hvac-air-duct-cleaning.jpgWhat lives in your vents?

It seems that something as simple as air duct cleaning would be straightforward, right? Open the vents, dust a few things off, and you’re good to go.

Sadly, it's not that simple. You have to be wary when hiring an HVAC professional because it's easy to fall prey to scams, inadequate work, and the dangers of mold growth.

To start, think of the air ducts as the lungs of your home. When they're properly working, it creates a better, safer home for your family.

Air duct cleaning is a controversial topic when it comes to many HVAC companies because a poor job can end up being more dangerous than having nothing done at all.

Also, some companies claim that cleanings should be done once a year while others claim that air duct cleaning shouldn’t be done altogether.

To make this process easier, here are a few reasons why you may want to consider getting your air ducts cleaned:

  • One reason air duct cleaning is such a gray area is because every home is different, and making generalized claims is nearly impossible.

    As a result, it's important to have multiple HVAC professionals analyze your specific air duct system before diving too deep into your own research. Understanding your unit is the best way to gather specific information on the type of cleaning your home's may need.

    You should also analyze your home life when deciding whether or not cleaning is necessary. When air ducts become dirty they can send dust, mold spores, and other allergens and pathogens throughout your home. This is detrimental to family members who have allergy concerns and/or breathing difficulties.

The EPA recommends air duct cleaning for anyone who sees the following:

  • Mold in the ducts
  • Insect or animal infestation
  • Excessive amounts of dust in the air or in the ducts

You should also consider the following for duct cleaning:

  • Pets
  • Smoking
  • Age of people living in the home

What are the benefits to getting the air ducts cleaned? Is it worth it to go through all these steps?

The average home ventilation system circulates the air five to seven times a day, which can lead to a back-up of dust and mold. While no proof exists that having your air ducts cleaned helps to eliminate all pollen from the air you breathe, it should be considered.

If you enjoy cooking, use a fireplace, or renovates often, you're more inclined to check your home's HVAC system. These activities cause a lot of allergens and pathogens to enter your home's filtration system.

Cleaning your air ducts can also help lower your energy bill each month. A back-up of dust and pollutants in your home's ventilation system forces the entire HVAC system to work harder. This means more energy is used for the same result, which means you could be breathing in hazardous material and paying extra for it.

Another benefit to cleaning your air ducts is better airflow through your home. This can be highly impactful during the summer when every bit of A/C counts. By cleaning your ducts, air conditioners are more effective because the ducts are not blocked with unnecessary allergens, pathogens, and debris.

The final benefit is peace of mind. You never know what could be in your home's vents yet you breathe the air that passes directly through. Knowing the air you're breathing is safe is a good feeling to live with.

If these benefits swayed you toward vent cleaning, here are a few tips before getting started:

  • Don't let anyone use chemicals or steam in your vents.

    • The use of chemicals can cause more harm than good when it comes to vent cleaning. Remember, whatever goes in will end up in the air you breathe at some point. Also, the use of steam can lead to mold growth and build-up in your ducts.

  • Leave it to the professionals.

    • Before going forward, ask multiple professionals for a basic analysis of your home. With multiple preliminary estimates and analysis, you can avoid bias and scams.

  • Do your homework.

    • Before hiring a company, research to make sure they're experienced and properly trained. Ductwork can be challenging, so finding someone with experience is the best way to go.

    • Get a price up front. Don't hire a contractor who charges hourly rates.

If you want peace of mind knowing the air you breathe is clean, call Warner for your cleaning service. We can solve all of your home's ventilation needs -- and you’ll know you’re welcoming an experience, qualified technician into your home: