If you use a heating or cooling system that relies on air blowing through ducts, then you have a network of air ducts in your walls and floors. As the system moves air around your home, it can also pull in particles like pet hair and dust, which build up inside the ducts. Getting your ducts cleaned regularly by a ductwork services team is a good way to remove this buildup and improve the airflow in your heating and cooling system.
Professional Air Duct Cleaning
While you can clean the registers, it’s important to have a professional clean all your ductwork thoroughly. Much of the ductwork in your home is probably hidden and hard to reach. Our experts have special tools that help them access and clean all the ductwork in your home properly.
An HVAC technician starts duct cleaning by checking the system for dust, dirt, and mold. They use special tools like powerful vacuums, rotating brushes, and air whips to break up and remove buildup. Compressed air is pushed through the ducts to clear out tiny particles. If needed, they apply a treatment to stop mold from growing. While cleaning, the technician also cleans vents, registers, and the blower parts of the HVAC unit to make sure the airflow is better, the system works more efficiently, and the indoor air quality improves.
The Average Household Recommendation
How often you need professional cleaning services depends on several factors. Most HVAC professionals suggest that homeowners clean their ductwork every three to five years. This helps keep your HVAC system working well and improves the air quality in your home. However, if you live in an area with high air pollution or if you have pets, you might need to get your ducts cleaned more frequently.
Respiratory Conditions
If someone in your home has a respiratory issue, asthma, or serious allergies, you might want to think about getting your ducts cleaned more often. These people can be more sensitive to allergens in the air and may have more flare-ups. Cleaning the ducts regularly can help remove these allergens, which can lead to fewer flare-ups. Ideally, consider getting a duct cleaning service every two to three years in this case.
Older Ductwork
Metal air ducts typically last about 20 to 30 years if they are well-maintained and repaired when needed. If your ducts are nearing the end of their lifespan, you should think about getting them cleaned more frequently. This is important because older ductwork can develop leaks that let dust and debris from floors and walls enter. It’s a good idea to aim for cleaning them every two to three years.
Many Pets
One factor that can affect how often you need to clean your ductwork is the number of pets in your home. Pets produce dander and shed hair. As your ducts work, they constantly pull in this dander and hair, which can gather a lot of dirt and debris. If you have many pets, think about getting your ducts cleaned every one to two years.
Home Renovations
Home remodeling projects can make a lot of dust and mess in your house. If your HVAC system is working during the renovation, it might suck in a lot of sawdust and other debris. Most HVAC technicians suggest getting your ducts cleaned after you finish your home renovation.
Coastal Climates
One important thing to know about coastal areas is that they often have sandy air. Even if you try to keep your windows and doors closed to stop this dirty air from getting into your home, some will still find its way inside. When sandy air enters your air ducts, it can build up and block the flow of air. If you live in a coastal area, you should think about getting your ducts cleaned every two to three years to get rid of the sand that can gather there.
Pest Infestations
One sign that you need to get your ducts cleaned by a professional is if you have a pest problem in your ductwork. You might start hearing scratching sounds coming from your vents or notice a bad smell coming out of them. Sometimes, you might even find rodent droppings near your vents. After an exterminator gets rid of the pests, you should have your ductwork cleaned as soon as you can. Rodent droppings can be very harmful to your breathing and can smell really bad.
Mold and Mildew Growth
If you live in a very humid place, mold and mildew can grow inside your ductwork. When this happens, the first thing you might notice is a musty smell. You may also see mold or mildew on the vents and parts of your indoor air handler unit. As soon as you see signs of mold or mildew in your system, it’s important to have one of our professionals clean it right away. Mold spores can make your allergies worse and harm your breathing over time.
Excessive Dust Accumulation
If you see a lot of dust building up on surfaces in your home, it might be a sign that your ducting needs a good cleaning. You’ll likely notice this dust mostly around your air vents and registers, but it can also start to show up on tables, counters, and other surfaces around your house.
More Frequent Allergy Flare-Ups
If you have more allergy problems than usual, it might mean your ductwork needs to be cleaned. While you’re at home, your eyes might be itchy and watery, and your sinuses might be bothering you. However, when you go outside, you may start to feel better.
Reduced System Airflow
If you notice inconsistent or weak airflow coming from your vents, that could mean your ducting is really dirty. Sometimes, this issue shows up in just one or two vents due to a blockage of debris. However, if you see this problem in all your air vents, it likely indicates that there is a lot of debris throughout your ductwork. In that case, it’s best to have a professional technician clean it out.
A Note About Duct Sealing Service
While you probably know about the benefits of getting your ducts cleaned, you should also consider getting them sealed. Duct sealing is a professional service in which a special sealant is applied inside your ductwork to fix any leaks.
Leaks in your ductwork can be a serious issue for your air ducts. They can let pests into your ducts and also pull in dust and other debris from your floors and walls. Getting duct sealing after duct cleaning is a smart way to improve the overall health of your air ducts and make your HVAC system work better.
Exceptional Duct Cleaning Service
Affordable Air provides great duct cleaning services for the Garland, TX area. We can also help with any air duct repairs and replacements you may need. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Our professional HVAC technicians are ready to assist you.
