Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space.
Duct cleaning is not going to prevent dust, it's going to give the system a fresh start, so following up with proper measures for reducing airborne contaminants or other bacteria in the home is important.
Keep Air Vents Clean
Dust tends to gather on air vent registers, whether it settling from the air or coming from the ducts. Keeping your air vents clean is a simple fix: wipe down your air vents once per week with a rag or duster to prevent the dust from building up and recirculating into your home.
Removal of Contaminants: Regular duct cleaning eliminates accumulated dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the duct system, reducing the potential for these contaminants to circulate throughout the indoor environment.
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.
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.
Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.
Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are the best for containing dust, and remember that sweeping isn't nearly as effective for removing dust. If you like, you can also use any multi-surface dust spray, and finally, water when mopping the floors or cleaning the windows.
EPA does not recommend that the air ducts be cleaned routinely, but only as needed. EPA does, however, recommend that if you have a fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace, they be inspected for proper functioning and serviced before each heating season to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.
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.
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.
If you notice a lot of dust in your house, it's likely due to a combination of factors affecting air quality and ventilation. Dust particles from outside can enter through open windows or doors, while indoor sources like pet dander, dead skin cells, and fibers from textiles contribute to the buildup.
If you see dust and dirt both inside and outside — especially by the vents that blow cool air out — your ducts most likely need to be cleaned. To prevent future dust buildup, make sure you replace your HVAC system air filters frequently. You can also run an air purifier.
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.
Maintain regular cleaning habits
From regularly hoovering the floor and wiping the surfaces to washing your bedding and curtains, maintaining these habits will help you avoid any major dust build-up and create a healthy, comfortable place to live.
The short answer is yes, most air purifiers on the market are designed to remove large dust particles from the air. Many feature mechanical filtration, which is a method of capturing pollutants on filters.
All you need is vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of soap to recreate my grandmother's dust-repellant spray recipe. The coating the spray leaves helps more dust propel off surfaces and onto the floor, which means you'll have to clean those hard to dust places a little less.
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.
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.
Duct cleaning can do a lot of things. It can remove airflow blockages or the source of the musty smell coming from your vents. Cleaner ducts reduce the likelihood of distributing dust and other debris around your home.
It's not necessary to tip your air duct cleaner. You can show appreciation in other ways, like offering a cold bottled water. If you're happy with the job, leaving a positive online review for the company is always nice. You can also share referrals with friends and neighbors looking to have their air ducts cleaned.