Duct Cleaning: How To Know When It’s Time For The Service
It’s common to experience a blast of dust and odor when turning your heating system back on for the season. This problem usually goes away quickly, but if you continue to experience problems with clogged ducts, low airflow, increased airborne particulates or bad odors, it may be time to consider a professional duct cleaning.
When your HVAC system sits idle for an extended time, debris can accumulate within the duct network. These contaminants can then be blown back into your home when the system is started again, aggravating asthma, allergies and other respiratory issues.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends duct cleaning under three specific circumstances:
1. You can see mold growing within the ductwork or on HVAC equipment and components. Mold can be very harmful to you and your family’s health if it isn’t removed.
2. Ducts have been infested with insects, rodents, or other vermin. Bugs and animals in the ductwork can lead to fur, feces, nest particles and other contaminants being returned to your indoor air.
3. Ducts are blocked by accumulations of dirt and debris, reducing or completely blocking HVAC airflow.
A cleaning of your home’s ductwork could also be useful if animal activity or other problems have caused damage to the ductwork system, breaking seals, loosening connections, or knocking entire sections of ductwork free. The cleaning process will reveal any damage that needs to be repaired.
Duct cleaning has not been conclusively shown to prevent any health or respiratory issues, according to the EPA. However, clean ducts will naturally contribute to cleaner indoor air.
When choosing a contractor for the cleaning, use caution. Beware of overly optimistic claims about the benefits of duct cleaning. Check references and qualifications as you would with any other service contractor.
Contact us today for more information on duct cleaning, why it’s important and how it can help improve your home’s air quality and overall indoor comfort.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Wilmington, Delaware and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).
Image Credit: stevie.gill
