Air ducts are responsible for distributing fresh air in your living space. If you want cool or warm air to circulate in the house, air ducts are the infrastructure to make this happen. Imagine if there is dust, bacteria, insects, and rodents in the air ducts; your family will be breathing the air that is contaminated by the bacteria of these perils! It is crucial to get air ducts cleaned regularly.
However, how often should you clean the air ducts? We will discuss the circumstances that call for air duct cleaning so that you can ensure the health and well-being of the family. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. You should get air ducts cleaned if the following conditions are present:
How Often Should I Clean The Air Ducts?
Pets
We all love our furry friends and would not expect them to be any different from what they are. However, many pets, like dogs and cats, shed hair, and these light hair strands can get stuck inside the air duct when the air blows throughout the house. Moreover, tiny pests such as ticks and fleas can also make it to the air ducts. The deposition of hair or pests in the ducts can be unhealthy for your family. The presence of these contaminants can cause constant sneezing or even rashes. Moreover, accumulating hair and pests in the air ducts can cause unpleasant odors. Professional cleaning is necessary to remove the issue if you observe pests in or around your ductwork or experience a decline in system performance.
Allergies
As mentioned earlier, various contaminants in the air ducts can cause allergic reactions like constant sneezing and rashes. If your family members are sensitive to any respiratory issue, they can suffer due to dirty air ducts. People who live in homes with clean ducts often claim better overall health. However, if your ducts are dirty, they can circulate contaminated air that may trigger allergies and cold-like symptoms among family members. Dust mites, which live on human debris, can be active within the buildup in air ducts, leading to asthmatic and allergic reactions.
Post Construction
When you move into a new house, it is advisable to get the air ducts were cleaned. If the previous homeowners had pets, the cleaning becomes even more crucial. Similarly, if there was construction work in the building before you moved, or if you are getting some portion of your home renovated, you must contact the air ducts cleaned to remove any dust or contaminants in the HVAC system.
Signs of Air Duct Cleaning
- Increased Energy Bills: When the air cannot circulate according to the settings of the HVAC system, it draws more electricity. If you see an increase in the bill, it is time to call the air duct cleaning services.
- Mold: Mold and other contaminants can trigger allergic reactions, and more immediate attention must be taken. Indoor air quality is essential for health, and air duct cleaning is crucial for better air circulation. Contaminants can circulate throughout your home; if dust or tiny animals are in the duct, air circulation weakens.
- Reduced Airflow: Homeowners notice that the airflow is not as smooth, and in some cases, it even makes the indoors stuffy.
- No Record of Prior Duct Cleaning: If you move into a home where duct cleaning was not done earlier, you must do it before moving.
Risks of Neglecting Air Duct Cleaning
Neglecting regular cleaning of air ducts will lead to various problems. This negligence can cause a rise in electricity consumption, and your HVAC system will gradually get damaged. Moreover, the buildup of contaminants and dust can destroy air quality in the home, which can give way to poor air quality. The deterioration in air quality further adds to health hazards such as respiratory issues and allergies.
Should You Hire Someone?
Yes, getting professional help with air duct cleaning is a good step. Some homeowners may want to do it themselves, but professional services have the right equipment, and since it is a paid job, they pay attention to detail. Professionals have the expertise and knowledge to thoroughly clean ducts without causing damage. They can also identify any issues that you may need to look at. Moreover, seeing the HVAC warranty before cleaning the ducts is vital. If you tamper with the HVAC system, the manufacturer might not keep the warranty active.
How is Dr. Air Duct Best for Air Duct Cleaning?
Dr. Air Duct is a professional service with the best equipment and expert teams to carry out the task without causing too much disturbance for the residents. Our teams are proficient in identifying underlying issues and can offer extra cleaning if you have pets or have gotten renovation or construction work done. When constructing a new home, air duct cleaning is essential to remove drywall dust, and Dr. Air Duct does it best.
