Air duct cleaning is an essential part of a home maintenance program

Air duct cleaning is an essential part of a home maintenance program

The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning for a Healthy Home

Air duct cleaning is a vital aspect of any home maintenance routine. Dust, dander, dirt, dust mites, rodents, insects, and other unhealthy contaminants tend to gather over time in air ducts. Several particles settle in the furnace, but when the fan in your furnace activates, it blows the pollutants outside of the system, thus creating unhealthy air quality in your home. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), ductwork should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years to help keep indoor air clean and your home healthier.

How Do Air Ducts Get So Dirty?

Most homeowners do not know how fast the air ducts can start collecting dirt and debris; this also applies to brand-new homes, where the ductwork may trap unwanted debris left by builders and subcontractors. Instead of cleaning out the dust and debris from construction, workers might just sweep the mess into the nearest opening, usually an air vent. Consequently, they deposit in the duct system and are redistributed throughout the residence whenever the HVAC system operates. In addition, air ducts overall accumulate contaminants from everyday activities. Some common sources include:

  1. Outdoor Pollutants: In the warmer months, dirt, pollen, and other debris enter the house through open doors and windows.

  2. Construction Debris: Renovations, home repairs, and new builds bring sawdust, drywall particles, and insulation fibers into the system.

  3. Humans and Pet Dander: Humans and pets shed dead skin every day, and these dead skin cells can become trapped in air returns and ductwork.

  4. Household Dust and Lost Items: Small objects, such as toys, pet hair, and household dust, can enter air vents and become stuck in the system.

The return vents collect air from each room along with these contaminants and circulate it through the duct system. Air filters collect some of these particles, but not all, so debris can be blown past the filter and into the supply side of the ductwork, impacting occupants' air quality and the efficiency of the HVAC system.

Keeping Your Air Ducts Clean

Professional air duct cleaning is recommended every few years, but homeowners can take proactive measures to help keep their air cleaner in the intervening years. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Vacuum: Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter on your vacuum to get dust, pet hair, and dirt from floors, carpets, and, of course, furniture.

  • Dust With a Damp Cloth: Dusting with a damp cloth captures dust particles rather than kicking them up, lowering dust generalities.

  • Cover Vents When Under Construction: Do not let dust from construction, excavation, or sanding work get inside your ductwork. If you’re cleaning, renovating, remodeling, or doing any other work that might generate dust, move the sofa and other furniture out of the way and tape or towel the vents.

  • Invest in Better Filtration: From upgrading your furnace filter to higher-quality options to adding an air purifier, one way to mitigate indoor air pollution is to help trap those airborne pollutants.

  • Conduct Scheduled HVAC Maintenance: Scheduled inspections and maintenance for your HVAC system will ensure that ductwork and filters remain clean and functional.

How We Clean Your Air Ducts Professionally

The Collom™ Air Duct Cleaning System is used to ensure a complete and effective cleaning process. There are several ways to clean ductwork, but our system uses compressed air alongside a powerfully charged, HEPA-filtered vacuum to ensure we do the job right. Our process includes:

  1. Compressed Air Cleaning: Air is forced through the ductwork at 185 cubic feet per minute, releasing debris and contaminants.

  2. Vacuum Extraction: A heavy-duty HEPA-filtered vacuum system collects and eliminates the loosened debris back into the atmosphere so they do not end up in your home.

  3. 360-Degree Scraping: We scrape the top, sides, and bottom of the ductwork so even corners of rectangular ductwork get cleaned—an area that traditional brushes have difficulty cleaning.

  4. Minimal Disruption: The cleaning is done from the basement as a rule, with a second tech in the living areas cleaning the registers. This technique minimizes the potential for downtime while cleaning the entire system thoroughly.

Why You Should Schedule an Air Duct Cleaning Today?

There are many benefits to having your air ducts professionally cleaned for your home and your health:

  • Improved Indoor Air Quality: Removing dust, allergens, and contaminants can minimize the risk of respiratory problems and allergies. 

  • Increased HVAC Efficiency: Clean ductwork allows your HVAC system to operate more effectively, lowering energy costs.

  • Eliminate Odors: Dust, mold, and debris in ducts might contribute to musty odors; cleaning removes these sources of unpleasant smells.

  • Increased HVAC Life: Routine cleaning decreases the strain and stress on the system, increasing its operational life and eliminating the need for expensive repairs.

Cleaning your air ducts is an essential component of home care that should not be neglected. Dust, debris, and contaminants build up in ductwork over time, impacting air quality and HVAC efficiency. Implementing good housekeeping habits and scheduling professional cleaning services every 3 to 5 years would produce a cleaner, healthier home for families. If you are wary of the air quality in your home, it is time to invest in a professional air duct cleaning service so that your family can breathe clean, fresh air every day.

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