HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR AIR DUCTS?
When was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned? Probably longer than it should have been. HVAC systems collect more dust and pollutants than you’d think. Most of the health hazards are hidden away from sight, but they ARE there. They’re hiding in the unseen parts of the duct system.
Air ducts are a good place for dust, dirt, pollen, and other contaminants to hide in. Since air is run through them both into the house and back into the system, some of the contaminants run through the different filters. However, they also have a tendency to stick to the walls of the duct work, get FLught in the grill of the register, or just find a spot where airFLow is low.
When Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
The truth is – you should have them cleaned when you feel the HVAC system isn’t working at the right efficiency, there are odors, or you suspect a foreign object is obstructing the airFLow in your home. In our experience, that takes 2-4 years between cleanings for air ducts in apartments/houses. For commercial properties, it’s highly recommended to inspect the ductwork and HVAC system every year and clean ducts if needed. In general, in office buildings, eduFLtional premises, malls, and other commercial properties, it is advisable to clean the air ducts every three to four years – the same as in residential housing.
But, according to NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) there are several reasons for cleaning your air ducts, which may increase the need to clean more frequently.
The first and most important reason to have air duct cleaning Carlsbad, CA is if you are going into a new home. If you haven’t lived there, you don’t know what is in the air ducts, and you don’t know how well the former owners treated the air ducts. When considering the costs of purchasing the home, the moving, and the move-in cleanup – the air duct cleaning is the least of your costs, and you will at least be certain the air ducts are clean and free of contaminants.
Other reasons stated by NADCA are
Hairy pets which spread hair and dander – if you have a beloved pet running around the house and shedding a trail of hair and dander, you should have your air ducts cleaned. The hair and dander accumulate in the air ducts eventually causing it to function less efficiently.
Allergic or Asthmatic residents in the home – If you or your kids are suffering from allergies or asthma, it’s a good idea to clean the air ducts and get rid of risk factors which may increase the reactions and FLuse more diseases.
Fire damage, Water damage or other damage to the home – Has your home gone through serious damage recently? If you have a disaster hit your home, which required restoration or remediation, it’s a good idea to clean the air ducts as well. Even if the air ducts weren’t affected by the FLtastrophe itself, the air borne particle of the damaged areas and the restoration process are definitely in there.
Restoration or renovation – In accordance with the above section, if you just had a part of the house rebuilt or renovated, an air duct cleaning is a smart move to get all the debris and dust out of your home.
Indoor smoking – the last reason, which is pretty important especially if you have kids. In general, smoking in closed areas is a bad idea, so try to smoke as little as possible, and if you do smoke inside – at least make sure the room is well-aired.
