Dust, pet dander, fungus and other pollutants collect in air ducts over time. They can be circulated throughout the home and can trigger or aggravate asthma and allergies.
Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City removes these contaminants, improving indoor air quality. It is important to find a qualified, professional service provider. Before the technician arrives it is a good idea to tidy up so they can easily access your vents.
Duct cleaning is a service performed by trained professionals to ensure your ductwork, and the components of your forced air system that are connected to it, are clean and functioning properly. Duct cleaning is not a DIY project, but rather a complex process that should only be performed by licensed and insured technicians.
Dirty ducts can cause all kinds of health problems, including asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues. These issues are caused by the recirculation of contaminants, like bacteria, pet dander, dust, skin cells, and tobacco smoke. Those contaminants are pulled into your HVAC system and then circulated throughout your home five to seven times each day. The contaminants then get blown out of the vents and into the room, where they can cause health problems.
When you hire a professional duct cleaner, they will typically use specialized tools to dislodge debris from the inside of your ductwork, and then vacuum it all up with a high-powered commercial-grade vacuum cleaner. They will also clean the fans, coils, and heat exchangers in your HVAC equipment.
A duct cleaning technician should inspect your ductwork before starting to determine the extent of the dirt and debris build-up, and what the best method will be for removal. The professional may need to remove some parts of the ductwork to access others, and they will probably need to clear a path to your air conditioning unit or furnace.
Some duct cleaning companies may recommend applying chemical biocides to the interior surfaces of your ductwork and other system components, in order to kill microbiological contaminants and prevent future growth. This practice has not yet been proven to be effective, and you should only allow it if you fully understand the pros and cons.
When you’re getting your ducts cleaned, make sure the professional you choose is certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Avoid anyone who uses “sonic” duct cleaning machines, as these can damage your ductwork and lead to a loss of airflow. It’s also important to consider your budget and schedule. It’s likely that the duct cleaning will make some noise and will need to visit all rooms in your home, so be sure you can afford to pay for this service and that you have enough time available during the appointment.
Why Do I Need to Have My Ducts Cleaned?
Dirty ducts can cause respiratory problems for the whole family, especially for anyone who has asthma or other allergies. Dusty ducts are also a magnet for rodents who may nest in them during the winter or take up residence when the weather turns warm again. This critters can leave behind germs and droppings that are harmful to your family’s health, as well as damage the ducts themselves.
Duct cleaning is not a do-it-yourself job. Professionals use specialized tools to dislodge debris and clean the entire system. This includes the evaporator coils, furnace blower and motor, and other components. It’s important to clear a path to these items so the technician doesn’t get stuck or have to leave early. You can help make things easier by removing furniture and moving items out of the way before your duct cleaning service arrives.
The dirt and debris that accumulates in the ducts can actually act as a fire hazard when your furnace is running. It also prevents your HVAC system from working as efficiently as it could, which can add up to big energy bills over time.
If the ducts are full of dust, mold spores, VOCs (chemicals), pet odors and other foul odors, those smells will be recirculated throughout the home every time the system turns on. Duct cleaning removes these odors and makes your house smell fresher.
It is recommended that you have your ducts cleaned once a year. However, some experts believe that you should have them cleaned more often, especially if you live in a dusty area or have pets. The best way to determine how frequently your ducts should be cleaned is to consult with an expert who will be able to recommend a maintenance plan that’s right for you.
How Does Duct Cleaning Work?
Duct cleaning involves the use of specialized equipment that can remove dust, debris, and other contaminants from inside your ductwork and vents. The process is fairly quick and shouldn’t impact your daily routine. The most important thing is to find a qualified professional that is certified by an industry association like NADCA. This certification means that the technician has been trained and will follow the best practices of the industry for safe, effective, and thorough duct cleaning.
A thorough duct cleaning begins with a visual inspection of the entire system. The technician will look for signs of leaking, loose connections, and other problems with the seals and insulation. If any of these problems are found, they can be fixed before the cleaning process begins.
Once the visual inspection is complete, the ducts are cleaned using special vacuuming tools. The technicians may also use brushes or air compressors to dislodge stubborn dirt particles and debris. Afterward, the entire system is vacuumed again to remove the leftover dirt and debris. The process can take a couple of hours depending on the size of your home and number of vents.
After the ducts are clean, a disinfectant is applied to kill any bacteria or mold that is present in the system. Some duct cleaning companies offer chemical biocides or other biological treatments that are designed to help keep the ducts and vents free of contaminants in the future. These products are not regulated by the government and should only be used after a thorough duct cleaning has been performed.
Rodents and other insects sometimes make their way into ductwork systems where they can cause additional problems. These pests can leave behind fecal droppings, nesting materials, unpleasant smells, and other telltale signs of their presence. The contaminates that they leave behind can then travel through the ductwork and into your living space, where they can affect indoor air quality. Duct cleaning is a great way to get rid of these pests and contaminates, but it can’t solve any other problems with your ductwork or indoor air quality.
What Are the Benefits of Duct Cleaning?
The most obvious benefit of duct cleaning is that it improves indoor air quality. Over time, pet dander, pollen, dust mites, volatile organic compounds and other contaminants can accumulate in HVAC ductwork and be circulated throughout the home every time the system operates. Duct cleaning removes these pollutants, improving indoor air quality and promoting healthier living conditions for the entire household.
Another important benefit of duct cleaning is that it can help reduce energy costs. Dirty ducts can block airflow, decreasing efficiency and forcing the HVAC system to work harder to keep the home warm or cool. Over time, this can add up to significant financial savings.
A third reason to consider duct cleaning is that it can help prevent rodent infestations. Rodents can enter ductwork through unsealed connections or chew their way in through open vents, where they leave droppings and other signs of their presence along with fecal matter and bacteria. When these particles are recirculated, they can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms, leading to discomfort for family members. Duct cleaning eliminates the sources of these contaminants, reducing the risk of rodent invasion.
Finally, duct cleaning can help extend the life of air filters. When a home has dirty ducts, air filters must be replaced more frequently because they become clogged with dirt and debris more quickly. This can be a costly and inconvenient process, so having the ducts cleaned can reduce filter replacement costs.
Although duct cleaning can provide many benefits, it is important to remember that it is not a cure-all for poor indoor air quality. It is essential to address the underlying causes of contamination, such as a clogged drain line or a leaky roof, in addition to scheduling regular duct cleanings. Otherwise, contaminated indoor air will likely return soon after the ducts have been cleaned. To avoid this, make sure that the service provider you hire follows NADCA’s best practices. This will ensure that the job is done properly, and your ducts will be clean and safe for use. It is also a good idea to clear a path for the technician and make sure that all vents can be accessed easily. This will reduce the amount of time and noise the technician must make, and will also allow them to complete the job more efficiently.