Interesting Facts About Air Duct Cleaning

Air Ducts and Air Quality

Did you know the quality of the air in your home can be much worse than the air outdoors? The list of potential allergens and pathogens in your ductwork is long: bacteria, kitchen grease, pet dander and more. In fact, the EPA lists indoor air quality as one of the top 5 health threats in America.

It may be difficult to believe, but the Environmental Protection Agency says indoor air quality is one of the top 5 health threats in America. This can be caused by allergens and contaminants in the air ductwork of the building. For those who suffer from respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the air quality inside the home is very important.

Dust and dander are two common allergens that show up in the home, but there are other potential pathogens that end up in your ductwork. Mold, bacteria, hair, building material and other small particulate that are drawn into the air ducting are then re-circulated through the heating and cooling system. That’s why it is a good idea to get your air ducts cleaned at least once a year, preferably twice a year.

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.

The Air Duct Cleaning Process

During the air duct cleaning process, a rotating brush is inserted through the length of the air ductwork. This brush dislodges any dust, debris, and allergens. On the openings of the ductwork, a powerful vacuum is attached with a large hose that goes to an outside receptacle.

This special air duct cleaning equipment can safely extract large quantities of allergens, dust and dander from your air ducts. During this cleaning process, the registers, vents, heating and cooling coils, and other components of the HVAC system are thoroughly cleaned. The end result is a completely clean air duct system that can circulate hot or cold air without spreading pollutants, allergens, or contaminants.

It may surprise you to know that the average six-room house produces 40 pounds of dust each year! That dust and particulate all ends up in the air ducts when the air conditioning or furnace runs, as the air from the rooms are circulated through the central air system.

How Do You Know It’s Time For Air Duct Cleaning?

Here are five ways that you can tell if your air ducts are due for a thorough cleaning.

Smell or Sight

1. If your home recently went through asbestos or lead abatement, it’s a good idea to have the air ducts cleaned. Removing lead paint or asbestos insulation means that carcinogenic dust may be in the ducts. That’s a good reason to clean the air ducts.

2. If you have a family member that has an allergy-related illness that they cannot seem to shake, the problem may be recirculated dust and allergens.

3. When there is any evidence of animal infestation in your HVAC ducting. Make sure the animals or vermin are removed, then have the ducts cleaned, so no remnants of their presence are in the ductwork.

4. If there is visible mold in the air ducts, or if you smell mold anytime the air conditioner or furnace is running, this probably means there is mold in the ductwork that must be eradicated.

5. If you see dust, dander, or other allergens emanating from the air duct registers when the air is flowing, it’s time to get the air ducts cleaned.