Home ownership comes with a lot of responsibilities and it can feel like the to-do list is endless. One of the things that’s relatively easy to check off your list is having your ducts cleaned. A reputable professional company usually only needs a few hours to clear your ductwork of dust and debris, leaving your home clean and your air quality improved.
Having clean ductwork is especially important in the winter months. That’s because we tend to spend a lot more time indoors and we rarely open our windows to allow fresher air inside. If your ducts are clogged with accumulated debris, your indoor air quality will suffer, especially when you’re running your heat 24/7.
When is the best time to clean your ducts?
The best time to have your ducts professionally cleaned is when they need it! It’s usually recommended that you have your ducts inspected and cleaned at least every 3-5 years, as well as when you move into a new home. If you notice that you or your family members suffer from increased congestion or allergies, it can be an indication that debris in your ducts is impacting your indoor air quality.
Since we tend to spend so much time inside of our homes during the winter, having your ducts cleaned in preparation for the colder months is ideal. If you neglected to have them cleaned in the fall though, there’s no reason not to reach out to a professional cleaning company now. Many offer excellent rates during the off-season winter months and you’ll still be able to benefit from cleaner indoor air quality while you hibernate indoors.
How does it work?
Cleaning your ducts doesn’t mean that you’ll be exposed to all the dust, dirt, debris, and allergens that are hiding in there. Choose a reputable company with high-powered vacuums on truck-mounted units that can create negative air pressure in your vent system. Properly sealed, the suction units will use gentle agitation and strong suction to scrub everything from your ducts. Then it’s forced back to the truck through sealed hoses. Everything is contained and nothing will seep into your living space.
Why should I have my ducts cleaned?
The air quality in your home is dependent on the cleanliness of the ducts it circulates through. It’s natural for dust, debris, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and even mouse droppings to accumulate over time. If your HVAC system continually circulates air through your dirty ductwork, your indoor air quality will inevitably be affected.
You may notice increased congestion or inflammation from poor air quality. Allergies may worsen and respiratory symptoms can also be triggered.
Additionally, the same debris that can cause symptoms in humans is also troublesome for your HVAC system. It can become trapped in the components, reducing air flow. That means your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This increases energy consumption and costs, and leads to excess wear and tear on the system. You might even end up facing costly and inconvenient repairs that could have been avoided with a duct cleaning service.
Dust and lint is also highly flammable. Dirty ducts can be a fire hazard if they aren’t cleaned and maintained regularly. Constant heat pumping through ducts filled with flammable materials increases the risk of them overheating in winter and causing a preventable fire.
Cozy up with cleaner air this winter
If duct cleaning wasn’t on your list this past summer or fall, you may want to move it to the top of your priorities this winter. We’re already struggling with the prevalence of many respiratory viruses. Protect your family’s health by ensuring your home’s indoor air quality is as clean as possible this winter.
In addition to feeling better, you’ll enjoy reduced energy costs and a decreased fire risk in your home. Duct cleaning is an affordable and effective way to make sure your cozy winter home stays healthy for everyone in your family.
