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.
The US EPA actually has recommendations. They explicitly say that regular duct cleaning is unnecessary and to be wary of any contractor proposing it. Duct cleaning should only be needed if the ducts were compromised by pests or mold and only after the underlying issue is addressed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you are sneezing, coughing, or experiencing watery, itchy eyes that seem much worse than normal, your air ducts are probably dirty.
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.
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.
One factor that greatly impacts the cost of a professional cleaning is the specialized equipment and products being used during the process. These tools are more advanced than your average household vacuum or floor mop—here are some ways they differ: Degree of Cleaning: Professional cleaning processes may vary (ie.
Four Seasons Air Duct Cleaning
If you choose to go with Four Seasons duct cleaning services, you will pay between $600 and $750. This varies depending on the number of ducts that need to be cleaned, the square footage of your home, whether it is a basic cleaning or mold remediation is required, and other factors.
Generally, duct cleaning is not worth the money except for a few rare and extenuating circumstances, such as: Substantial mold is visibly growing in your ducts. Vermin or rodents have infested your vents. Ducts are clogged to the point that debris and dust particles are being released into your home.
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.
Can I Stay In The House During Air Duct Cleaning? Yes, you can stay in the house during air duct cleaning. You should be aware that the equipment does cause some noise disturbance, and you may need to stay away from equipment and certain parts of your home.
While a regular household vacuum can help with surface cleaning, it may not be powerful enough to thoroughly clean your air ducts. A shop vacuum with a long hose and specialized attachments is recommended for a more effective clean.
The time it takes to clean air ducts will vary depending on the size of your home, the type of ventilation system you have, and how dirty the ducts are. However, on average, it usually takes between two and four hours to clean all the air ducts in a typical home.