Air ducts are the fundamental components of HVAC systems that are installed in our homes to keep the air circulating through our homes. Clean air ducts hold the utmost importance in maintaining the quality of ambient air. The professional often cleans air ducts during the water damage restoration process. We will discover the importance of air duct cleaning and its benefits in this article.
Importance of Cleaning Air Ducts
Consider the underlying facts to understand the importance of cleaning air ducts.
- By cleaning air ducts, you can save a lot of energy, and saving energy is a necessity.
- Builders install air ducts to prevent colder or hotter air from entering your home. The trapped air circulates through the home and maintains the indoor temperature.
- The dirt and debris present in the ambiance of your home can adhere to duct walls.
- The HVAC components circulate the trapped air again and again at least six times.
- The re-circulation of polluted air through the ducts can result in the following:
- Microbial growth (Molds, bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).
- Accumulation of dust and debris.
- Waste from vermin and pet animals.
Should You Really Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
Are you thinking of getting the air vents cleaned because you or your family often suffer from allergies?
Remember, clean ductwork DO NOT indicate that the air coming out of them is clean, too. You might be thinking, then, why do air duct cleaning companies claim that clean air ducts ensure a healthy and comfortable home? Well, it is merely a marketing gimmick. However, cleaning ducts makes sense, as we also clean the rest of our home. However, according to The Washington Post, the dust that once settled sticks to the duct walls and does not circulate unless it is disturbed.
Even the researchers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim that small amounts of dirt or particulate matter present in the air ducts cause no harm. In addition, duct cleaning does not:
- Significantly enhance HVAC system efficiency.
- Prevent the prevalence of potential disease-causing agents like allergens.
However, this does not lessen the significance of cleaning air ducts. There are still numerous benefits of duct cleaning, which will be discussed in the following section.
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
In this section, you will learn why to actually have clean air ducts by having a look at some benefits of air duct cleaning.
Prevention of Mold Growth
Mold spores find air ducts ideal for their development. Whenever the ducts are exposed to moisture, they start germinating. Get your air vents cleaned to prevent mold growth.
Prevention of Water Circulation
Heavy rainfall or flooding can cause moisture or water vapors to collect in the HVAC system. Cleaning air ducts to indispensable for restoring water damage. Therefore, we recommend you get the vents cleaned to ensure the contaminants present in the water do not circulate through your home.
Smoking Odor Removal
If somebody in your home smokes, you might notice the smoking smell persisting. This can happen even if the previous homeowner used to smoke. You can exterminate this uncomfortable smoking smell by cleaning your air ducts. Remember, duct walls never absorb the smell themselves. Rather, the debris sticking to the duct walls absorbs the smell.
Removal of Animal Dander
Pet animals tend to shed tiny scales of fur or feathers from their bodies. This animal dander can accumulate in the air vents and promote the breeding of fungi, including molds. To get rid of animal dander, you need to clean the air ducts.
Elimination of Vermin Infestation Evidence
Vermin feces, urine, or saliva can accumulate in the ductwork. The inclusion of pet or vermin waste in indoor air can deteriorate the air quality. You can avoid this by cleaning ductwork.
How to Choose the Right Air Duct Cleaning Service?
Consider the following factors while hiring duct cleaning services:
Don’t fall for low prices!
Hire a reputable HVAC repair expert for cleaning. Beware of unexpected personnel offering cheap duct cleaning. They will cause damage instead of providing benefits.
All components are important!
Get all components of your HVAC system inspected and cleaned, not only the ductwork.
Avoid companies that offer excessive cleaning!
Air ducts do not need to be cleaned regularly or on a schedule. Excessive cleaning only damages your ductwork.
Do not allow chemical usage!
Do not allow the cleaning agents to use insecticides or other chemicals for cleaning purposes. Remember, what goes inside the air ducts ultimately circulates through your home.
Do not allow steam!
Using steam for cleaning ducts can leave moisture or water vapors inside. The result is water damage.
How much does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
Professional duct cleaning cost: $ 450 – $1000
Average duct cleaning cost: $725
The cleaning costs can vary based on various factors like:
- System accessibility.
- Size of home.
- Level of contamination.
Although you can perform DIY duct cleaning, seeking professional help is a better option. It is because:
Lack of specific tools:
Professionals use specialized equipment and high-pressure vacuum cleaners to eliminate even hidden contaminants. DIY cleaning does not ensure through removal of these contaminants.
Lack of expertise:
Professional cleaning services possess the expertise and precision required for thorough cleaning. This precision cannot be achieved in DIY cleaning.
Chances of damage:
As you lack experience and expertise, you can end up damaging the ductwork. This damage to air ducts:
- Resulting in air leaks.
- Reduces the system’s efficiency.
Time-consuming process:
Cleaning the air ducts yourself is:
- Time consuming.
- Physically tiring.
Conclusion
We often get our HVAC system and ductwork cleaned during water damage restoration. This cleaning is requisite for preventing the accumulation of water vapors, mold growth, unpleasant odors, and adherence of animal dander to duct walls. However, it is important to mention that duct cleaning does not seem to play any part in lowering the risk of potential health hazards. Sign a contract with professional duct cleaners to get your air ducts examined and cleaned thoroughly.
