The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning and How to Do It Right: An Expert's Guide

Air ducts are an integral part of any home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. They are responsible for circulating air throughout the house, and if they become clogged with dust, dirt, and other debris, it can lead to a variety of health issues. Regular air duct cleaning can help reduce the amount of allergens, bacteria, and other particles that can cause asthma, allergies, or general illnesses. But how often should you clean the air ducts?In general, it is recommended to clean the air ducts only if there is a serious problem.

This could include the presence of mold in the air ducts, which can cause mold spores to enter the living areas of the house. This can cause allergic-type symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, tearing, and other breathing problems. If you notice a musty or musty smell every time your boiler or air conditioner is turned on, it is best to call a professional HVAC or duct cleaning company. Mold grows in damp or wet areas, so if there is mold in the ducts, in addition to cleaning them, you'll need to find the source of the moisture (perhaps a leaking pipe) and repair it. It is also important to inspect for asbestos before cleaning the ducts, as this is a problem in older installations.

What Does Duct Cleaning Do?

Duct cleaning helps remove dust, dirt, and other debris from the air ducts.

It also helps reduce allergens and bacteria that can cause asthma or allergies. However, it is important to note that duct cleaning does not change the layout of the duct design, increase air flow in the duct system, or rebalance the duct system. Additionally, most organizations that deal with duct cleaning do not recommend using sealants to encapsulate contaminants in any type of duct.

What Are The Risks Of Poorly Done Duct Cleaning?

Poorly trained technicians or fraudsters who lack the proper vacuuming equipment to safely clean ducts can dislodge dust that was previously attached to the inside of the ducts and drop it into the house. This can be avoided by committing to a good preventive maintenance program to minimize duct contamination.

Additionally, brush cleaning methods should not be used as they are not effective at removing dust from air ducts.

Do I Need To Clean My Air Ducts?

You might consider cleaning your air ducts simply because it seems logical that they get dirty over time and should be cleaned from time to time. However, there is no evidence that a small amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any health risk. The only place you're likely to see air ducts is on exposed ceilings or walls, most likely in the basement or attic. In addition to regular preventive maintenance programs and avoiding brush cleaning methods, sealants may be used in certain cases such as repairing damaged fiberglass insulation or combating damage caused by duct fires.