The air ducts in your home collect and circulate dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander and other pollutants, and are a primary source of indoor air pollution. Duct cleaning can help to remove these harmful particles from the system, improving your family’s health and breathing. The EPA estimates that indoor air is 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, with dirty ducts being the main culprit. Regular duct cleaning will help reduce these contaminants and keep your forced air system running efficiently.
There are a number of factors that can determine whether or not your home’s ductwork needs to be cleaned. Dirty ducts are a breeding ground for mold, bacteria and other microbes, which can contaminate the indoor air. It’s also common for rodents and other vermin to nest in the ductwork, which can cause extensive damage and pose a serious health risk to your family.
In addition, the ductwork in many homes has not been properly installed or sealed. This can lead to air leaks that can significantly impact the efficiency of your forced air system and increase your utility bills.
What Is the Process of Duct Cleaning?
In the most basic sense, duct cleaning involves using a high-powered vacuum system to clean all of the interior surfaces of your home’s ductwork. This process includes both the supply and return air ducts (including the parts that are hidden inside of the walls), diffusers, grilles, registers and drip or condensate pans. It’s also possible to add a treatment that can kill or prevent mold and bacteria growth in the ductwork.
However, the EPA has not conclusively demonstrated that duct cleaning improves indoor air quality. Additionally, studies have shown that even if the level of contaminants in your home is reduced by having your air ducts cleaned, it will only have a minor impact on overall indoor air quality. This is because the vast majority of dust that accumulates in air ducts is not released into living spaces, but rather adheres to the surface of the ductwork.
It’s important to note that there is considerable controversy over the need and wisdom of allowing duct cleaners to apply chemical biocides or ozone in order to kill or prevent biological growth in a duct system. This type of application should only be done under specific conditions, and should never be a substitute for having the underlying cause of the problem corrected, such as fixing a leaky roof or removing a pest infestation.
Ultimately, there is no surefire way to know when it’s time for Air Duct Cleaning Hillsborough. The best way to determine if the ducts in your home need to be cleaned is by doing a visual inspection. Look for signs of excessive dust around the vents, or a musty odor. Other indicators include if any of the household members suffer from asthma, unexplained symptoms or illness. Finally, a clogged vent can affect air flow, which is another good indicator that it’s time for an inspection.