Service man cleaning out the air duct

Why And When You Really Need An Air Duct Cleaning

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Thanks to your HVAC system, it’s easier than ever to control the environment inside the home, regardless of the time of year. In the past, we primarily relied on our ducts for heating in the winter alone. However, with the increasing use of ducts to both heat and cool all year long, there’s a real need for ongoing maintenance.

Keeping your ducts clean is essential for the effectiveness of your HVAC systems, as well as the heat of your home. Here, we’re going to explore why you should have them cleaned when you should schedule an air duct cleaning and how to keep them in top shape otherwise.

Why Dirty Ducts Deserve a Clean

You don’t need to thoroughly maintain your air ducts all that often. They are designed to take care of themselves, in part. There are no moving mechanisms inside them and, provided they were fitted by a professional, they should be made of very durable material. However, while a good set of air ducts can last the lifetime of a house, dirt, dust, and debris can be a risk.

From mold spores to pet dander and even pest droppings, there are harmful substances that can find their way into the air ducts, where they are collected and dispersed through the home. This can cause a range of issues like increasing the risk of moisture gathering, causing more mold and mildew, to causing or exacerbating respiratory conditions like asthma, which young children can be especially vulnerable to.

When you Should Schedule your Duct Cleaning

As mentioned, air ducts take care of themselves most of the time. So long as you keep the home clean, you shouldn’t have to worry about too many harmful debris or allergens clogging up the home. In general, you need an air duct cleaning every three to five months. If you’ve just bought a home, it’s a good idea to get them cleaned just to be on the same side.

Furthermore, if you’ve noticed an increase in signs of moisture and damp around the ducts or people are experiencing allergic reactions, you should have those ducts checked out. Lastly, if you’ve had problems with pests in the home, like rats, then you should have them cleaned.

Regular Air Duct Maintenance Tips

You don’t need to do too much between professional air duct cleaning, but a little maintenance can go a long way to preserve the health of the home and the effectiveness of your HVAC systems.

Air filters in your HVAC systems, for instance, can gather dust and allergens, and the air ducts connected to them serve as the dispersal unit. Your filters need to be replaced every three months. What’s more, by keeping a cleaner home, you have less dust and debris to worry about.

If you’re having issues with your HVAC and you think you need an air duct cleaning, don’t hesitate to get in touch with CFM Pros. We can perform a duct test that can help you get to the bottom of your troubles.

 

Cleaning air ducts

Questions You Must Ask When Hiring An Air Duct Cleaning Company

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Our air ducts are connected to the HVAC systems throughout the home that helps us control the climate all year round. They mostly take care of themselves and are extremely low maintenance. However, they do need to be cleaned every three-to-five months. Otherwise, allergens like mold spores, pet dander, pets droppings, and dust can gather and will be distributed throughout the home, causing a whole host of health risks.

Here, we’re going to look at the questions you need to ask when it comes time to schedule an air duct cleaning and you’re looking for professionals to get the job done.

Are They Insured and Certified?

This is an essential step and should not be skipped under any circumstances. An insured company has liability insurance. This means that if their services cause any damage to the home or your HVAC systems, you won’t be paying for it. What’s more, being registered and certified means that they are trained and equipped to deal with HVAC equipment. If they’re not certified, there’s no guarantee that they know just what they’re doing. There is no 100% guarantee you will be happy with the service provided, but certification is a good indicator of reliability.

Do They Have Good Reviews?

The internet has made it easier than ever to get the “skinny” on any company or service. Many air duct cleaning services will list testimonials on their site, which can be helpful. However, it’s a good idea to look at external sites for unbiased, third-party reviews. The occasional negative review doesn’t have to be a deal breaker, but if you do encounter them, read them closely to see how severe the customer’s issues with the company were and if any other past customers share those concerns.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

When looking for an air duct cleaning, it’s a good idea to collect quotes from a few different companies to see what the average price is. If a company doesn’t provide any kind of estimate, you won’t know how much the service is going to cost you. Some companies will provide a charge for the whole procedure, while others will charge by the hour, in which case you should ask how long you can expect the cleaning to take. Ask them about any additional costs and check their catalog to see if they list regularly associated costs for their services.

When to Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning

Is it time you arranged an air duct cleaning? Besides having one every three-to-five months, you should schedule a cleaning if:

  • You see signs of mold or mildew around vents,
  • People experience allergic reactions (runny noses, red eyes, coughing fits) in the home,
  • You have just bought a new home,
  • You have had a recent pest problem in your home, specifically in the ducts,
  • There is a musty smell coming from your ducts.

An air duct cleaning is an essential part of HVAC maintenance and of keeping a healthy home. Besides a professional cleaning, remember to replace any air filters in your HVAC systems around every three years.

If you need to clean your air ducts, contact us to find out more about it. Our professional staff is trained to help you in the whole process and maintenance.