Your ductwork plays a pivotal role in delivering air from your HVAC system to the rest of your home. If neglected, air ducts can accumulate dust particles, mold, pollen, and various other types of debris. While it’s not something that requires constant attention, having your ducts cleaned regularly has a few benefits that are often overlooked.
Reduces Common Allergy-causing Particles
While your HVAC system isn’t directly designed to remove allergens from your home, circulating air through a filter will help reduce the amount of allergens in your air. However, over time these same allergy-causing substances like dust, bacteria, pollen, mold spores, and pet dander can begin to accumulate in your air ducts. While this is not as much of an issue for the return ducts that lead to your air filter, the duct that delivers clean air can actually spread these allergens.
Thankfully, our duct cleaning process at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators is effective at removing the majority of these allergy-causing particles. Some people have heard the myth that ductwork cleaning can “disrupt” allergens and make them easier to spread. This is untrue for the process we use as our sealed vacuum system does not allow these particles to be released into your home’s air.
Helps Keep Dust Out of Your HVAC System
Dust can be caused by a variety of things and naturally builds up in your home. Even for those who meticulously clean, keeping dust out of your ductwork is nearly impossible. This dust then collects and can be pulled into your HVAC system. While your air filter is designed to prevent this, the filter can become less effective when there is an excessive amount of dust. Having your ductwork regularly cleaned offers two key benefits to your HVAC system: lets it operate more efficiently and reduces wear on the system.
Allows Your HVAC System to Operate More Efficiently
When your system is allowed to run at peak efficiency, you will notice your home cooling quicker in the summer and heating quicker in the winter. This is not only nicer as it allows your home to stay more comfortable, it also leads to lower utility costs as the system is able to run for a shorter period of time each day.
Reduces Wear on Your HVAC System
When your system is stressed and choked for airflow, the fan and other components can experience more wear than they normally would. This can lead to things like your compressor freezing more often and other parts of your HVAC system needing more frequent repair. Keeping your ductwork clean allows for maximum airflow throughout your system and can extend the life of each component involved in cooling and heating your home.
Allows for a Quick Inspection of Your Ductwork for Obvious Issues
While a thorough inspection is not part of the ductwork cleaning process, our technicians will check ductwork fittings and other areas for obvious signs of damage or areas in need of repair. This can save you money in the long run as it can not only ensure your system is running efficiently but can help reduce the need for costly repairs down the road. If you feel your system is in need of a full inspection, don’t hesitate to schedule one with us at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators.
Ductwork Cleaning Frequency
We typically recommend homeowners have their ductwork cleaned every three to five years, depending on a few factors. If you own a newer home and don’t have pets, you are typically fine going the full five years between cleanings. This is because your home will likely have less allergens and dust build up. But, if your home is older or you have multiple pets, we recommend going no longer than three years between cleanings.
After Purchasing a Home
We do recommend anyone who just purchased a home have their ductwork cleaned. Because ductwork cleaning doesn’t harm the ducts in any way, having them cleaned more often is never a bad thing. This means that even if the previous owner says the ducts were recently cleaned, there is no harm in having them cleaned again. This is so you can have peace of mind and get on a regular cleaning schedule.
After Home Renovations
It’s recommended to have your HVAC system switched off while doing extensive renovations that introduce dust into the air. However, it’s also not a bad idea to have your ducts cleaned shortly after finishing the renovations. This ensures all of the dust and contaminants are removed from your ducts and helps reduce the risk of them clogging your HVAC system.
Our Ductwork Cleaning Process
1. Our Technician Does a Quick Inspection of Your Ductwork
Our technician will inspect your system for obvious signs of damage and leaks in your ductwork. Small leaks can quickly be repaired and typically do not cost extra. The professional will look for signs of mold or bacterial growth. The technician will then find the best location to hook the vacuum system into the system.
2. A Vacuum Hose Is Hooked to Your Ductwork
The vacuum hose is run from our work truck and is much stronger than any in-home vacuum you can purchase. Once the system is sealed, the vacuum will be switched on and any loose debris or dust will be sucked out of your ducts.
3. The Dust Is Agitated and Removed
For dust and contaminants that are not removed from the initial vacuum suction, our technician will go to each register and manually knock them loose. This process uses a combination of brushes and air compression tools.
4. Cleaning Agents Are Applied to Your Ductwork
While this step is optional, we do recommend it for ductwork that has signs of previous mold or excessive bacterial growth. The cleaners we use are ductwork rated and help keep these allergens from growing back.
Preventative Maintenance on Your Ductwork
While we never recommend cleaning your ducts yourself, there are a few things you can do to keep them clean.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
You should change your HVAC filter every month (every two months for some filters). Filters are designed to trap dust and allergens, and they lose their effectiveness as they become full.
Use a Vacuum With a HEPA Filter
While vacuuming is a great way to reduce dust in your home, some vacuums can actually introduce more dust to your air. Fortunately, a large portion of the vacuums on the market today include a HEPA filter that helps prevent dust and other allergens from entering the air. Be sure to use a vacuum that specifically states it uses a HEPA filter to help keep your air as clean as possible.
Clean Your Registers Regularly
Your registers, especially return registers, are a common place for dust to collect. Removing and wiping them every month is a great way to keep dust both out of your ducts and out of your home’s air.
Ensure Your Ducts Are Staying Dry
Your air ducts should be free of virtually any moisture. If you do notice moisture in your ducts, you should take steps to immediately remedy the issue. Mold can quickly grow in moist air ducts and can severely reduce the quality of air in your home.
Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, Generators has proudly served the Bountiful area for over 20 years. We specialize in heating services like furnace repair and installation, plumbing fixes and new installations, and much more. Whether you are looking to schedule ductwork services or cleaning for your home or for any other need, give us a call today and see why many refer to us as the best service company in the area!
