contractor
Not all duct cleaning services are alike. There is a big difference in the cleaning process depending upon the skill and experience of the technician. Because of this, selecting a qualified contractor is important to ensure the job is done correctly.
Look for companies certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association or those with good reviews or references. A good contractor will use proper equipment, adhere to industry standards, and take his time to do a good job of cleaning your system.
Signs You Might Need Air Duct Cleaning
If you have a few of the following common indicators, there is an absolute need to schedule cleaning: obvious mould growth on the inside of the ducts, excessive dust/debris accumulation, rodent or insect infestations, and abnormal odours emitted from the vents.
If you observe any of these signs, it’s worth having a professional inspection done to determine if you need cleaning of the air ducts. A regular inspection will help in ascertaining the problems at an early stage and eliminate undue cleaning.
Possible Dangers and Disadvantages
Even though air duct cleaning can be very useful, it is also risky when not done properly. Oftentimes, badly done cleaning encourages dust and other contaminants to be dislodged and distributed in the air throughout your home. Additionally, aggressive cleaning methods can actually lead to damage in ducts requiring costly repairs, along with considerable expense.
Allow the contractor to use proper tools and techniques for your duct system. Be very wary of duct-cleaning companies offering very low prices or pushing exaggerated claims of benefits from cleaning your ducts.
Cost Considerations
Air duct cleaning costs will vary by a large degree. The size of your home and the system, and how intricate it is, will, of course, play a big role in what the final cost will be. Again, you will need to make sure you find one within the means of your budget; however, you must make sure you get what you pay for.
Be wary of the trap of low prices, since this may mean a low level of service or hidden costs. Any reputable contractor should be able to give you a very detailed estimate, explaining what exactly you get for your money.
How Often Do Your Ducts Need Cleaning?
How often you’ll need to have your air ducts cleaned is not a universal answer, but it’s determined by the following factors: where you live, the age of your home, if you have pets, or if anybody has allergies or respiratory health-related issues at your home.
In many cases, an inspection is necessary every 3 to 5 years, although cleaning does not necessarily need to be done more often than this. According to the experts, if your ducts are fairly clean and rather free of contaminants, then less frequent cleaning is called for.
Energy Efficiency
One of the major benefits associated with air duct cleaning is improved energy efficiency. While clean ducts may slightly improve the efficiency of an HVAC system, the impacts are mostly minimal, unless there is a big blockage or bulge of dirt.
If you are particularly concerned with energy efficiency, then you should understand that complete HVAC maintenance would have to cover typical filter changeovers, coil cleaning, and other preventative services in addition to cleaning the air ducts.
What to Expect During the Service
Knowing what air duct cleaning services include will help manage expectations and assure you that you’ve received a thorough job. Basic service typically involves the use of specialised tools to dislodge dirt and debris and then remove it with the aid of a high-powered vacuum. The process can take several hours, depending on your system’s size and condition.
Insist that your contractor describe his process in detail before the service commences. If it’s a reputable company, there really shouldn’t be a problem with walking you through each step, from protecting your home against dust and other particles while cleaning to whatever else might arise during the process.
The Bottom Line
Having said that, air duct cleaning can play a significant part in having a healthy and effective home setting if one goes about it right. If you understand the purpose of, risks associated with, and benefits of cleaning air ducts, you can take the following into account: choose a reputable contractor who has the knowledge needed to ensure that HVAC systems keep working as they are supposed to, at their best, and provide a high level of indoor air quality.
