Enjoy a breath of fresher air
Debris in air ducts can reduce air quality and aggravate respiratory issues.
Ductwork should be professionally cleaned every three to five years.
HVAC techs certified by NADCA are the most qualified pros to clean your ductwork.
Clean ductwork is essential for maintaining great air quality in your home. While common scams have given air duct cleaning a bad name, this household task isn't one to skip. Learn about the air duct cleaning process to prepare for your next cleaning.
Clean air ducts maintain a healthy indoor environment and ensure your HVAC system runs well. Ductwork can collect dust, pollen, mold, and other contaminants, circulating through the air and decreasing indoor air quality. These pollutants can bother individuals with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
Cleaning air ducts helps with airflow by removing the debris build-up that can cause your HVAC system to work harder and less efficiently. When an HVAC system isn't working at peak performance, it can lead to higher energy costs and system wear and tear.
You should hire a pro to clean your air ducts every three to five years or more. Homes with pets, smokers, or people with allergies or respiratory issues benefit from more frequent cleaning. Ductwork should also be cleaned in recently renovated homes or homes that have experienced mold issues.
Professional HVAC technicians will follow a step-by-step process for removing dirt, debris, and other build-up from ductwork.
A professional HVAC technician inspects the air duct system to assess the extent of contamination and identify any specific issues, such as mold growth or excessive debris. The technician may use cameras or other diagnostic tools to get a clear view of the ducts on the inside.
The technician will turn off the HVAC system for safety purposes. Protective coverings may be placed over furniture and flooring to prevent dust and debris from spreading. Access points are created in the ductwork to reach different sections, allowing for thorough cleaning and inspection.
The HVAC tech will use specialized tools, such as brushes, air whips, or compressed air to dislodge dirt, dust, and debris from the walls of the ducts. An agitation device will break up stubborn contaminants, such as mold or heavy build-up.
A professional vacuum system will connect to the ducts to further remove the dislodged contaminants. The vacuum creates negative pressure, ensuring debris pulls out of the ducts and into a containment unit. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration may be used to trap fine particles and prevent them from re-entering the indoor air.
The technician cleans other HVAC system components, such as the blower motor, coils, and drain pan, to ensure comprehensive cleaning and improve overall system efficiency. Air filters are checked and replaced, if necessary.
If mold growth was identified during the inspection, the technician applies sanitizing agents or deodorizing treatments to the ducts to eliminate odors and kill any remaining bacteria or mold spores. This step is optional if mold wasn't an issue identified.
Finally, your HVAC technician will seal access points and reattach panels and covers before turning the system back on and making sure it’s running smoothly. They’ll likely perform one last inspection to ensure that all the contaminants are gone and recommend a maintenance schedule.
It’s best to hire a local HVAC technician to clean your air ducts. These professionals have the expertise and equipment to do a thorough and safe cleaning. You can find a reliable air duct cleaning company by searching for those recognized by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). These companies adhere to industry standards and best practices to ensure your ductwork is cleaned effectively and without causing damage to your HVAC system.
You can also look at online reviews from previous customers. The company should be insured to protect against potential damages during the cleaning process. Transparent pricing and clear communication about their services are also important when hiring an air duct cleaning service.
While air duct cleaning hasn’t been proven to prevent respiratory problems, it’s not a scam. While it’s unlikely that dirty ducts are solely responsible for poor air quality, they may be a contributor. Homes with very low air quality or residents sensitive to dust or mold would likely benefit from a duct cleaning.
The average air duct cleaning cost ranges between $150 and $800, with most homeowners paying around $380.The size of your home will factor into the overall cost, with larger homes costing more to clean than smaller ones. The cost of cleaning ductwork averages between $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot.
Pest, mold, mildew, and asbestos removal will increase the project cost. The number of vents in the home will factor into the cost as well.
If not cleaned properly, the ductwork can become damaged, which leads to costly repairs. Some companies may use improper cleaning methods or inadequate equipment, resulting in ineffective cleaning and possible contamination.
While homeowners can find DIY air duct cleaning tools, full duct cleaning is not recommended due to the complexity and specialized equipment required for the job. You can perform basic maintenance tasks like changing filters and vacuuming vents, but you can’t access all areas of the ductwork. It’s also not safe for homeowners to try to use high-powered vacuums and handle potential contaminants like mold and dust. Hiring a certified air duct cleaning service is the best option for a comprehensive and safe cleaning.
To avoid air duct cleaning scams, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, as they often lead to substandard services or unexpected charges. Always seek a second opinion if a contractor claims to find major issues like mold or asbestos. Hire a NADCA-certified professional to ensure you're working with a previously-vetted company or technician.
