Duct cleaning is the process of removing dust, debris and other pollutants from the ventilation system of your home. It is a vital service for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or allergies. Moreover, it can help to prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.
Dirty ducts can become a breeding ground for micro-organisms like pet dander, bacteria, mildew and mold spores that can trigger or aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms. They can also recirculate around the house causing odors. Cleaning your ductwork can eliminate these problems and make your home more livable.
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), you should have your ducts cleaned every three to five years. However, if you recently moved into a new home or underwent remodeling or construction projects that generated a lot of dust, you should have your ducts cleaned sooner. Similarly, you should have your ducts cleaned after fire or flood damage or if someone in your household smokes.
Professional duct cleaners use negative pressure to thoroughly clean your ductwork and vents. First, they will hook their vacuum collection device’s large hose to a duct leading to your home’s air handler. They will then seal the duct opening. Next, they will check all the access points to your duct work and assess its condition by looking inside. If there is mold present they will use special chemicals to remove it. They will then use the powerful vacuum to suck up the dirt and grime. Once the ducts are clean they will re-inspect the entire system and re-seal any leaking joints.
Some duct cleaning services offer to apply chemical biocides and sealants to ductwork and equipment housings. While these practices can kill bacterial or fungal growth, they are not recommended as part of a regular duct cleaning service. In fact, they are likely to reduce the effectiveness of your air duct cleaning.
Besides the potential health hazards of breathing in dirt, debris and other pollutants, clogged ductwork can lead to fires in your home. Over time, lint and other materials build up in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system’s ductwork and can ignite when they come into contact with hot surfaces, such as the metal ductwork or the heating or cooling units in your home. This can cause a major fire and put your family at risk.
It is possible to do some of the duct cleaning work yourself, but you should not attempt to clean your ductwork without proper training and equipment. It can be dangerous to do so without the right tools and it will not be as thorough as a professional duct cleaning. You should also avoid attempting DIY duct cleaning if there are signs of vermin infestation or mold growth. This is because the conditions that caused these issues need to be addressed before they can be properly cleaned. Otherwise, the problem will recur.