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Does Air Duct Cleaning Make a Mess?
Nowadays, homeowners are aware that indoor air pollution is a growing concern. Over time, everything inside your property accumulates dirt, and improving indoor air quality is a great idea. Many companies offer services that improve your indoor air quality, and one of those services is air duct cleaning. Research shows that regular cleaning of your HVAC system may improve its efficiency, and air duct cleaning is one of the components of HVAC cleaning. Keeping your air ducts clean will help you maximize their operating life and maintain the indoor quality of your air and energy costs.
A lot of people worry whether cleaning their air ducts will make too much mess in their property. Imagine a duct that holds pollutants from indoor and outdoor activities such as cooking, smoking, cleaning, road dirt. It can pose any risk to your health while cleaning it. The good news is many professional and experienced air duct cleaning companies utilize negative air pressure systems and seal the areas or grills. Professionals do this process to clean your air ducts without becoming messy during the entire process of cleaning. A good air duct cleaning contractor follows certain standards to cause minimal disturbance in your property.
What Could Probably Cause Air Duct Mess?
Not hiring a professional or cleaning on your own will probably cause the air duct mess. When it comes to your family’s safety and indoor air quality, it is essential not to settle for less. It may look easy, or you might think that cleaning your air ducts alone can cause more problems and mess in the future. NADCA and EPA have guidelines and specific standards for air duct cleaning.
Things do not always go according to your plan, and sometimes, despite intentions, more dust, pollutant, allergy triggers, and even mold can escape in the system and makes their way into your living space. Keep in mind that air duct cleaning is not a DIY job. Professionals use powerful gear to remove stuck dirt and move it in the containment off-site. A little mistake can also spread airborne dust residual debris in your home. If the materials used in cleaning your air ducts are low-quality, like cheap or ill-firring furnace filters, it can cause a big mess in your property.
Another cause of air duct mess is hiring an inadequately trained air duct cleaner. Hiring someone without proper experience and training can damage your entire ducts system and cause you a lot of money. A damaged air duct will increase your energy cost, promotes costly repairs, and force you to undertake costly replacement, which was not necessary in the first place.
How to Prepare Your Home Before Air Duct Cleaning?
Homeowners are paying more attention to air quality in their homes and addressing indoor air pollutants. Air duct cleaning becomes necessary because it affects most indoor air quality.
If you have decided to have an air duct cleaning, you need to know how to prepare your home before your appointment to achieve a better result and avoid damages. Whether it is your first time scheduling a professional air duct cleaning or having the service years ago, doing a few things can help the job be done fast and efficiently. In addition, adequate preparation can make the cleaning more manageable and save everyone time. Here are some tips on preparing for air duct cleaning at home.
- Clear Space Around Your Vents, Registers, Furnace, or Airconditioner
The debris and things around your vents, register, furnace, or air conditioner might make the cleaning process long and difficult. Take a little time to clean them by sweeping up leaves and moving trash cans or equipment around your outdoor unit. Air duct specialists will need clear access to your vents and register, so it is essential to clear and give them enough space to do their job.
- Protect your Floor and Furniture
One way to protect your flooring and furniture is by covering them before the specialists arrive. Covering them will prevent mess during the air duct cleaning service. The cleaning process would release dirt, dust, and pathogens into the air. Without proper coverage of your furniture and flooring, you will find yourself doing a lot of cleaning and sanitizing afterward.
- Keep pets away from the working area.
If you have pets at home, make sure to put them in a place where they can stay during the cleaning appointment. Cleaning your air ducts will require leaving your door ajars during the entire process.
- Decide Whether You will Stay at Home or Leave.
It is fine if you want to stay at home during the cleaning process. However, air duct cleaning can be noisy and might disrupt your home. If you have elderly or kids, it is better to let them leave the house during the process. If you decide to leave, make sure to inform your technicians on how to secure your home when they leave your home.
- Call the Company Ahead of your Schedule
Two or a day before your appointment, call the company that will handle your air duct cleaning services to see if they need anything, requirements, or recommendations. Some HVAC companies have different protocols and policies, especially during the pandemic. Ask if they need additional support in order to get their job done quickly and efficiently. For instance, some HVAC companies require their clients to leave the windows and doors open for air circulation. A good HVAC company will work with you hand-in-hand to create a safe and comfortable environment in your home.
- Walk the Cleaning Specialist Around Your Home
Make sure to show the specialist the areas of your concern. Give them a walk-through of your property to point out vents and registers. This is also a chance to discuss the process and ask anything you’d like to discuss.