Did you know that indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air? Learn how fresh air duct cleaning can help improve it.
What You Need to Know About Fresh Air Duct Cleaning
Do you ever wonder what’s lurking in your air ducts? Often, it’s dust, dirt, mold, bacteria, and even rodents. It can, over time, affect your indoor air quality and your health, making you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
Additionally, dirty air ducts can increase energy usage, leading to higher bills and a shorter lifespan for your HVAC system. If you want to breathe easier, save money, and extend the life of your HVAC equipment, you need to clean your air ducts regularly.
But how do you know when it’s time to get them cleaned? How do you find a reputable air duct cleaning company? And how much does it cost?
This article explains the importance of cleaning air ducts, how often to do it, the professional process, and what to consider when choosing a cleaning service.
Why You Should Clean Your Air Ducts
Timely air duct cleaning has many benefits for your health and wallet. Here are some of the reasons why you should clean your air ducts:
1. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality
According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air. It can affect your health and comfort, especially if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. You can remove dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and other allergens circulating in your home by cleaning your air ducts.
2. Reduce Your Energy Bills
Dirty air ducts can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system by making it work harder to deliver the desired temperature and airflow. It can result in higher energy consumption and higher utility bills.
According to Energy Star, about 20% to 30% of the air that moves through your duct system gets lost due to leaks, holes, or poor connections. By cleaning your air ducts, you can improve the performance of your HVAC system and save money on energy costs.
3. Extend The Life Of Your HVAC Equipment
Dirty air ducts can also cause wear and tear on your HVAC components, such as the blower motor, evaporator coil, condenser, and filter. It can lead to breakdowns, repairs, and replacements that can be costly and inconvenient.
According to NADCA, 9 of 10 HVAC system failures come from dirt and dust accumulation. Cleaning your air ducts can prevent damage to your HVAC equipment and extend its lifespan.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
The frequency of air duct or dryer vent cleaning depends on various factors, such as the size of your home, the number of occupants, the presence of pets, the level of pollution in your area, and the type of HVAC system you have. However, some general guidelines are:
- You should clean your air ducts at least once every three to five years, according to NADCA.
- Clean your air ducts more often if you have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions or notice symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or irritation in your eyes, nose, or throat.
- Clean your air ducts if you have pets that shed hair or dander or if you smoke indoors.
- You should clean your air ducts more often if you live in an area with high dust, pollen, mold, or smog levels.
- You should often clean your air ducts if you have recently renovated or remodeled your home. Also, if you have experienced water or fire damage in your ducts.
- You should clean your air ducts more often if you notice signs of dirty ducts, such as visible dust or dirt on your vents or registers.
- Clean your air duct if you notice reduced airflow or uneven temperature distribution in your rooms. Plus, if you see musty or moldy odors coming from your vents, increased dust on your furniture or surfaces, or evidence of rodent or insect infestation in your ducts.
You can consult a professional air duct cleaning service near you to determine the best schedule for your air duct cleaning. A professional can inspect your ducts and and recommend the best frequency for your situation.
How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
The cost of air duct cleaning can vary depending on several factors, such as
- Size and layout of your home
- Number of ducts
- Type and condition of your HVAC system
- Location and reputation of the air duct cleaning company
- Method and equipment used for cleaning
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of air duct cleaning in the United States is $368, with a typical range between $268 and $483. However, some homeowners can pay as low as $100 or as high as $1,000 for air duct cleaning.
To get an accurate estimate of how much air duct cleaning will cost for your home, you can contact a local air duct cleaning service and request a quote. They can provide a detailed breakdown of the costs and explain their service.
How To Find A Reputable Air Duct Cleaning Company
Not all air duct cleaning companies are the same. Some may offer low prices but deliver poor-quality work. Or use substandard equipment or methods that can damage your ducts or HVAC system. Some may even scam you by claiming that you need unnecessary services or repairs.
To avoid these pitfalls and find a reputable air duct cleaning company that will provide you with quality service and results, you can follow these tips:
1. Check Their Credentials
Look for a licensed, insured, and bonded company. It means that they have met the legal requirements to operate in your state and have adequate coverage in case of any accidents or damages. You can also look for a company certified by NADCA, meaning they have met the industry standards for training, experience, and ethics.
2. Check Their Reviews
Look for a company with positive reviews from previous customers. You can check online platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp or Angie’s List to see what others have said about their experience with the company. You can also ask for referrals from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who have used their services.
3. Check Their Equipment
Ask the company what equipment and methods they use for air duct cleaning. You can look for a company that uses negative-pressure vacuuming and agitation tools to remove dust and debris from your ductwork effectively and safely. You can also look for a company that uses EPA-registered antimicrobial agents to sanitize your ducts after cleaning.
4. Check Their Price
Ask the company for a written estimate of how much they will charge for air duct cleaning. The assessment should include a detailed breakdown of the costs and what’s in their service.
You can compare different estimates from different companies and choose the best value for your money. However, you should avoid choosing a company based solely on price, as some may offer low prices but deliver low-quality work or hidden fees.
I hope this content is helpful for you. Check out our other helpful guides on surface and vent cleaning tips.
