If the air ducts in your home are dirty, having them cleaned can lead to improved air quality and may also maximize the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Air ducts that are clogged with dirt, dust and debris can cause your HVAC system to work harder. Very dirty air ducts reduce the air flow through your ducts and can lead to uneven heating and cooling. Removing all that dirt, dust and debris allows air to flow through your ducts as the system was initially designed. Your HVAC system works more efficiently and your home is heated and cooled more evenly.
In addition, mold and mildew can grow in your ducts, especially if the ducts are dirty. Every time your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump kicks on, airborne mold and mildew spores are blown into your home where they can aggravate allergies and increase the incidence of asthma attacks.
If you are considering having air duct service, there are a few precautions you should take. First, make sure your ducts are actually the source of the problem. You can check the condition of your ducts by removing an air register and inspecting the inside of the duct with a flashlight and mirror. If the duct looks clean, you may not need duct cleaning. Your HVAC contractor can also inspect your ducts for you and let you know if cleaning is needed.
When choosing a duct cleaning service provider, be sure to use a reputable duct cleaning service or better yet, find a reputable local HVAC contractor who also offers duct cleaning. They will be able to identify any other issue with your ducts. For example, your ducts may need to be sealed.
After your ducts are cleaned, use a pleated high efficiency air filter and change it often. This will keep your ducts clean for years, protect your HVAC system, and improve indoor air quality.
