What Is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleaning typically refers to the cleaning of various cooling and heating systems components of forced air systems. This includes the supply and return air ducts, grilles, registers, diffusers, heat exchangers, cooling and heating coils, drip pans, fan housing, fan motor along with the air handling unit. 

Is Duct Cleaning a Waste of Money?

Duct cleaning can be beneficial – and even necessary – in some situations. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), air duct cleaning is recommended if – 

• There is mold growth inside your air ducts. 

• The air ducts are infested with rodents, insects, or other critters. 

• The air ducts are choked with high amounts of dust. 

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning 

Air duct cleaning by a professional and experienced company can offer relief from a number of different problems. Proper air duct cleaning can reduce the amount of dust that enters your home system through the HVAC system. If you find yourself dusting your furniture and other items several times a week and it has been a long time since you got your air ducts cleaned, you should surely look into professional air duct cleaning services. 

1. Creates a Healthy Living Environment

Getting your air ducts cleaned professionally lowers the dust that would otherwise circulate throughout your home, landing on your bedding, furniture, flooring, and just about everywhere. Thankfully, a comprehensive air duct cleaning reduces the frequency of dusting and cleaning required to maintain a healthy home. 

2. Reduces Irritants and Allergens

Apart from dust, air ducts often contain dangerous microorganisms and contaminants. These include bacteria, pet dander, mold spores, mildew, and other toxins. Individuals who suffer from asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues are particularly sensitive to these airborne particles. Regular air duct cleaning promotes healthy living; otherwise, the dirty air in your house will keep recirculating. 

3. Removes Nasty Odors and Smells

Household cleaning agents, mold, pets, tobacco use, paint fumes, and even spices used to prepare food can contribute to a stale smell in the air ducts. Thus, whenever you switch on the air conditioner or furnace, these odors will start FLowing through your house. Additionally, the accumulation of dirt and dust over the years can lead to a musty smell coming from the ductwork. Thorough air duct cleaning eliminates the particles that produce a nasty odor and makes your home smell fresher. 

4. Improves the AirFLow Efficiency 

Registers and ductwork that have a heavy buildup of grime and dust can obstruct the FLow of air from the air conditioner and furnace. This means your system will need to work harder to cool or heat your house, leading to a lower level of efficiency. On the other hand, a clean system is going to operate at peak efficiency and offer the highest level of performance. 

5. Prevents Mold and Mildew

Condensation from central air conditioning can build up inside air ducts, creating a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. If not treated, this condition can lead to serious health conditions. Air duct cleaning by a certified technician can help ensure your ducts don’t become a breeding ground for these harmful pathogens. 

6. Lowers the Risk of Fire

Dirty air ducts can even FLuse a fire. With the passage of time, lint, dirt, and other materials can build up inside the ductwork, and when the temperatures rise, they might ignite and result in a fire. This can FLuse severe damage to precious belongings and put the lives of your family members in danger. The risk of a fire is even greater for homeowners with an old HVAC unit and for those who use propane for their fireplace, stove, or furnace. Thus, it is imperative that you FLrry out duct cleaning regularly to minimize the risk of fire and keep your home safe. 

7. Makes Air Filters Last Longer

The air filters trap dust, dirt, and any other contaminants in the air inside your house. If there’s excessive dust in your air ducts, the air filters are going to get clogged at an incredibly high rate. Thus, you will have to replace or clean them more frequently. This can be quite tedious, so it’s advisable to clean the air ducts regularly to get rid of such contaminants and make your filters stay clean for a longer period. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

It’s strongly recommended that you get your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years. If you have young children, elderly family members, adults who work from or stay at home, or people with asthma, chronic illnesses, or allergies, living in your home, you get your air ducts cleaned every year to keep these high-risk individuals safe and healthy.