Duct Cleaning

When people think about getting their ducts cleaned, they first need to ask themselves what made them think they need to do it in the first place. Something subconsciously reminded you, a smell, a sneeze or someone else noticed.

A temporary solution would be to have someone come to your home and clean your ducts. We have heard of this improving the air quality in customers’ homes.

During the hot and cold seasons your air conditioning system circulates the air in your home 5 to 6 times a day. When circulating, the air can carry dust and debris from everyday life. Your air filter will catch most of the contaminants but neglect and bad duct installation can lead to a buildup of debris that can negatively affect the function of your AC system.

Duct cleaning is controversial. Some people believe that it truly helped improve the air quality in their home and they think it was worth every penny. Others think that it is ineffective because your AC system does not blow air fast enough to circulate settled dust throughout the home.

Can Dirty Air Conditioning Ducts Be Bad for Your Health?

The EPA says that having your ducts cleaned has been proven to prevent health problems. There is no evidence that suggests dirty ducts increase dust levels inside homes. Some people have allergies and are more sensitive to dust and pet dander than other people.

Check It Out Yourself

All you have to do is remove registers and use either your cell phone or small camera, reach into the duct and snap a couple pictures. If it shows that there is a buildup of dust where you can reach, you can use a vacuum cleaner to get as much dust as you can.

If you see a lot of dust further than you can reach, you may need to get your ducts professionally cleaned. You should clean your ducts after remodeling projects or when buying a new home.

Ducts Can Be Cleaned By:

• Hand held vacuum: A brush attached to a large portable vacuum filter is used to clean ducts
• Mechanical brush: a rotating brush is inserted into the ducts, the vacuum is attached to a truck sucks all the dust and debris
• Air sweep: truck mounted vacuum carries away dust and debris inside the duct system by a compressed air hose

The most important thing to figure out is how it got dirty originally. You can solve problems by identifying them first.