Is your home feeling stuffy or dusty lately? Having your HVAC ducts professionally cleaned by a company like Valley Restoration and Construction, could be the solution. Read on to learn why duct cleaning is so important for your home’s air quality and health.
Why Have Your Ducts Cleaned?
There are a few key reasons why you should consider having your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts cleaned. First, it improves your indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, mold, pollen, and other particles can build up in your ductwork over time. When these contaminants circulate through your home, they degrade your indoor air. Professional duct cleaning removes these pollutants so you can breathe cleaner air.
Duct cleaning also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently. Debris in your ducts forces your system to work harder to push air through. By removing built-up gunk, your HVAC can circulate air with less strain. This saves you money on energy bills in the long run. A clean system also lasts longer before needing repairs or replacement.
Better Health through Duct Cleaning
Dirty ducts don’t just impact your home’s air quality, they can also affect your family’s health. Dust particles and other allergens in your ductwork get blown into the air you breathe every day. For those with respiratory issues like asthma, this can trigger attacks and worsen symptoms. Professional duct cleaning eliminates these triggers, creating a healthier home environment.
Duct cleaning also removes mold spores and bacteria that breed in dirty ducts. Exposure to elevated levels of these contaminants could make you or your family sick. Getting your ducts cleaned reduces this health risk. Breathing cleaner air means less illness like coughs, congestion and aggravated allergies.
How Often to Clean Ducts
Most homeowners should have their ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. However, there are some exceptions:
- Recent Home Remodeling: Have ducts cleaned after any construction or renovations that could have introduced lots of dust into your home.
- Pets: Homes with indoor pets need more frequent duct cleaning to remove pet dander. Aim for every 2 to 3 years.
- Smokers: For homes with indoor smokers, annual duct cleaning is ideal to eliminate sticky tar/residue.
- Mold Issues: If you’ve had prior mold issues or water damage, annual duct cleaning helps prevent mold regrowth.
No matter your situation, it’s smart to schedule a professional duct cleaning if your vents seem visibly dusty or your system is underperforming.
The Duct Cleaning Process
Professional duct cleaning involves a few key steps. First, all vents are covered with plastic sheeting to contain dust/debris. The system is then thoroughly vacuumed using industrial-strength equipment. Rotating brushes scrub away stuck-on particles inside the ducts.
For sanitization, most companies spray an EPA-approved, non-toxic disinfectant inside your ductwork. This kills any lingering bacteria or mold spores. The disinfectant is left to set before ducts are re-vacuumed. Lastly, all plastic sheeting is removed, and your vents are left clean as new.
Keep your home’s air fresh and your HVAC system running efficiently with regular duct cleaning. Every few years, hire a reputable pro to vacuum, scrub and disinfect your ductwork. You’ll be amazed how much cleaner your indoor air feels after a thorough duct cleaning session. Best of all, your family gets to breathe easily knowing those air ducts are hygienic and healthy once again.