Intro:

In the general cleaning and maintenance of a home, the air ducts are often forgotten and neglected for many years. Routine cleaning and inspections can help to improve a home’s air quality as well as make sure that the HVAC systems are running as efficiently as possible. It is important for homeowners to know when to have their ducts cleaned and what to look for in a reliable air duct cleaning specialist.

Signs That it is Time for Air Duct Cleaning

Since air duct cleaning is not often on homeowners routine list of chores, it is important to know some signs that it is time to schedule a professional to perform a routine cleaning and inspection of the entire HVAC system. Some signs that the air ducts are in need of cleaning include:

• Noticeable amounts of dust and debris are coming out of the vents when the system fan is on

• There is more dust than normal building up faster on surfaces within the home

• The home is located in an area that sees wildfires that effect outdoor air quality

• Mold is visible inside the vents

• There has been recent renovation on the home or the home is a fairly new build

• The homeowner suspects a pest infestation within the ducts

If any of these apply to your home then your indoor air quality is probably suffering from dirty vents. Homeowners should schedule a professional air duct cleaning company to clean, inspect, and maintain the HVAC system at their earliest convenience.

Benefits of Maintaining Clean Air Ducts

Dirty air ducts and vents can significantly lower the indoor air quality in any home. It can also impact the HVAC system itself. The main reason that homeowners schedule air duct cleaning is because of noticeable increase in dirt and dust within the living space. Professional duct cleaning companies can definitely improve how much dust is moving throughout the home.

There are a few other benefits of having air duct cleaning performed. One of these benefits is improved efficiency of the HVAC system which lowers energy and maintenance costs. When the ducts are clean and maintenance is performed, the system does not have to work as hard to keep the air at the desired temperature. A more efficient system means less money is wasted on unnecessary energy costs.

Professional duct cleaning companies often do a visual inspection and can catch problems in the system before they become costly. Preventative maintenance is always more affordable than large-scale repairs or replacements down the road.

Keeping Ducts Free of Debris

While cleaning a home’s air ducts is definitely not a do-it-yourself kind of task, there are a few things that can help keep the system clean between professional servicing:

• Remove and replace or clean the main filter according to the filter manufacturer’s timeline. Some filters are meant to be changed/cleaned more often than others.

• Use the highest efficiency filters possible. They are worth the extra cost.

• Dust and vacuum the home often to reduce the amount of dust that settles into the ventilation system.

• Routinely vacuum the exterior portion of air intake vents.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Company

Though a homeowner can keep their ducts relatively free of excessive debris, a professional air duct cleaning company is required to thoroughly clean a ventilation system. These companies have specialized equipment to thoroughly clean all of the ducting and effectively remove the dust and debris from the home.

When looking for a professional duct cleaning company, make sure to keep a few things in mind. First, always look for a well-established company that has a long track record and employs experienced technicians. Second, find a company that offers reliable upfront quotes so the homeowner knows what to expect. Third, the company should be certified by the appropriate government and industry organizations. Finally, homeowners should make sure to verify a company before hiring them by checking online reviews and asking friends and family for referrals.

The best air duct cleaning companies will be able to give a detailed description of the work they will perform as well as an accurate quote for the work. They should also be able to schedule the job within a reasonable timeframe.

When the task of air duct cleaning is performed routinely by a professional company, the air quality and efficiency of the HVAC system will be improved. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised at how great their air is after a professional cleaning.