Can you remember the last time you had your air ducts cleaned? Perhaps it was longer than it should have been. Air ducts can collect more air pollutants than you can ever imagine. The majority of the health risks are hidden before our eyes, but they are there. They are concealing in the unseen parts of your HVAC system.
Air duct cleaning involves removal of the dust and other air pollutants in the duct system. The HVAC system contains the supply and returns air ducts, registers, and diffusers. Air duct and health experts agree that cleaning the air ducts has a direct impact on our health. When cleaning of the essential parts, the return and supply duct does not completely address the problem. Thus, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of professionals certified by the National Air Ducts Cleaners Association (NADCA).
In the HVAC system, the air duct is the part that provides conditioned air inside the house enabling continuous comfort regardless of the season. Air moves through the ducts to provide a sufficient flow of air in each room. It is the air that everyone in the area breathes and when unmanaged can result in respiratory conditions and other health issues. Thus, it is important to ensure that the air supply in your home is as clean as possible. But most people do not regard the significant role air duct plays in the air circulation. Dirty air ducts can greatly compromise the quality of air inside the house or office. Air ducts cleaning is, therefore, an important task that every family and company should consider. So how often should you clean air ducts?
When To Clean Your Air Duct
A good rule of thumb is to have your ducts cleaned every three to five years. This is the minimum, as this is the time duration that it can take for the air ducts to load back with dust and dirt after a thorough cleaning. Nevertheless, many homeowners still need more frequent thorough cleaning and maintenance.
Actually, you should have your air duct cleaned when you feel that the system isn’t working efficiently, there are unpleasant smells, or you suspect air contaminants are blocking the airflow in your house. For many experts, it takes from 2 to 4 years between cleaning. Based on NADCA, there are various reasons for cleaning your air ducts, which may add to the need for cleaning.
The first reason to clean your air ducts is when you move to a new home. When you haven’t stayed there, you don’t have any idea what is in the air ducts, and you are not aware of how well the owners treated the air ducts. If you are considering the costs of buying the home, the air ducts cleaning is the least part of your costs, and you should at least be sure that the air ducts are free of air pollutants. According to the experts, you should invest in air duct cleaning more regularly when you:
Have someone allergic or asthmatic at home.
When you or your children are suffering from allergies or asthma, it is highly recommended that you clean the air ducts and avoid the risk factors which may worsen the reactions and result in severe conditions.
Have furry pets that spread hair and dander.
When you have hairy pets roaming around your house and falling off trails of hair and dander, you need to have your air ducts cleaned. The hair and dander get stuck in the air ducts eventually resulting in it working less efficiently.
Have fire or water damage at home.
When your home is hit by disasters, which need repairs or restoration, it is highly recommended to clean the air ducts. Although the air ducts are not damaged, the airborne particles of the affected areas and the repair or restoration process are definitely present.
Have had house restoration or renovation.
As mentioned above, when you renovate your house, an air duct cleaning is a good idea to eliminate the dust and dirt out of your home.
Have someone who smokes at home.
The other reason, which is quite important specifically when you have children at home. Generally, smoking in closed areas has adverse effects, so try or ask others to puff as little as possible, and when you do smoke inside, at least see to it the room is well ventilated.
Common Signs You Need Air Duct Cleaning
The signs that manifest it’s time for air duct cleaning should be considered when cleaning your system. Eventually, every home varies in the amount of dust and dirt it needs to address, so you should know what to pay attention. Below are the signs that your air ducts need cleaning:
- visible dirt or dander
- increase in dust inside the house
- dust around the registers
- a rise in allergic reactions
- a spike in respiratory discomfort
When you start struggling with one or some of these signs, you should talk to an expert to book an air duct cleaning service the soonest possible time.
The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
There are several benefits of air duct cleaning, the biggest is having cleaner air. Clean air ducts lessen the number of air contaminants in your home, providing a cleaner and safer home. Duct cleaning also eliminates unpleasant smells from your home, including the odor of pets, cleaning agents, house paint, and cigarette smoke.
When you have your air duct cleaned, it reduces the symptoms of allergies at home. It removes bacteria, mildew, and pollen from your home air that can worsen allergies. Even though you don’t have any allergic reactions, having your air ducts cleaned can help you breathe safe and clean air.
If you are seeking an air duct cleaning service provider, it is essential that they are highly recommended. It is also essential to have a clear picture of what the duct cleaning company will be doing and how long it will take. Furthermore, when possible, someone should be home and have them discuss the procedure. During the air duct cleaning process, see to it there is no dust around the room. A good air duct cleaning service should cover all the vents properly and improve air quality.
5 Star Air professional technicians are highly trained to inspect and clean air ducts to restore their maximum efficiency. Call us today and we ensure your air ducts will be thoroughly cleaned, leaving you and your family with safe and fresh air to breathe.
