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HVAC Duct Cleaning
If you are looking for an HVAC duct cleaning service, then there are several things you need to know before hiring one. There are many services that offer the same thing but have different levels of quality. Here is what you need to know so that your experience with an HVAC duct cleaner goes well!
There are various myths and some outrageous claims surrounding air duct cleaning. The truth is that it’s still unclear whether or not this service should be performed. We always recommend consulting an expert before making any major decisions about your home improvement projects!
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Do Home HVAC Air Ducts Need To Be Cleaned?
While it may seem like a no-brainer to have your heating and cooling ducts cleaned, the science isn’t clear on whether or not this is really necessary. After all, if you’re aware of how important clean air is with regard to maintaining good health—especially for people with asthma or allergies—then why wouldn’t you want your ducts neat and tidy?
The truth is, if there are no signs of dirt, dust or mold in your air ducts, it’s probably unnecessary to have them cleaned. The return grates can get dusty as air moves through the grate and into our homes—this is not an indicator that there are heavy deposits somewhere inside! You can easily vacuum or wipe clean any visible build up on your HVAC registers and grilles.
When To Replace Home Air Filters: Filters are an essential part of ensuring clean air in your home, but they don’t last forever! In order to protect yourself and those around you from potential health problems caused by dirty filters, it’s important to replace them regularly. Why filter maintenance is so important →
Protect Your Home's Ductwork
Are you looking for a way to keep your home’s ductwork clean? You can prevent or minimize the need for duct cleaning with a good preventive maintenance program.
- Talk to a local IAQ expert and upgrade to the highest efficiency air filter recommended. Some older HVAC systems can’t handle MERV 13+ filtration.
- Change your filters and stick to a regular schedule. If you notice heavy dust on your filter, consider replacing it more often.
- Make sure when having any sort of service performed on your HVAC system that they check and clean the coils and drain pans.
- Prevent growth from moisture buildup with a properly installed germicidal UV light designed to keep these dark spaces clean.
- If you notice any excessive moisture or leaks, take action immediately. Contact a local IAQ professional to investigate the problem.
With these simple steps, you can help reduce dust build up and mold growth in your ductwork. This will not only make it easier to breathe but also save you money in the future.
UV Lights for HVAC: The HVAC system is the perfect place to shine UV-C lights. These units can reduce specific, targeted microorganisms on surfaces in your home’s indoor air quality.
Learn more about UV Lights for your home’s HVAC system →
When Is HVAC Duct Cleaning Necessary?
Most people don’t think about their ducts until there’s a problem. Even though the benefits of regular cleanings are debatable, there are absolutely circumstances in which thorough duct cleaning is strongly recommended. Here’s what you need to know about when HVAC duct cleaning is necessary and how it can improve your home’s air quality.
- Mold or signs of mold growth are present in your heating and cooling system.
- The HVAC ductwork in your home is full of vermin or has signs of infestation.
- The ducts are so clogged with debris that it actually affects how air flows and causes your HVAC system to function improperly.
Have you ever had your HVAC ductwork checked? If not or you’re unsure of how well the system has been maintained, just bring it up during your next routine maintenance appointment. Odds are if you’re not experiencing any issues right now then there’s no immediate cause for concern. An IAQ expert will be able to investigate and provide proper recommendations based on what they find during their inspection.
Top Signs Your Home Is Suffering From High Humidity Levels: There might be something else going on in your home. Take a look at some of the most common signs of high humidity and see if any of them are familiar.
Top signs of excess humidity →
How HVAC Ducts Are Cleaned
Duct cleaning is one of those services that many homeowners don’t think about until they need it. And even then, many people aren’t sure what goes into a duct cleaning and whether or not it’s worth the expense. Let’s break down the process of how ducts are cleaned and what you should expect.
- The process should start with a complete and thorough inspection. You should see the technician open access ports and fully inspect the system before starting.
- Carpet and furnishings should be moved or protected before cleaning begins.
- To avoid the spread of particles, it is important that vacuum equipment either exhausts them outside or uses a HEPA filter.
- The technician will use controlled brushing tools to dislodge dust, dirt and debris while the vacuum is running.
- Additional access points may need to be created to ensure thorough cleaning or address a particular issue.
- Proper repairs including resealing and reinsulating should be done at the end of the cleaning service.
- Most companies will provide some sort of post cleaning report.
It is important to ensure that you are comfortable with the process. Your air duct service technician or IAQ expert should be more than happy to answer any questions you have about your service.
Once the service is complete, visibly inspect everything with your the technician. A visual inspection should instill confidence and show that the job was completed correctly. Also, review the post cleaning report to make sure you understand it completely.
5 Indoor Air Quality Control Strategies: With an endless number of IAQ products, HVAC solutions and recommendations to improve indoor air quality, it’s no wonder most people are confused about what they should do. All these strategies can be largely categorized into five methods for controlling pollution in your home.
Learn more here →
Choosing an HVAC Duct Cleaning Company
When it comes time to hire a duct cleaning service, it’s important to do your research to ensure you choose the best provider for the job. There are many providers out there, so how do you know which one is right for you?
- Consider what services the company offers. Some providers only offer duct cleaning, while others offer additional services such as air duct repair or insulation installation.
- Look at their reviews, and not just the curated ones on their website. Are other homeowners happy with the work they’ve had done?
- How did the company respond to reviews where the customer was less than thrilled?
- Avoid companies that make incredibly bold health claims that can’t be substantiated.
Tips to help avoid scam services:
- Verify that the company is a NADCA member with a certified contractor on staff. NADCA Professional directory page →
- Ask for proof of license and insurance.
- Request that a system inspection be performed at your home, prior to hiring a contractor.
- Avoid advertisements and discounts for “whole-house specials” under $100.
If you’re in search of a professional company to help with your duct cleaning needs, it’s important to do the necessary research in advance. This will ensure that when you hire someone, they are qualified and trained for the job at hand.
Consider what other services they offer and read reviews from other customers. Steer clear of businesses that make incredibly bold health claims without providing substantiating evidence because they may be trying to mislead homeowners. If you’re not sure where to start, let us help you find a local IAQ professional who will provide honest service while leaving behind satisfied customers every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), duct cleaning services typically cost $450–$1,000 per HVAC system. The estimated price depends on factors like size of your home's HVAC unit as well accessibility, climate, materials, etc.
There is not a standard recommended routine HVAC duct cleaning schedule. This is an as-needed service. Talk to your local IAQ expert about your concerns and allow them to do a thorough inspection.