Service man cleaning out the air duct

Why And When You Really Need An Air Duct Cleaning

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

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.

Why It’s So Important to Clean Your Air Duct Regularly

Why It’s So Important to Clean Your Air Duct Regularly

The air ducts in your home probably don’t take up much room in your thoughts. Most of us have other things to be focusing on. But to assume that air ducts don’t matter and that they don’t have any impact on how you live your life would be a big mistake. It’s actually the case that there are lots of reasons to keep them clean because it has more of an impact on your life than you think.

Having the air ducts in your home cleaned can be taken care of by our professional team, so you don’t have to do it by yourself. In the end, the importance of this will outweigh any reservations you might have. To prove how important this is for you, read on and learn about the impact it can and does have.

Indoor Air Quality Will Improve

The quality of the air that you’re breathing inside your home will drastically improve if you have your air duct cleaned regularly, and that should be enough to persuade you to make this change.

  • Air quality matters: The air you breath has a direct impact on your long-term and short-term health, so improving its quality is vital.
  • You might not notice the difference, but it’s there: The difference in air quality is not always noticeable, but it’s certainly there.
  • Health problems could be averted: You could avoid all kinds of nasty health problems by breathing cleaner air.

Disposes of Poisons and Residue

There are lots of poisons and all sorts of residue that can build up inside your air ducts over time, and these are not the kinds of things you want entering your home through the HVAC system. That’s why you should have the ducts cleaned out properly.

  • There are all kinds of nasty things in your system: These ducts carry all kinds of bad things that you could barely imagine.
  • Removing them regularly is essential: Removing them is vital because otherwise, they will damage the system as well as your health.
  • It takes a professional to do this right: You should get help from professionals because they know how to clean them out properly.

Can Ease Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Anyone with pre-existing respiratory medical conditions will find that their symptoms in the home will ease somewhat when the air ducts are cleaned out because they’ll be breathing cleaner air.

  • Respiratory conditions will be eased: These conditions are made easier to deal with when you breathe cleaner air.
  • The home will be a healthier environment: In general, the entire home will become a much healthier environment.

Make Your HVAC System More Effective

Anyone with a decent HVAC system wants to be getting the most out of it they can. That’s perfectly normal and natural. By keeping it clean, you will also make it more functional and more effective.

  • Blocked air ducts don’t perform well: When the ducts are blocked up, it becomes impossible for them to do their job properly, so you’ll need to clean them to improve performance.
  • You’ll notice the difference: As soon as the ducts become cleaner, you’ll notice the system performing better.

Save Yourself Some Money

By keeping the system clean, you might also be able to save yourself some money. This applies to the long-term as well as the short-term. No one can turn down the chance to save cash, so this should provide you with some needed motivation.

  • Less energy will be used to reach the desired temperature: Achieving the desired temperature in your home becomes easier and faster when the ducts are clean, meaning you’ll spend less on energy to make that happen.
  • Regular cleaning is cheaper in the long run: In the end, you’ll save money by regularly cleaning rather than having to spend big in the future on massive cleaning jobs or replacements.

Keeps Your HVAC System Running for Longer

Your HVAC system might be getting old, but it’ll be a long time until you have to replace it all if you get better at keeping your air ducts properly clean. When the system is running for longer, you’ll avoid having to spend big too.

  • The long-term condition of your HVAC system is key: By acting now, you can make sure that your HVAC system has a healthier and cleaner future.
  • Regular cleaning lessens the chance of problems: You will experience far fewer problems with your system if you keep it as clean as it can be.

When you get your air ducts cleared out, you improve your health, improve your home and save some money. So there are plenty of great reasons to get your air ducts cleaned regularly if you haven’t done this for a long time. And there are many costs associated with ignoring this issue and leaving them to get dirty.

If you need our professional service to solve these problems for you and be able to breath clean air. Contact us, we can provide more details of how we work with these kinds of issues.

HVAC Duct Cleaning with a Power Brush

A Complete Guide To Air Duct Cleaning Tools

The importance of cleaning air ducts cannot be overstated. Clogged air ducts can reduce the energy efficiency in a property, as well as cause dirt and contaminants to spread through the living areas. Proper cleaning is required to avoid these issues – and to achieve good cleaning; you need the right tools.

Below, we have put together a simple guide to the tools necessary for cleaning air ducts to a good-as-new finish. Read on to find out more…

No “one size fits all.”

One of the issues people experience when trying to clean their air ducts is that there is no perfect set of tools that are suitable for every job. Ductwork is often individual to the property itself, with a wide variety of different types and sizes used in residential properties. As a result, you have to focus on finding the right air duct cleaning tools for the property you are cleaning rather than seeking to find the best tools overall.

To do this, you first need to select the level of cleaning that you are hoping to achieve. There are four levels to choose from:

  • Level One: Air washing. This involves the use of high-pressure air to clear the ducts of dirt and debris. A compressor is connected through an air hose to a nozzle, which is then attached to the ductwork in order to deliver the stream of air required to remove foreign particles from the overall system.
  • Level Two: Air whips. Air whips work with high-pressure air also, but with the addition of a whipping action inside the ductwork. This whipping helps to dislodge more stubborn dirt and debris and is generally considered to be more effective than air washing alone.
  • Level Three: Brushing. This level of cleaning can be achieved both manually and via electronic devices. The inside of the duct is effectively brushed, helping to remove dirt and debris that may be clinging to the sides of the ductwork. This is similar to air whipping, but brushing is more in-depth and involves a higher degree of physical contact, which leads to a cleaner result.
  • Level Four: Contact vacuuming. The most powerful and effective choice, contact vacuuming involves physical contact with the internal ductwork and effectively removes dirt and debris found throughout the system.

When you know which level of cleaning you wish to achieve, you are able to select the right tool for the job.

Level One: Air Washing

  • These tools blow a stream of high-pressure air through the ductwork.
  • The system should include a forward skipper line which blows debris forwards, a reverse skipper line to blow debris backward, and a blowgun for a more precise application.
  • The forward and reverse skipper lines available vary in length, with a standard of around 25”.
  • The blowgun tends to feature a copper tube between 10”-14” in length and features an on/off control.

What to look for:

  • Air compressor capable of producing up to 175 psi.
  • A 20-gallon receiver tank.
  • 18 cfm of air.

Suitable for:

  • Light to medium dust .
  • Small and medium residential ductwork.

Level Two: Air Whipping

  • High-pressure air is sent from the compressor to the rods and then to the whip head itself.
  • The system consists of a number of whip heads, 5’ rods, forward and reverse nozzles and an on/off control.
  • A single whip provides the most thorough whipping action; an octopus head provides the least.

What to look for:

  • Air compressor capable of producing up to 175 psi.
  • 20-gallon receiver tank.
  • 18 cfm of air.

Suitable for

  • Light to medium dust.
  • Small to medium ductwork.

Level Three, Option One: Flexible Cable Brushing

  • The brush attaches to a cable, which then attaches to a portable drill. When the trigger on the drill is compressed, the user pushes and pulls the cable and its attached brush through the ductwork.
  • Systems include a flexible cable of between 15 and 25”, three nylon brushes (for any surface), and three silica carbide brushes (suitable for hard surfaces only).
  • The brushes provided are usually 8”, 12”, and 18” in size.

Suitable for:

  • All types of ductwork, including sheet metal and flex.
  • Small to medium size ductwork.
  • Ducts that are smaller than 16”x16.”

Level Three, Option Two: Solid Core Brushing

  • Features the same basic principle as flexible core brushing systems; a brush attaches to a cable, which is then connected to a portable drill. The user controls when cleaning commences by depressing or releasing, a trigger on the drill.
  • The key difference is the cable that connects the brush to the portable drill is more rigid, which gives the user more control over the moment of the brush head.
  • These systems usually include the same types of brushes – nylon and silica carbide – at the same size points as you will find with flexible cable systems.

Suitable for

  • Small and medium ductwork
  • Ductwork that is relatively straight

Level Four: Contact vacuuming

  • With these systems, cleaning tools are attached to a hose that connects to the vacuum.
  • You can then access your ductwork and vacuum as far as you can reach.
  • These systems usually feature a HEPA filtered portable vacuum, along with a set of cleaning tools.
  • Of all the available options, contact vacuuming tends to produce the best cleaning results.

What to look for:

  • 10 to 15-gallon capacity vacuum, preferably HEPA filtered to ensure the most efficient cleaning.
  • A set of attachable cleaning tools.
  • A hose suitable for ductwork you will be cleaning; hoses are available in lengths between 10-50.”

Suitable for

  • Large ductwork.
  • Air handlers, furnaces, grilles, and rooftops.

Avoid

  • Can be difficult to use on smaller systems due to the need for direct access to the internal ductwork.

In Conclusion

By choosing a tool that is suitable for the type of ductwork you are working on, and the level of cleaning required, you can be sure of achieving the best possible results every time.

When it comes to duct cleaning, we are specialist so visit our site or contact us to be assessed or hire our services. We want to help you get what you need!

Residential HVAC Duct Cleaning

Everything You Need to Know About Duct Blaster Tests

Duct blaster tests are suitable for both new-build homes and existing properties. The test is designed to identify leaks in ductwork.

Why are leaks in a duct system so concerning?

If your home’s air ducts are leaking, you will likely experience:

  • Higher energy bills. Your heating or cooling systems will have to work harder, for longer, to replace the air that has been lost through ductwork leaks.
  • Compromised indoor air quality. If your ducts are leaking, they are prone to suck dust from your attic or crawl space. This dust and debris are then deposited throughout your home via your vents, creating issues with indoor air quality.
  • Clogged ductwork. The above issue can also lead to clogs in your system, which require extensive repairs to rectify.
  • Health concerns. Leaky ducts can also cause myriad health issues via mold and moisture accumulation, which can be problematic for residents with allergies or lung conditions.

A duct test is the first step to ensuring these issues do not occur in your property.

How does a duct blaster test work?

For existing properties, the duct blaster proceeds as follows:

  • The duct blaster fan is attached to the fan at the air handler cabinet or result grille.
  • All other supplies and returns are temporarily sealed with special tape for the duration of the test.
  • The duct blaster fan is then turned on, which immediately pressurizes the ductwork system.
  • A leakage measurement is then obtained from an airflow and pressure gauge, which is connected to the fan system.
  • If the pressure reading is low, this indicates a leak in the system.
  • Non-toxic fog can then be added to the system, which then allows for the visual identification of the exact source of leaks in the ductwork.
  • These leaks can then be repaired.

The process is much the same for properties still undergoing construction but can be conducted – with minor modifications if the air handler has yet to be installed.

Who needs a ductwork blaster test?

Duct blaster tests are suitable for properties still undergoing construction, as well as for existing properties.

In newly-constructed properties, duct leak testing should be conducted when the ductwork system is installed and prior to hanging drywall. Testing at this point ensures that all leaks are identified while the ductwork is still exposed, which ensures remedial action can be taken as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Existing properties can benefit from a duct blaster test at any point in time. The test will seek to produce a combined result for both exterior leakage, for example, to an attic or crawl space; and interior leakage to the main areas of the home. A blower door test is often combined with a duct blaster test so as to isolate exterior leakage.

When the test is complete, repair work on the leaks can be conducted to secure the system.

Who conducts a duct blaster test?

Only certified professionals are able to conduct a duct blaster test, as the process is complex and requires specific expertise.

In conclusion

Identifying leaking ductwork can be incredibly difficult. A duct blaster test is a perfect choice to ensure that the ductwork in your home is in the best possible condition, and is recommended for all homeowners seeking to ensure their home runs as healthily and cost-efficiently as possible.

air conditioning filter in ceiling

Must-Read Reasons Why It Might Be Time To Replace Your Airducts

air conditioning filter in ceiling

Replacing the ductwork on your property isn’t something you’re likely to think about too often. After all, they’re not the most visible part of the home and most of the time you’re not going to be aware as to whether they’re working properly or not.

Just like everything, however, ducts get less effective over time. As they degrade, the air quality in the property starts to worsen, more allergens spread through the air, and the risk of spreading damp and mold will increase.

Here, we’re going to look at the signs that your ductwork has seen its best days and is due for a replacement. These are the most common signs that any homeowner can see, smell, or hear, but make sure you have a professional take a look to let you know what kind of work is or isn’t necessary.

Dust is Getting Everywhere

Your ductwork should be ensuring that airflow through the home is smooth and unobstructed. When the ducts have holes, cracks, gaps, or sealing that has degraded, dust gets into it. When dust gets into the ductwork, it’s spread all around the home. As a result, you might find yourself having to dust and vacuum much more often.

Lots of Noise from the HVAC system

Has your HVAC system got a lot louder as of late? Has it always been particularly loud? That’s a sure sign that the ducts are imbalanced or too small for an HVAC system that has since been upgraded, or simply been mismatched.

When the ducts are too small for the HVAC system, it tries to push a lot more air out through that small hole, causing damage to the ducts and the HVAC system and raising the energy cost of using both.

There’s a Musty Smell in the Air

If there’s a musty or damp smell in the air of the home, it’s a sign of mildew. If your vents are cold, but your HVAC system is spreading warm air through the air, the moisture in that warmth can turn to condensation. Condensation builds over time, forming damp patches that give way to mold and mildew. If the condensation leaks, it can even spread mildew to the roof and drywall.

Mildew can drastically decrease the air quality in the home and can cause serious health concerns contributing to or exacerbating asthma. You can stop condensation from forming in the ducts by better insulating the ducts or decreasing the humidity in the air traveling through it.

Inconsistent Home Temperatures

Do you have trouble getting the temperature in the home to the level that you want it? Do certain areas of the home seem cooler or warmer than the rest? There are a few problems with your ductwork that could be the cause.

For one, ducts that are loosely fit or poorly insulated are very bad at controlling their temperature. Ducts that are carrying cool air through the home will leak that cool air into the interior walls, which can cause certain areas to get much cooler while the areas that the cool air is supposed to be reaching don’t cool as much as they should. Similarly, air moving through heating areas will pick up that heat and redistribute it through the home.

The Dangers of Keeping Faulty Ductwork

The problems above should be enough reason to consider getting a replacement. However, faulty, poorly fit, or dirty ducts can cause a whole range of problems. Here are just some of the most common and why you should be concerned:

  • Damp and mildew can spread through the home, damaging structures and items until entire walls, ceilings, and furniture need to be replaced
  • Faulty ducts will cause your energy bills to go sky high as your HVAC struggles to heat or cool the home
  • Old ducts can cause your air conditioning and heating system to struggle much harder, which can cause more damage to those systems over time, necessitating more expensive repairs
  • Poor air quality is a common result of faulty ducts. This means more dust, dirt, mold, and allergens in the air. This can cause severe respiratory problems if left unaddressed over time

For your health, your finances, and your peace of mind, it’s best not to let faulty ductwork have a place in your home for too long.

The Benefits of Replacing your Ductwork

Contrasting with the dangers of letting faulty ductwork stay in the home, there are significant benefits to replacing it as well. Here are some of the advantages of new ductwork that anyone can enjoy, even if they can’t find specific faults in the old system.

  • New ductwork is almost always going to be more energy efficient. By better transporting hot and cool air through the home, you stress your HVAC systems less, resulting in lower energy bills
  • As a result, you will be able to control the temperature of the home much more effectively. No more waiting for hours on end for the home to heat up in the winter or cool down in the summer
  • An improved air quality in the home will make the air much easier to breathe and better for the health of the family
  • Investing in the ductwork can improve the longevity of the entire HVAC system. By offering more efficient airflow solutions, the less stress on your AC and heating will reduce the amount of wear and tear done while they are in use

Even if there aren’t any immediately noticeable problems with your ductwork, a full test and a replacement can help you highlight how much you could be saving in energy costs and how much more comfortable it could be to update to a more efficient system that helps better distribute air around the home.

Is it Time to Replace your Ductwork?

If you’re concerned that your HVAC systems are starting to degrade, get in touch with CFM Pros for our blower door test and duct test. We can identify any issues that could endanger the health of you and everyone in the home.

Home automation in living room

Five Foolproof Strategies For Cutting Your Cooling Costs

It’s the thick of summer and most of us are already feeling the heatwave all too keenly. Besides feeling it in every inch of your body, you might be feeling it in the bank balance, too. We all expect the costs of cooling the home to increase as we rely on our HVAC systems more regularly, but how much is too much?

If you’re concerned your cooling bills are getting out of control, here are some ways that you can help reign it in. We’ll look at other ways you can cool the home, as well as the means by which you can make your HVAC system much more effective and efficient.

Ceiling in living room

Use your Ceiling Fan

A ceiling fan is always a wise investment for rooms that can use a little more help moving the cool air around. The cooled air that comes out of the air conditioner is dispersed much more evenly and easily. It doesn’t necessarily cool the room down anymore, it just makes it much more comfortable and spreads the cool so that parts of the room don’t feel significantly hotter.

As a result, you can justify turning up the thermostat by a couple of degrees. Just ensure that you don’t keep the fan on when no-one’s in the room. It’s cheaper than relying more on your AC, but it still contributes to the energy bill.

Home automation in living room

Use a Programmable Thermostat

You might not need to rely on your thermostat quite as much as you do. Many homeowners set it and forget it. Even as the day gets cooler, the AC works just as hard to provide cool air when you don’t necessarily need it.

A programmable thermostat allows you to set the home at different temperatures throughout the day. You can set it so that it’s kept most active during the day when the sun is shining at its brightest and let it relax when it’s getting darker and cooler.

Woman Opening Curtains and Windows

Make Better Use of your Windows

It’s tempting to open the windows on a hot day to let the air circulate. However, so long as you have a working HVAC system, you don’t need to. The vents will do that for you and opening the window only lets warm air in the home. Instead, keep the windows closed and the sun out using blackout blinds, shades, or shutters.

At night, you can open the window back up, as the air outside is much more likely to be cooler, allowing you to rely on your AC a little less as it gets later into the evening.

Home Air Vent

Take a Closer look at your Ventilation System

If you’re finding it hard to cool the house down using the AC alone and it’s driving up your costs, the problem could be with your ventilation and ductwork. If they’re poorly fitted, poorly insulated, or they have cracks, gaps, and holes, this lets air escape.

The air that your AC is working hard to cool won’t fully reach where it’s supposed to. As a result, you might find that certain parts of the home are much cooler than the rest of it. This is a sign that the cool air is leaking out where it’s not supposed to. Remember to clean your vents and replace dirty or clogged air filters. When dust gets trapped in air filters, it makes the air thick with dust, which means it carries heat and humidity more easily.

Air Conditioner maintenance

Take Care of your Air Conditioner

Your HVAC systems require regular maintenance. There’s a whole host of problems that can stress the machines out, make them less energy efficient, and less effective at their job. The more problems they have, the harder they have to work to ensure that the air temperature matches the temp set on the thermostat.

Have a professional clean your system, replace the necessary filters, and check for smaller problems at least once a year. If you’re experiencing serious problems cooling down the home, have them take a more thorough look. Ensure your system is running as optimally as possible and stop wasting energy.

Don’t let the costs of cooling your home make you choose between comfort and economics. The tips above can help you beat the heat while beating your costs back down at the same time.

duct testing

Duct Leak Testing: The Home Check You Never Knew You Needed

You are probably aware that the majority of homes force air through a duct system into the property for heating and cooling purposes. But did you know that leaks in the duct system of your home can cause massive issues? According to studies twenty-five percent of energy for cooling and heating the home can be wasted if the property has a poor duct system. With duct testing and sealing this issue can be eliminated.

How Does Your Duct System Work?

Your duct system is important through the winter months and the hotter seasons of the year. During the winter warm air is pushed through the home through the supply ducts while air from the house enters the system to be filtered and reheated.

In the summer months, cool air is pushed through while warm air is returned to be cooled and dehumidified. In many homes though, both processes are completely inefficient.

The Issues With Duct Leaks

The problem with duct systems is that air can leak out anywhere including:

  • Connections to vents or registers
  • Any joints
  • At any branches in the system
  • Between the furnace and the AC

Since there are so many places, it’s likely that your duct system has quite a few leaks. The issue here is obvious. With air leaking into your home, you get warm air that hasn’t been cooled and cool air that hasn’t been warmed. Dehumidified air may also escape leading to increased levels of moisture ,and generally, the whole system will need to work harder to keep your home the right temperature.

If you don’t know much about your duct system, don’t worry. It’s usually, totally out of sight and mind. That’s why you need to use tests to find a leak.

Testing Your Duct System

Using a duct system test as expert will:

  • Force air through the system under pressure
  • Measure airflow and pressure at different points
  • Determine whether there is a leak and where it is in the system

There are two types of tests that can be used. These are:

  • Duct Blaster Test – With this method all the supply and return vents are sealed. After this, air is pressurized and forced through the duct system using a Duct Blaster. Air flow is then measured to check and identify a leak. Typically an issue can be fixed immediately.
  • Blower Door Test – With a blow door test a box is placed over the door of the house to pressurize the home and the duct system. Differences within the system can then be measured to, once again, identify a leak. This method can also check for any leaks allowing air to escape inside the home itself.

While these are the two main options, there are other tests currently being evaluated for use.

How Do You Seal Leaks Once They Are Found?

There are 3 recommended ways to seal leaks once they are discovered. These are:

  • Aerosol sealants – providing a fast, efficient and effective solution if you have the product you can seal a leak in minutes.
  • Foil tape – using tape with mastic backing is a great option for quickly fixing up leaks
  • Duct mastic – This thick paste will form a tight seal that is completely permanent

Some people use cloth duct tape; however, this does tend to eventually come free.

Be aware, it’s important to run a second leak test to make sure the solution is effective.

Why Are Sealing Leaks So Important?

You might be wondering why sealing leaks in your duct system are so crucial. Well, if you have leaks, you are certainly going to spend more on heating and cooling your home. Ultimately, you’ll need to keep the system on for longer but use far more air overall. Particularly if you’re looking for a certain level of comfort or you want your home to be at the right temperature.

Ultimately, you will lose a quarter of the power of the air you are pumping into your home. So, if you have a four-ton air con system, you might only be getting the equivalent of three tons, but you will still be paying the same price.

As well as this, sealing your leaks will also mean that you can heat or cool your home a lot faster. You might even find you can get a smaller system if it’s operating at the highest efficiency.

Don’t forget that air won’t just be leaving through the leak; it could be entering as well. This means unclean air filled with anything from moisture to pollutants and even pesticides could be pumping into your home right now. So to summarise fix the leaks and you’ll:

  • Save a lot on energy
  • Keep clean air into your home
  • Improve the efficiency of your system and your home

If you think there is a leak in your duct system, get it tested and you can seal any leaks almost immediately.

Cleaning air ducts

The Importance of Cleaning Your Air Ducts

One of the most commonly overlooked areas of your home is your ductwork. While you may stay on top of having your air conditioner and furnace maintained, your air ducts are just as important. Your ductwork is responsible for distributing treated air throughout your home. Clogged, leaky, or dirty air ducts may help spread dust, pollen, and other contaminants throughout your home and they can certainly contribute to rising energy bills.

Air duct cleaning is an important way to ensure your ductwork is in good condition and free of mold and other contaminants. While important, just keep in mind that duct cleaning has not been proven to prevent health issues related to indoor air quality and there has never been a study to conclusively show that particle levels in your home are increased due to dirty ductwork. This is because a great deal of debris in your ductwork adheres to the surfaces and isn’t guaranteed to enter your living space. With that being said, air duct cleaning can still serve as a preventative measure that doesn’t hurt your indoor air quality and may help your HVAC system work more efficiently.

What Is Air Duct Cleaning?

Air duct cleaning is a service that involves cleaning all of the components of your forced air system, including your heating and cooling elements. A qualified provider will use specialized tools to dislodge debris, dirt, and mold and vacuum these contaminants away. Chemical treatment may also be applied to your system to fight microbiological contaminants like mold and bacteria.

AIr duct cleaning may involve the cleaning of the following components of your HVAC system:

  • Return and supply ductwork and registers
  • Condensate drip or drain pans
  • Air handling housing unit
  • Fan motors
  • Coils
  • Heat exchangers
  • Diffusers

Benefits of Cleaning Your Air Ducts

While there is no evidence that shows cleaning your ductwork can improve your health, many homeowners who have their ducts clean report feeling less congested and indoor air that smells fresher with less visible dust in the air. Regular maintenance of your ductwork is an important way to extend the life of your HVAC system, reduce your energy costs, and prevent humidity problems.

Potential benefits of air duct cleaning include:

  • Fresher indoor air with less dust
  • Prevents clogs due to debris and dust
  • Prevents rodent and insect infestation
  • Reduces the risk of serious and hidden mold growth
  • Reduces strain on your HVAC system
  • Keeps your air conditioner working efficiently to combat humidity and hot/cold spots
  • Reduces your heating and cooling costs by finding and sealing air leaks

How Often Should Your Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

There is no specific schedule for duct cleaning but it may be a good idea to have your ductwork cleaned and inspected every year. This form of preventative maintenance may be needed more or less frequently depending on the age of your ductwork, the type of HVAC system you have, the air quality in your area, and your overall climate.

Along with having your ducts cleaned every 1-3 years, there are other steps you can take to prevent a build-up of dirt and contaminants in your ductwork:

  • Change HVAC filters regularly. Depending on factors like your household size, how frequently your system is used, and whether you have pets, this may be every 1 to 6 weeks.
  • Switch to high-efficiency filters.
  • Vacuum the home regularly.
  • Seal up your HVAC systems during construction or remodeling in your home until all debris and dust are cleaned up.
  • Check for moisture on insulation near your cooling coils.
  • Ensure your HVAC system is sized correctly for your home.
  • Improve air circulation in your home by opening doors and windows when the weather allows.

Leaky Air Ducts and Energy Costs

Air duct cleaning isn’t enough to keep your ductwork in good shape; it’s also important to make sure it’s properly sealed. There are nearly 1 million miles of ductwork in homes in the United States. According to industry experts, about 2/3 of them leak enough that they should be repaired or sealed. Leaky air ducts can dramatically increase your heating and air conditioning costs, worsen indoor air quality, and put a great deal of strain on your HVAC system, shortening its life and reducing its performance.

According to some studies, up to 25% of your home’s total energy loss is attributed to leaks in your duct system. When there are leaks in your supply ductwork, for example, costly conditioned air can be sent into the attic, garage, or crawlspace instead of your home. Leaks in the return system pull outside air into the duct system and reduce the efficiency of the HVAC system and strain the system. If your ducts are leaking, it can prevent your HVAC system from doing its job, leaving some rooms too hot or too cold or leading to humidity problems. Leaking ducts may also pull contaminants into the home.

Routine air duct leak testing can detect any air leaks in your ductwork that allows conditioned air to escape or lets hot or cold air into the system from outdoors. Duct testing is a cost-effective way to make sure your HVAC system is able to work at peak efficiency. Duct leak testing doesn’t need to be often done, but it should be done every few years.

What to Expect During Air Duct Cleaning

Always choose an air duct cleaning company that’s licensed and insured. You can check customer reviews before selecting a company but be wary of hyped claims that duct cleaning has amazing health benefits as these claims can’t be backed by scientific evidence. During your appointment, your cleaner will probably perform an inspection and duct testing first and use specialized equipment. Your furnishings and flooring will be covered to prevent damage.