Air duct cleaning service providers may tell you that they need to apply a chemical biocide to the inside of your ducts to kill bacteria (germs) and fungi (mold), and prevent future biological growth. Some duct cleaning service providers may propose to introduce ozone to kill biological contaminants.
The negative air pressure method is the most result-oriented and best way to clean air ducts. This article discusses the best air duct cleaning system, method, and more.
To sanitize and disinfect your air ducts, our techs use an EPA-registered disinfectant solution that's called Sporicidin. This is fragrance-free, low-toxic treatment that's presently used in hospitals, medical offices and other healthcare facility environments.
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. However, there are several factors that affect the cost and time estimates of air duct cleaning: the type of ductwork.
Any vacuum will do the job, although we do advise that you use a heavier-duty vacuum if you got one handy. We recommend unscrewing the vents, vacuuming them off thoroughly and pushing the hose into the duct as far as it will allow in order to suck any loose dust or dirt.
Lysol has a high ethanol alcohol concentration, which means it is highly flammable. When you spray this disinfectant into your HVAC system, it could come into contact with the electric motor and create a flash explosion that could damage your home's ductwork and even create a fire.
It will not stain or bleach materials or fabrics and will not harm or damage HVAC system components. MICROBAN DISINFECTANT SPRAY PLUS is formulated for use in all kinds of ducts and HVAC components including: • Unlined sheet metal.
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.
Air purifiers are another great way to improve your home's air quality without resorting to professional duct cleaning services. Air purifiers work by removing toxins and allergens from the air before they have a chance to enter your ventilation system in the first place.
Compressed Air Flush
After loosening the contaminants lodged in your air ducts, we blow compressed air through the system to flush all traces of dirt and dust out of your ductwork and into our specialized vacuum system.
The most effective method of cleaning an HVAC system and ductwork is through source removal — the process of removing built-up dirt and debris.
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.
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.
Most air duct sanitizing services use a topical application, commonly using a fogger or other professional tools to evenly coat the duct surface. As not all duct cleaning companies include duct sanitization, you should understand the advantages of air duct sanitizing before choosing a service.
Can I spray vinegar in air ducts? Yes. Vinegar can help break up the dirt in the ductwork so that you can clean them more easily. Use a mix of ¼ cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
Do not use water or cleaning chemicals, as these will smear the dirt around and make it more difficult to remove buildup! Remove the vent covers by unscrewing the corners, then place them in a sink of hot, soapy water or water mixed with basic household cleaner.
Based on that report and other independent research, the EPA's official advisory on duct cleaning concludes: “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.
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.
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 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.
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.