If you've been putting off cleaning your air ducts, it's time to reconsider. Not only can regular duct cleaning help improve the overall air quality in your home, but it can also reduce wear and tear on your air conditioning system, prevent dust accumulation, and even keep unwanted pests away. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the six main benefits of cleaning your air ducts and how to do it correctly. Did you know that your home generates approximately 40 pounds of dust each year? If you're wondering where that dust goes, the answer lies in the air ducts and in the hot or cold air that is pumped into each and every room in your home. The dirtier the duct system, the harder the air conditioning unit will have to work to push air through the ducts and make it circulate evenly throughout the house.
Your air conditioning system engine will suffer less wear and tear if clean ducts make it easier to operate. You can also contact professional duct cleaning service providers and ask them about the services they offer. Although it makes sense to clean the ducts, since dust is removed and the rest of the house is cleaned, the truth is that the dust that accumulates in the ventilation system usually stays put and is unlikely to reach the air unless disturbed. While there is still debate over the value of regular duct cleaning, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning is harmful, provided it is done correctly. You might consider cleaning your air ducts simply because it seems logical that they will get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time. Although not always part of their basic cleaning services, many duct cleaning companies often also clean heating and cooling equipment (heat exchangers, cooling coils, condensate purge buckets, fan motors, fan blades, and fan housings).
Duct cleaning methods vary, although industry associations that deal with air duct cleaning have established standards. The EPA does not recommend cleaning air ducts except when necessary, due to the constant uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning in most circumstances. Not only can dirty, dusty air create more household chores, as dust is continuously cleaned so that it returns quickly again and again, but also cozy, dusty vents and ducts with a nice layer of debris can attract rodents and other unwanted house guests who may be looking for a place to nest or spend the winter. You can learn more about the difference duct cleaning can make by watching this short video, which includes “before and after” images of a typical air duct cleaning session. As long as cleaning is done correctly, there is no evidence to suggest that such cleaning could be harmful. If you decide to clean your heating and cooling system, it's important to make sure that the service provider agrees to clean all components of the system and that they are qualified to do so. Duct cleaning is not considered a necessary part of the annual maintenance of your heating and cooling system, which consists of periodically cleaning drain buckets and heating and cooling coils, periodically changing filters, and annual inspections of heating equipment. When service providers come to your house, ask them to show you the contamination that would warrant cleaning the ducts.
On the other hand, if a service provider doesn't follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause problems with indoor air. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, either due to visible growth or a musty smell that constantly comes from the supply grilles, cleaning the ducts won't do much good if the mold isn't removed. Cleaning ventilation grilles regularly can reduce sick time, medical bills, illness and personal discomfort. In conclusion, regular duct cleaning can provide numerous benefits for your home heating and cooling seasons. Not only does it improve overall air quality by removing dust from your home's ventilation system but it also reduces wear and tear on your air conditioning system engine.
Additionally, regular cleaning can help keep unwanted pests away from your home. As long as you hire a reputable service provider who follows proper procedures for cleaning, there's no evidence to suggest that such cleaning could be harmful.
