What is Air Duct Cleaning?
The air duct system is an essential part of every establishment, from houses to hotels and other business establishments. It works with the HVAC system providing air and proper air circulation to ensure proper ventilation.
As any other system works, air ducts need to be cleaned and maintained regularly as, over time, they will be occupied by dirt build-up and moisture that would lead to mold growth.
Air duct cleaning pertains to cleaning various heating and cooling system components in an air system. This includes cleaning and maintenance of supply and returns air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, fan motor and housing, and the air handling unit housing.
Because ducts are hidden behind walls and above the ceiling, special high-powered equipment with a vacuum and compression system is needed to get rid of all that dirt and have clean circulating air at home.
Who Cleans the Air Ducts?
Cleaning services are offered by air duct cleaning companies featuring experts in the field of air duct systems. These companies use professional duct cleaning equipment designed to ensure a healthy living environment at home and other establishments.
Importance of Air Duct Cleaning
Air ducts should be cleaned regularly as the hidden dirt from this may be a breeding ground for mold and a source of illness to people at home. Here are some important reasons why having a clean air duct system is essential in every home.
- It Maintains Good Air Quality
The air passing in and out of the ducts is the same air you breathe daily. If left uncleaned, the ducts may be home to allergens like pollen and pet dander, which may circulate through your house and reach you. They may not be a serious health hazard but may trigger allergies and asthma in those who have respiratory problems.
Good air quality would then lead to a cleaner environment at home. Just imagine what would happen when the dust particles circulate in and out of your air ducts. These particles would lay on all things inside your house, including furniture, kitchen spaces, and even your food. And it is not easy to identify those in plain sight. That is why we must get down to its source and remove this dust by cleaning the air ducts.
- Boosts Energy Efficiency of the HVAC System
The accumulating dust and debris in your air ducts may restrict the airflow to and from the components of your HVAC system. With ducts clogged, your air conditioner would need to double-time to produce enough ventilation, therefore consuming more energy. With air ducts clear, all components of your HVAC system will surely perform at their best, consuming just enough energy.
- To Protect Your Cooling and Heating Equipment
The dirty air duct system may cause cooling air conditioner coils, contaminated blower wheels, and other issues that may lead to equipment damage and costly repairs. As dust and dirt are the number one enemy of your duct system, keeping them away would also save you from damaging other systems connected to it.
- Reduces Irritants and Allergens
Cleaning your air ducts means removing dust particles and moisture that would encourage mold growth in the air that circulates throughout your house. When cleaned, the dirty air that makes it difficult to breathe would pose no serious problems to people with asthma and allergies.
Furthermore, prolonged exposure to contaminants produced in your air ducts is dangerous. You have probably inhaled dirty air before, but living and breathing it in every day is a different story. If you want to inhale pure oxygen, air ducts cleaning is a must.
- Remove Odors at Your House
The smell of a dirty air duct, with years not being touched and layers of dirt and mold, is not what you’d want to inhale early in the morning. You may have encountered a lingering smell that won’t just go away no matter what cleaning you do. If you’ve wiped the house all down to all its corners, the source of the bad odor may be your musty air duct.
You may find some remedies in air purifiers, but these don’t solve the problem and will only mask the bad smell. Cleaning would be the most effective way to get rid of these lingering smells at home.
How Do You Choose the Right Air Duct Cleaning Service Provider?
If you have decided to get your air ducts cleaned, you’ll need a cleaning company to do the task for you. These companies specialize in air duct cleaning and have all the proper tools and equipment for the task. Here are some tips to help you choose who to call to bust all the dust and dirt in your air ducts.
- Look for Companies Who Have Served Satisfied Customers for Years
Ask the company for references. If they have done amazing jobs in the past, they won’t be thinking twice about providing you references to prove their reputation in the business. You also can ask neighbors if they can recommend a company for you.
If you are new to the idea of cleaning your air ducts, the best way to go is to ask for recommendations from people who previously had the service. You can also surf the internet and look for reviews as most businesses nowadays have their websites.
Find out how long they have been in the business. Do not hesitate to ask straightforwardly as this is an important factor in choosing your cleaning company. If they have been doing the business for just a couple of months, it would be best to look for other companies. You wouldn’t want your air ducts to be a practice ground for new companies.
- Get the Contract Before Any Work Starts
Before agreeing to start the cleaning, always make sure you have read, studied, and signed a contract. Do not skip anything and understand the terms stated in the contract to avoid being surprised by any additional fees you may need to pay.
Ensure there are no hidden charges and you are informed how long they will do the work. This part is important to prepare all the budget and consider other companies if the price doesn’t fit your budget.
- Compare Quotations and Choose the One that Works for Your Budget
Do a quick research about the services offered by each duct cleaning company and their price offers. Compare the prices for the same services to find who offers at a lower cost.
However, you should not always pick the company that promises cheap services as you are unsure if they are worth it. As you do your background check on the reviews about the company, also take note if the service is worthy for the price. Do not just jump on the first company you know without researching.
- Know What Chemicals Will the Company Use to Clean Your Ducts
If your duct smells and has never been touched for years, you can only expect the cleaning company to use chemical treatments to remove all the dirt and mold. If that is the case, you should ask them what chemical treatments they will be using, especially if you have someone in the house with allergies or respiratory issues.
These treatments may trigger allergic reactions or cause breathing problems when inhaled, so you should be mindful of that.
In getting your air ducts cleaned, which is a must for homeowners, you should be informed about almost every procedure the company would do during the cleaning process. Be smart enough to choose your duct cleaning company so you won’t waste a penny and ensure that thorough cleaning occurs.