Does Your Home Need Air Duct Cleaning?
The Nitty Gritty on Air Ducts in your HVAC System
The air ducts in your heating and cooling system move air through metal or flexible ducting. Because the ductwork is in the walls, ceiling, or floor of your home or office, it is sometimes difficult to tell when they are getting dirty.
Any dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen, or other allergens that are in your home can, and eventually will, end up in your air ducts.
Like arteries that get clogged with cholesterol and plaque, after years and years, your air ducts will at some point, collect dirt and dust.
How Often Should You Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends getting your air ducts cleaned every 4 to 7 years.
Your air ducts are in nearly constant use year-round, so they can accumulate dust, dander, and allergens very easily.
What Does It Mean To Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
According to the EPA, air duct cleaning refers to:
“the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.”
A professional air duct cleaning company uses a high-powered vacuum to dislodge and clean the dust and debris from your air ducts, while keeping the dust, dander, and allergens contained and out of your living area. Another characteristic of professional air duct cleaning companies is they will have insurance, be licensed, and have proper certifications.
How Do You Know When It’s Time To Get Your Air Ducts Cleaned?
Because HVAC ducting is concealed from everyday view, sometimes it is difficult to tell when you are due for air duct cleaning. Here are some things to look out for, that indicate it’s time to get your ductwork cleaned.
Smell or Sight
If you smell mildew or mold when you run your air conditioner or furnace, you are probably due for an air duct cleaning.
If you smell a moldy scent coming from your air ducts, have it checked out by a professional HVAC contractor. You don’t want mold migrating throughout your home through the air ducts.
Similarly, if you see dust emitting from the registers of your air ducts when you run the heat or the air, it’s probably time to clean your air ducts.
You should note, if you have flexible ducting with insulation, and you smell mold when the heating or air conditioning is running, it’s possible that the insulation is moldy. If that is the case, it is likely you will need to replace the air ducts, or the mold will continue to spread.
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
When dust, dander, and contaminants build up in your ductwork, your heating and cooling system runs less efficiently. Getting the air ducts cleaned every so often will help you save money on your energy bill.
Another benefit of air duct cleaning is having cleaner air circulating through your home. If you have allergies, you may be sensitive to dust and allergens. These move throughout your home through the air ducting whenever the furnace or air conditioning is running.
We Can Help You With Air Duct Cleaning
Ventwerx HVAC in San Jose and Morgan Hill has been doing air duct cleaning since 2005. If you think your air ducts need to be cleaned, you can get a free estimate by filling out this form, or book a service call by filling out this form.