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.
If you are sneezing, coughing, or experiencing watery, itchy eyes that seem much worse than normal, your air ducts are probably dirty.
Over time, without proper air duct cleaning and maintenance, the moisture will grow mold and mildew over time. The real problem here is due to what your ducts do: disperse air throughout a structure. Once your HVAC turns on, mold spores are blown throughout your home or office.
Just like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. With certain methods, that cleaning recommendation can be extended to 6 to 8 years.
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.
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.
Use a brush to loosen any buildup of dust in the ductwork. Lift register and insert vacuum hose as far into the piping as it can go. Turn the vacuum on to capture as much dust as possible that the fan is pushing through the ductwork.
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 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.
According to our expert air duct cleaning technicians, it takes three to five hours to properly clean your air duct system. This includes the return side, supply side, blower compartment, blower wheel, and return drop. The exact amount of time it takes to clean air ducts will depend on the size of your HVAC system.
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.
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.
Signs of an air duct clog include: One room in your house is hotter than all the others. Dirty air coming from vents. Unusual spikes in electric bills.
Winter duct cleaning can help ensure your furnace runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing warm air to circulate freely. With a cleaner duct system, your heating system won't have to work overtime, which can lower your energy bills.
If there is dust, cobwebs, or dirt around the vents, you can be sure that it's in your HVAC unit and ductwork. As air passes through the vents, the dust can collect around blades and the edges.
Air duct cleaning typically costs about $270 to $500, with an average cost of $388.
Stanley Steemer typically charges around $50-$75 per room for areas exceeding 400 square feet. The cost may increase depending on the level of dirt or stains present. It's important to note that these prices are estimates and can vary depending on your location and specific requirements.
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.
First and foremost, you should clear away any obstructions in or around your ducts that might make it difficult for us to access them. This includes things like moving furniture away from vents, removing any items stored near the registers themselves, and more.
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.
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.