Duct cleanings can be beneficial when you notice signs of mold, vermin or dust buildup in your ductwork. This service can be especially helpful to allergy and asthma sufferers, who likely struggle with the extra dust being blown throughout your home.
To help you better understand when you should get your air ducts cleaned, we'll go over:
What a duct cleaning is
When ducts should be cleaned
Benefits of duct cleaning
Think you need an air duct cleaning? Call Reliable Heating & Air at (770) 594-9969 or schedule an appointment.
Our HVAC experts will inspect and clean your entire ductwork and HVAC systems to help your unit run cleaner and more efficiently. You'll also get the same five-star customer service we've been giving Atlanta residents for the past 40 years.
What is duct cleaning?
An air duct cleaning involves cleaning both:
The network of ducts throughout your home. The HVAC tech will use an air whip or agitating brush that can reach deep into the tunnels of your ductwork. The tool loosens the dirt and debris built up on the duct walls, which gets removed through a vacuum attached to an opening in the ductwork.
Your entire HVAC system. The airborne particles in your home get pulled into your HVAC system, where they settle on various components. This reduces your system's efficiency and can eventually cause problems, which is why the tech will also carefully remove dirt and debris from the coil, fan blades and motor.
It's important that a professional cleans both systems—otherwise you could need a cleaning again in the near future.
When should air ducts be cleaned?
An air duct cleaning shouldn't be something you need on a regular basis. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a duct cleaning when you see:
Substantial mold growth. Mold is a common problem for air conditioners—especially when there's dust buildup or a dirty air filter giving mold the food it needs to reproduce. We always recommend hiring an HVAC tech to inspect your entire system if you see mold growth to know how far into your ductwork the mold has spread. If the growth is significant, the professional may recommend a mold removal specialist.
Evidence of vermin. Pests in ductwork is often a sign of leaky ducts (holes, cracks or tears in ductwork) that would require a duct sealing. You'll also need to take care of the vermin problem to ensure they don't come back after your ducts are sealed and cleaned.
Excessive dust or debris buildup. When dust and debris get into your ductwork, the particles then get blown into your home through the supply vents. This can cause your home to get dirtier faster and make breathing more difficult for those with respiratory issues. Excessive buildup can be another sign of leaky ducts if there are any holes or tears in your return ducts that are sucking dirty air into your attic or crawlspace.
If you notice any of the signs above, you'll also need to fix the cause of the mold, vermin or dust/debris buildup—otherwise it will come right back.
You may also want to get an air vent cleaning when:
You move into a new home, since you don't know the condition of the ducts or when they were last cleaned.
You move into a new construction home because drywall dust, fiberglass pieces and sawdust can sometimes make their way into new ducts—and then into your new home.
Your HVAC system isn't getting good airflow and you've already tried other methods for improving airflow.
Someone in your house suffers from asthma or allergies and you've already tried alleviating symptoms with other methods.
Benefits of air vent cleanings
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), HVAC and duct cleanings help:
Improve indoor air quality. Your HVAC system recirculates air in your home between five and seven times a day. That means the dust and debris sitting inside your ductwork is entering your home's air. By removing contaminants in your system, you'll prevent particles from being pushed into your house—improving air quality.
Save money on energy bills. When dust settles on components in your HVAC system, it essentially creates a barrier on fans and coils that restricts airflow and prevents components from working efficiently. By cleaning your HVAC system, it won't have to work as hard to heat and cool your home—reducing energy usage and money spent on energy bills. A clean HVAC system is also less likely to break down, saving you money on repairs and even a system replacement.
To get all the benefits from a proper air vent cleaning, you'll want to hire a NADCA-certified tech to clean your ducts. Fortunately, all of our HVAC techs at Reliable Heating & Air have NADCA certification, so they'll know how to properly clean your ducts and HVAC system to help you save money and improve your home's air quality.
Want cleaner air ducts? Call Reliable Heating & Air.
Call us today at (770) 594-9969 or schedule an appointment for a free in-home estimate.
We've been offering the most reliable vent cleaning services in the greater Atlanta area for more than 40 years. Our NADCA-certified techs inspect your HVAC system and ductwork, then remove any buildup from your ducts, registers and air handler to help your family breathe easier and help your home stay cleaner longer.