The Comprehensive Guide to Air Duct Cleaning
There's nothing worse than being uncomfortable in your own home. The air quality in your home could be a leading cause of allergies and other health issues. Fortunately, air duct cleaning is a simple way to increase the air quality in your home. Here's our complete guide on air duct cleaning, maintenance, how to hire a professional, how much it costs, and what to expect.
Why is Air Duct Cleaning Important?
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy living environment. Over time, dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants can accumulate in your air ducts. By regularly cleaning your air ducts, you can improve the quality of the air and be healthier and more comfortable in your home.
Improved HVAC Performance & Energy Costs
Air duct cleaning can also increase the energy efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC unit. When dust and debris build up in your system, they restrict airflow. This forces your system to work harder and use more energy. It leads to higher bills and strain on your system. Regular duct cleaning can optimize your system and save you money in the long run.
Health Benefits of Clean Air Ducts
Neglected air ducts can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Dark, damp environment created by the accumulation of dust and debris provides the perfect conditions for microbial growth. Foul odors from accumulated dust, pet hair, or mold in your ductwork can permeate your home, leading to unpleasant odor in the home. Regular ductwork cleaning removes these harmful contaminants and stops future growth, ensuring a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
How Often Should You Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
How often you should have your air ducts cleaned depends on several factors, including the size of your home, number of pets, allergies and other environmental factors. As a general guideline, we recommend professional air duct cleaning services every 5 to 8 years. However, there are certain instances when you should consider having them cleaned more frequently:
- If you have recently moved into a new home. New construction homes often have excessive dust and debris left behind during the building process.
- If you notice excess dust settling on the surfaces of your furniture, it's a sign that your air ducts may need cleaning.
- If you have experienced water damage in the house. Moisture can lead to mold or mildew in your air ducts, which can pose serious health risks. In such cases, immediate professional cleaning is necessary.
- If you have pets that live in the house. Pet hair can build up in your air ducts, leading to allergies and other respiratory conditions.
How to Clean Your Air Ducts
Professional duct cleaning requires careful consideration and, in most cases, should be performed by a professional. Professionals are equipped with the specialized cleaning tools and knowledge, such as high-powered vacuums and brushes specifically designed for ductwork. Professionals can also inspect for duct damage and seal any leaks, improving your home's overall air quality.
To properly clean your air ducts we place the entire system under negative pressure using a high powered vacuum made especially for duct cleaning. While air is being drawn though the system from the vacuum, we use compressed air lines with specialty whips to agitate and push the dust and debris back through the ducts and remove it from the system and the home. With this method we are ensuring that what we are removing from your duct system is captured and not reintroduced into your home. We also use portable HEPA filtration as another measure against recontamination. While cleaning your duct system, our team will run portable air purifiers in the home to ensure the highest air quality we can provide. We do not use any harsh chemicals in our process so your family and pets are safe to be in the home while we work, or at no risk to return as soon as we are finished with your project.
Hiring a Professional Air Duct Cleaning Service
A professional should start with a complete inspection of your air duct system to identify any issues. Technicians will then shut off the air handler, seal up vent covers and create a negative pressure environment to ensure that when cleaning your air ducts, loose debris exits the ducts and don't make their way back into the house. After the cleaning, you should get a report detailing the work done and any recommendations for maintaining your HVAC system's air quality. Professional cleaning ensures not only the cleanliness of your air ducts but also the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system.
Choosing the Right Air Duct Cleaning Company
What to Look For in a Service Provider
When looking for an air duct cleaning company, look for companies that have been in the business for several years, and have a good track record. Reading customer reviews on Google and asking for recommendations are great ways to make sure you're hiring a reputable company.
A reputable company is going to be licensed, insured, and hold certifications from reputable organizations in the HVAC industry, such as the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
Avoid companies that offer significantly lower prices than others, as this may indicate subpar service or hidden fees.
A professional air duct cleaning company should be willing to answer your questions, provide detailed explanations of the work needed, and respect your home and privacy during the service.
Air Duct Cleaning Cost
Air duct cleaning costs can vary widely depending on several factors including the system size of your air conditioner and is often based on the number of air vents in the home. For larger homes or systems that require special handling or have significant mold, pest, or heavy dust build-up, the costs can be higher than average. It's important to get a detailed price estimate from an air duct cleaning professional before committing to service, ensuring there are no hidden fees or surprises.
Breathe Easier with Clean Air Ducts
Ready to ensure the air quality in your home is the best it can be? Contact Prevent Cleaning Services today to request a detailed quote for air duct cleaning. Our team of experts is committed to delivering top-notch service, ensuring your HVAC system runs efficiently and that your home's air is clean and safe.
Preparing for Your Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Before your scheduled service, ensure that all vents are accessible, with furniture and rugs moved away as necessary. Let us know if you have pets, as arrangements may need to be made to keep them safe and out of the way during the cleaning process. Lastly, if you are aware of specific areas within your HVAC system that have issues, such as mold or blockages, notifying us in advance can help them address these concerns more effectively.
Maintaining Your Air Ducts Between Cleanings
It's important to regularly replace or clean your HVAC air filters. Keeping your home clean and reducing clutter can minimize the amount of dust that ends up in your ductwork. If you notice any unusual smells or a significant increase in dust around your home, it might be a sign that your air ducts need attention sooner rather than later. Practice these simple maintenance steps to help keep your system running smoothly and your air clean until your next professional cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does air duct cleaning cost?
Every home and duct system is unique and because of this, there could be a wide range of costs depending on your home's air duct system(s). That is why we do free inspections to properly quote your duct cleaning project. Our pricing is by the size(tonnage) of the HVAC unit(s) in your home, as it gives us the best idea of how much duct work there is to clean. Therefore, you can expect a home with one unit to cost less to clean than a home with 2 or 3 units. Costs for duct cleaning can range from $600-$1500 per unit depending on its size.
How long does air duct cleaning take?
Our air duct cleaning process is very thorough and typically takes anywhere from 3-5 hours per HVAC system to clean depending on its size.
How often should I clean my air ducts?
We recommend cleaning your ducts every 5-8 years. This depends on many factors like having pets who shed a lot of hair and dander, residents who may suffer from allergies or asthma, any restoration projects from water or fire damage, or any remodel or renovation projects that can lead to construction dust in your HVAC system.
