Depending on the size of your system, duct cleaning can take from two to five hours. The work is noisy, and your
Yes, you can remain at home during professional duct cleaning service. However, you should be prepared for noise from the cleaning equipment, and you may need to avoid areas where cleaning is actively happening. Air duct cleaning involves cleaning the entire air duct system.
Before the technicians arrive, ensure that all vents, ducts, and returns are easily accessible. Move any furniture, rugs, or large items that may block their way. By clearing these areas, the cleaning professionals can quickly get to work without needing to move things themselves.
How Long Does Air Duct Cleaning Service Take? Air duct cleaning takes anywhere between an hour and a full day (or more, in commercial HVAC systems cleaning). A standard air duct cleaning would be two to three hours and would cover the HVAC unit, the main return, the vents in the rooms and the air ducts themselves.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average cost for properly cleaning an entire air duct system in an average-sized home ranges from $450 to $1,000.
Duct cleaning can make a mess if not done professionally. Remember, cleaning your ducts involves removing the dirt from the ductwork and directing it to another place for safe disposal. If the process is done professionally, air pollutants accumulated in your air ducts will be disposed of properly.
Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts or go down after cleaning. This is because much of the dirt that may accumulate inside air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.
The offer price is most likely per vent pricing and does not factor in the cost of the entire cleaning. While it may seem like a money-saving deal, the final price tag will probably be closer to that $450-$1000 range.
Duct cleaning involves your air handler and plenums, which are usually next to your furnace. Clear a path to this equipment, whether it's in your attic, basement, garage, or utility closet. Duct cleaners will make some noise and need to visit all rooms of your home.
While the vacuum draws air through the system, brushes, air whips, and compressed air nozzles are inserted into the air ducts to remove any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The loosened debris can then travel through the air ducts into a sophisticated vacuum system for removal.
If you have pets, you need to consider their safety during the cleaning process. You might want to take them out of the way. However, if your pet is at home, you need to inform the contractors. You can have a single room cleaned first and secure your pets there.
The best times to have your ducts cleaned is either in the spring or in the early fall, after you have stopped using your HVAC system to cool or heat your property and before you need to start using it again. You have likely experienced that dusty or musty smell when turning on your HVAC system.
It's absolutely not a waste of money, as long as it's not performed too frequently. Homeowners usually only need to consider air duct cleaning when visible signs of dust buildup are present, if they've noticed a change in respiratory or allergy symptoms, or if it's been several years since the last duct cleaning.
While tipping is not required, expressing gratitude for their hard work can go a long way in showing appreciation. Whether they went the extra mile by thoroughly cleaning all areas or provided excellent customer service, tipping is a personal choice that allows you to acknowledge their efforts.
For residential properties, air duct cleaning costs typically range from $300 to $500. Commercial properties, due to their larger size and more complex HVAC systems, can expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $1,000 or more.
NADCA recommends having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years. Furnace cleaning is invaluable to the way your home breathes and performs. Making sure your HVAC system is well-maintained makes it more likely to last longer, which reduces the need for repairs.
Factors Influencing Air Duct Cleaning Costs
Size of Home/HVAC System: Larger homes with more ductwork naturally require more time and effort to clean, leading to higher costs.
On the other hand, if a service provider fails to follow proper duct cleaning procedures, duct cleaning can cause indoor air problems. For example, an inadequate vacuum collection system can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you had left the ducts alone.
Clean ducts ensure smoother airflow, reducing energy costs. Extended System Life: Regular cleaning minimizes wear and tear on your HVAC system, potentially saving you substantial money on future repairs or the need for early replacement.
It's normal to smell a burning odor for a short time after your ducts have been cleaned and your furnace is turned back on. The smell is just the burn off from the cleaning.
Consider the influence of unclean ducts on the HVAC system's efficiency and health. A more significant amount of pollutants jeopardizes the air quality and impacts the performance of your HVAC systems. In addition, not having ducts cleaned leads to the unit's shorter lifespan.