If you’ve noticed an increase in the amount of dust on your furniture and other belongings, contact a professional duct cleaning contractor for help. Air duct cleaning services, when performed properly and with equipment approved by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), can reduce the levels of dust and particulates in the home.
Should I Clean My Ducts?
You may wonder: how bad can dust be? Well, dust is made up of many different harmful particles, such as:
- Bacteria
- Mold spores
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Building materials
- Pet hair and dander
- Cooking oils
- Soot
- Carpet fibers
- Fireplace ash
- Paper
Even if you aren’t allergic to most of the items on the above list, it’s wise to steer clear of mold spores since they can have an adverse effect on your health. If you are allergic to one or more of the particles above, you will immediately understand why dust can be troublesome.
Dust doesn’t just settle on your bookshelves and other stationary items; it also builds up in the duct work of your HVAC system. When you turn on your heating or air conditioning, the dust stirs up and is released into the air that you breathe.
Benefits of duct cleaning
Cleaning your HVAC system has many benefits, including:
- Reducing the amount of allergy-aggravating pollutants in the air such as mold fungi, dust, pet hair, and dust mites
- Increasing the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, which could in turn lower your energy bill
- Decreasing the possibility of accidental fires by removing soot from heaters
How Does Duct Cleaning Work?
Duct cleaning contractors use heavy-duty vacuum collection equipment with HEPA filters to clean air vents in addition to the components of the HVAC system. Your HVAC system has a supply side and a return side, so make sure that the contractor you hire completes the cleaning process on each side.
Also, find out which components of your HVAC system the company will clean. NADCA recommends for air duct cleaning professional to clean the following components of your HVAC system:
- Air ducts
- Coils
- Drain pan
- Registers
- Grills
- Air plenum
- Blower motor and assembly
- Heat exchanger
- Air filter
- Air cleaner
During the cleaning process, a reputable duct cleaning company will also strive to keep as much dust, dirt, and debris they’re removing from your system from re-entering the atmosphere. Releasing large amounts of dust and dirt back into the air will defeat the purpose of having your air ducts cleaned.
Dryer vent cleaning
Most duct cleaning contractors also clean dryer vents. A clean dryer vent is essential for a dryer that works safely and efficiently. If your dryer vent has never been cleaned, there is a good chance that lint has built up and is obstructing airflow.
How Often Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?
According to NADCA, the frequency mainly depends on your preference, but you may consider increasing the frequency of cleaning if any of the following factors are relevant to you or your household:
- You smoke
- Your pet sheds a lot of fur or dander
- You recently experienced water contamination or damage to your home or HVAC system
- You have allergies
Also, if you recently renovated your home or moved into a new home that was previously occupied, it would be a good time to have your ducts cleaned.
Contact a Best Pick Duct Cleaner
Our Best Pick companies are qualified by extensive research gathered from Philadelphia homeowners like you. Based on their experience with duct cleaning companies in the area, we are able to identify the most trusted experts to work in your home. A top-quality duct cleaning contractor will be able to remove any lint buildup and make recommendations for replacing outdated ductwork. Also, ask about additional services such as dry vent cleaning. For more information about air duct and dryer vent cleaning services, contact a Best Pick listed above.