Heavily soiled ductwork requires more intensive cleaning methods and specialized treatments. Foul odors emanating from vents, mold growth inside ductwork and visible dust buildup around vent registers are clear indicators that a cleaning is warranted.
Air Duct Cleaning Salt Lake City professionals should be licensed by the state and provide honest guidance. Avoid providers making exaggerated health claims.
1. Prevents HVAC System Failure
Air duct cleaning reduces the stress put on your new home’s HVAC system, making it more efficient. Over time, dust and debris buildup makes it harder for your HVAC system to push conditioned air through the house, leading to premature wear and tear. By regularly removing allergens and other contaminants, you can prevent this strain, prolonging the lifespan of your system and saving money on energy bills in the long run.
The process usually involves removing the vents, returns, and diffusers, vacuuming the interior surfaces, and cleaning the grilles, registers, and covers. Some service providers also offer antimicrobial treatments that are applied to nonporous surfaces like evaporator coils, heat exchangers and blower motors to control bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. If you choose to have these additional services, make sure they are performed by a trained and certified technician who follows industry standards for their application.
In addition to reducing the load on your HVAC system, regular duct cleaning removes allergy and asthma triggers like pet dander and pollen from your indoor air. You may find that you need to change your filters more frequently, which helps save on energy costs.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive service, look for one that includes an inspection of your air handling unit and blower motor before or after the duct cleaning. This will ensure that all components are clean and free of contamination.
Some reputable cleaning companies offer package deals that include both an inspection and a full duct cleaning. These typically cost between $300 and $100 depending on how dirty your ducts are.
2. Prevents Bacteria Growth
The air your HVAC system circulates through ductwork can contain mold spores, bacteria, and other contaminants. Duct cleaning breaks the cycle of continuously circulating these contaminants around your home and keeps them at bay. Air duct sanitization reduces the microbial load in your ductwork and in your living spaces by eliminating odor-causing bacteria and dramatically decreasing germ levels. Preventing mold growth is especially important in Northwest Washington’s damp climate. Mold spores can establish colonies that damage ductwork and create a variety of respiratory problems for family members, including allergies and asthma. Sanitization also eliminates persistent odors that often result from bacterial and fungal contamination.
When you are selecting an air duct cleaning service, choose one that follows NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) standards and is certified by a professional organization. Look for transparency in their quotes, references from previous customers, and a clear explanation of what services are included in the price.
During home renovations, sawdust, drywall dust, and other contaminants can accumulate in your ductwork and be circulated throughout the house. If you’ve recently completed a renovation, air duct cleaning is an absolute must.
Some duct cleaning services recommend the application of chemical biocides or ozone to kill bacteria, fungus, and other biological contaminants in your ductwork and prevent future contamination. Little research has been conducted on the effectiveness of these products in ducts, and they may be harmful to respiratory health. Additionally, ozone can react with fiberglass duct liner to release toxic gasses and may even deteriorate the duct system over time. The best option is to select a provider that does not use these chemicals in your ducts unless necessary to control odor or mold.
3. Eliminates Odors
Over time, air ducts accumulate dust, pollen, pet dander, mildew and other contaminants that cause unpleasant odors. The odors are circulated throughout the house each time the HVAC system operates, making it difficult to enjoy fresh-smelling indoor air. Air duct cleaning eliminates these smelly particles to restore the home’s freshness.
Duct cleaning services can also sanitize and deodorize the ventilation system. This process uses chemicals that disinfect the ducts and eliminates odors with a strong, but non-toxic spray. Deodorizing and sanitizing treatments are safe for children, pregnant women and pets.
Air ducts can become contaminated with moisture from leaky ductwork, condensation or pest infestation. Moldy ducts give off musty odors and are unsafe for people with allergies or respiratory conditions. A professional can perform a thorough inspection and recommend air duct cleaning services for a healthy indoor environment.
The average home should have its ductwork cleaned every two to three years. However, factors such as pets, allergy issues and recent renovations may require more frequent services. New homeowners should schedule duct cleaning before the peak heating and cooling seasons begin to ensure that the airflow system is clean and ready for use.
Before a duct cleaning service starts, a technician will seal the connection to the furnace to prevent dirt and debris from contaminating other components of the HVAC system. NADCA-certified technicians use industry-standard methods to access the ductwork through a 10-inch opening in the trunk line. They then use high-pressure agitation tools and commercial-grade vacuum equipment to remove dirt, construction debris and buildup from the interior of ductwork and registers. If any visible mold growth is observed, technicians pause the cleaning and refer the homeowner to a mold remediation company for treatment.
4. Improves Indoor Air Quality
We spend 90% of our lives indoors, so it’s important to maintain healthy ventilation. Dirty ducts, debris, and improper ventilation hygiene contribute to respiratory irritation, allergies, asthma, and other health issues. Clean air ducts improve indoor quality by reducing dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores that can trigger allergy attacks and asthma symptoms.
Duct cleaning professionals use advanced tools and safe cleaning methods to remove contaminants from ducts without damaging them. They can also recommend ways to prevent future contamination, such as a whole-home dehumidifier. Be sure to hire a home improvement contractor who carries a New York State home improvement contractor (HIC) license, which is required for any HVAC work costing over $200. Licensed contractors have completed background checks and education on home improvement projects, which ensures that they follow local building codes, EPA regulations, and safety protocol.
Whether you have bare sheet metal ducts or those lined with fiber glass duct board, a professional can thoroughly clean them all. A comprehensive air duct cleaning will restore proper airflow, reduce strain on your system, and extend its lifespan. In fact, some homeowners see an increase in their HVAC system’s lifespan by having it cleaned every three to five years.
While some duct cleaners may suggest the introduction of chemical biocides or ozone to kill biological contaminants, there is substantial controversy over these methods’ effectiveness and wisdom. In addition, it’s important to note that no studies show that dirty ducts cause health problems, and most pollutants enter homes through the air from outdoors and indoor activities. That said, if your ducts are visibly contaminated with substantial mold growth or pest infestation, then it’s a good idea to have them cleaned.
5. Reduces Energy Bills
For new homeowners, one of the main goals is often to save money. In the quest for energy savings, families tend to focus on insulation, windows, and HVAC upgrades, yet residential air duct cleaning is an often-overlooked opportunity to reduce bills.
The complex network of air ducts stretches throughout homes and collects dust, pet dander, pollen, and other debris. When this material builds up, it restricts airflow, forcing the system to run longer to maintain comfortable temperatures. This extra strain drives up energy costs and contributes to premature wear on critical components like fans, blowers, and motors. Residential Air Duct Cleaning removes this obstruction to restore normal airflow and lower heating and cooling bills.
In addition to energy savings, a clean ductwork system also promotes healthier indoor living. Removing allergens and other pollutants from the ductwork limits what circulates through living spaces, improving comfort for households with allergies, children, or senior adults.
When moving into a new home, it is wise to schedule an air duct inspection and cleaning to ensure that the ductwork is in good condition. If any issues are identified, such as visible mold or nests, it’s best to address them right away, before the ductwork becomes more contaminated. It’s also wise to consult a professional before scheduling a cleaning if your home has recently experienced water damage, fire exposure, pest infestation, or major renovation projects.
When looking for a residential air duct cleaner, choose a company that is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). NADCA members receive advanced training and follow strict standards to ensure that your home’s ductwork is cleaned correctly and safely. They can provide a detailed estimate and explain their process before you hire them to perform the work.