Duct cleaning has become more popular in recent years in the HVAC Industry, and there are quite a few commercial cleaning services that have popped up in the Twin Cities metro area. Is this service worth your investment and time to have completed? We’re happy to provide you with the answers to questions such as this to help you with your decision and whether or not your home may benefit from this service.
What do companies do for duct cleaning?
Professional duct cleaning services use specialized blowers, vacuums, and brushes to clean out the supply, intake, and return ducts throughout your home. In most cases, because the vacuum alone isn’t powerful enough to loosen and remove the particles within, the inside of the ducts would have to be agitated using a rotary brush, compressed air nozzles, and even a special tool called a “skipper ball.”
Is duct cleaning really necessary?
The fact remains that most dust inside your ventilation will settle and stay where it is. It is unlikely to become airborne unless it is disturbed. Under most circumstances, it is inert and harmless. Duct cleaning has also never been shown to prevent health problems (EPA). When performed properly, duct cleaning doesn’t hurt and it should be done for the right reasons.
Example scenarios of when you may consider duct cleaning in your home:
- Renovation: If your home has recently been remodeled- especially if there was asbestos, lead paint removal, or significant dust, your ductwork may need to be cleaned. Ducts should be sealed off during home renovations as a good practice. However, if they are left open or exposed, dust and debris could become lodged inside.
- Animals or Mold: If there is evidence of animal infestation or nesting in your ductwork or HVAC system, have the animals removed, then clean the ductwork AND your HVAC unit with a maintenance tune-up. If there is visible mold growth inside the ductwork, you should have both the ducts and your HVAC system inspected and cleaned.
- Contaminants: Should you notice debris, pet hair, or odors being released into the room through the registers after they’ve been cleaned and vacuumed, then the ducts may need to be professionally serviced.
- Illness and Health Issues: If you or someone in your family has specific health concerns, such as allergies or asthma, consult your physician first. You always want to identify the problem as your doctor may suggest a different plan of action, other than duct cleaning.
What are some other steps to take to improve air quality?
We recommend that you check and change your air filter regularly or consider upgrading your air cleaner. The frequency you change your filter depends on the type of filter you use. Always clean and maintain the key components of your investment. Standard Heating & Air Conditioning takes pride in our qualified and skilled technicians. We recommend yearly maintenance to ensure that your furnace and air conditioning are running smoothly and efficiently. Call us or contact us to schedule your tune-up today!