When hiring a duct cleaning service, look for companies that use "source removal" methods, where specialized tools dislodge debris while a HEPA-filtered vacuum maintains continuous negative air pressure. Ensure they clean the entire HVAC system—including coils, blowers, and drain pans—rather than just the vents.
Common Drawbacks of Duct Cleaning
The air now has to re-pressurize to regain its turbulent flow so it can continue to push its way down the duct. It requires about 24′ or two feet to do this. This is the 'Two-Foot Rule?. Ideally, you should allow at least 24′ between takeoffs and at the end of any duct run.
Hiring a Duct Cleaning Company: 8 Questions You Must Ask
ECZEMA. Mold & mildew circulated throughout the air by dirty air ducts can worsen or lead to skin issues including eczema, rashes, and hives.
Dirty air ducts can circulate dust, mold spores, bacteria, and other allergens throughout your home, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and fatigue. If you or your family members frequently experience unexplained health problems, your air ducts could be the culprit.
The most common is atopic dermatitis, or AD, which is often triggered by food or environmental allergens. Contact dermatitis is another common form of eczema. It's a reaction to allergens and irritants such as soap, detergent, scratchy clothes or nickel jewelry.
5 Steps to Take Before the Cleaning Appointment
The 20-minute rule in cleaning is where you take on a cleaning task for 20 minutes and then have a break. It's as simple as that! Also known as the 20/10 rule, it's recommended that you take a 10-minute break after your cleaning blast.
Having your ducts cleaned at the end of spring—when most plants have already bloomed—will help reduce respiratory stress inside your home. Remove pet dander and shedding. If you have pets, they begin shedding their heavy coats as winter transitions into spring.
One of the most surprising places they can hide? Your ductwork. That's right: your heating and ventilation system may be more than just a pathway for warm or cool air; it could also be a cozy travel route (and nesting spot) for mice.
Simply put, it means you should never set your thermostat for a temperature more than 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Why not? Most air conditioning systems can only handle a 20-degree difference between the outside and inside air temperatures.
One of the most common mistakes in HVAC duct fabrication is incorrect measurements. Ducts that are too small or too large for the system or the home will lead to airflow restrictions, energy inefficiencies, and increased noise levels.
If you never clean your ducts, you can expect more than just extra dust around the house. Over time, dirty ducts can reduce your HVAC efficiency, drive up your utility bills, and shorten the lifespan of your heating and cooling system.
Yes and no. When air duct cleaning is performed by a competent, trained professional using appropriate equipment, it should not cause damage to your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system. However, there are potential risks if the cleaning is done improperly or by inexperienced individuals.
Seven Signs It's Time for an Air Duct Cleaning
100%, yes. Air ducts are the main component of your house that pull the air in and out of rooms. This means that dirt and grime, along with pet dander, smoke, mold, and mildew, can all produce smells that circulate through your vents.
Dust, debris, and even small particles can build up inside your ducts, blocking the airflow and putting a strain on your HVAC system. Winter duct cleaning can help ensure your furnace runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing warm air to circulate freely.
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.
Recommended Order for Cleaning a House
In domestic housekeeping, the rule extends to clutter — pick up an item, decide its fate (keep, toss, relocate) within 3 seconds, then move on. Hesitation creates clutter piles.
Rule 1: Clean From Higher to Lower Surfaces
Cleaning from higher surfaces downwards keeps dust and debris from falling onto areas you've already cleaned. Start with ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, and high shelves. Then move to windows, countertops, and furniture. Finish with the floors.
Just place an open box or small dish of baking soda inside the return vent or near the air intake. Baking soda naturally absorbs odors, just like it does in your refrigerator. Leave it in the duct for several hours or overnight, then remove it. You can repeat this process as needed to help neutralize mild smells.
Ductwork Brushes
These tools are designed to scrub stuck-on dust and debris from the walls of the ductwork, so the vacuum equipment can efficiently remove that debris from the interior of the duct system.
Vacuum & Dust Your Home. Even with powerful HEPA vacuums and containment tools, a small amount of dust may get stirred up during cleaning. We recommend doing a quick vacuum and dust around floors, furniture, and vents 1–2 days after your service to catch any particles that have settled.