During the winter, people are indoors for longer periods, leading to more debris building up in the ductwork. Sanitizing the ducts helps to minimize the germs that might linger in your indoor air. It helps remove any asthmatic triggers family members may be susceptible to.
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.
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.
Even if your ducts are dirty, cleaning them probably won't provide any measurable benefits. In fact, the little independent research performed on duct cleaning indicates that the process stirs up so much dust that it creates a bigger problem than it solves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Air duct cleaning is an often overlooked but essential aspect of home maintenance. While the general recommendation is to clean your air ducts every three to five years, this frequency can vary depending on factors such as allergy sufferers in the house, pet ownership, and recent home renovations.
Duct cleaning may not sound complicated, but it does require a licensed professional. The technician performing the job must have an HVAC license from the state and be certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
A good price for air duct cleaning services can range from $300 to $500 for a residential home. However, remember that the most important factor is not just the cost but also the quality of service provided.
In certain situations, duct cleaning will indeed reduce harmful contaminants in the air you breathe, but, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it might not make a noticeable difference in homes that don't have an identifiable duct system problem.
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.
Moisture accumulation: If moisture is introduced into the ductwork during cleaning and not properly removed, it can lead to mold growth, which poses health risks and can further deteriorate the ductwork.
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.
Not only does failing to clean your air ducts mean that your safety and well-being are at risk, but your HVAC systems will also fail to work properly.
This air duct sanitizer is the type used in hospitals and other medical environments to kill off diseases and bad odors. As a broad-spectrum disinfectant, this EPA-registered solution is applied and pumped inside the air duct system of your home. Once inside, it circulates and targets any pathogens present.