Are there any health benefits that come from HVAC system cleaning?
HVAC systems often accumulate contaminants like mold, fungi, bacteria, and tiny dust particles, which can negatively impact overall health. Removing these pollutants from both the HVAC system and your home should be a key step in any plan to improve indoor air quality.
How can I determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective?
The most effective way to check if your HVAC system has been properly cleaned is to conduct a visual inspection both before and after the cleaning. If you can still see any dust or debris, the system isn’t fully clean. While it’s possible to do this yourself with a flashlight and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor can give you better access to system components and may use specialized tools for a more thorough inspection.
How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?
Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, not the least of which is the preference of the homeowner. Some of the things that may lead a homeowner to consider more frequent cleaning include:
- smokers in the household
- pets that shed high amounts of hair and dander
- water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
- residents with allergies or asthma who might benefit from a reduction in the
- amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system
- after home renovations or remodeling
- prior to occupancy of a new home.
Do I Need To Prepare My House Before The Arrival Of Air Duct Cleaning Specialists?
There is just one thing you need to do before our specialists arrive: make sure we can get to every vent and return easily, and that we have good access around the HVAC. If your child has a messy room, make sure to have them clean up first. If furniture might be in our way, we ask that you move it.
What are antimicrobial chemicals and why would they need to be used?
Some companies apply antimicrobial treatments inside air ducts to address microbial contamination like mold, viruses, or bacteria. However, the system must be thoroughly cleaned before any such chemicals are used. It’s essential that any antimicrobial product applied to your HVAC system is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for this specific use. Keep in mind, using antimicrobial chemicals is an additional service and not typically included in a standard air duct cleaning.
Will HVAC system cleaning reduce our home energy bills?
Research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that cleaning your HVAC system can improve its efficiency by clearing debris from delicate mechanical parts. Clean systems are less prone to breakdowns, tend to last longer, and generally run more effectively compared to systems that are dirty.
What criteria should I use when selecting an HVAC system cleaning contractor?
You should interview as many local contractors as possible. Ask them to come to your home and perform a system inspection and give you a quote. To narrow down your pool of potential contractors, use the following pre-qualifications:
- Make sure the company is a member in good standing of NADCA.
- See if the company has been in business long enough to have adequate experience.
- Get proof that the company is properly licensed and adequately insured.
- Make sure that the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components.
- Avoid advertisements for “$99 whole house specials” and other sales gimmicks.
- Ask if the company has the right equipment to effectively perform cleaning, and if the company has done work in homes similar to yours.
- Get references from neighbors if possible.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
The air inside your home can often be less healthy than outdoor air. Since it doesn’t circulate as much, contaminants tend to build up on surfaces like air ducts, carpets, rugs, furniture, and other items. This makes professional cleaning essential, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
There are several ways to boost indoor air quality, including regular cleaning, airing out your home, and adding a few plants to freshen things up.
Will Air Duct Cleaning Make A Mess Of My Home?
No, it won’t. If you hire a professional company like Dustless Duct, your home will stay clean and tidy throughout the process. Expert air duct cleaners use negative air pressure, properly seal off problem areas and vents, and ensure your ducts are thoroughly cleaned—all with minimal disruption to you and your family.
Does Air Duct Cleaning Help Allergies And Asthma?
Yes, air ducts can accumulate a variety of contaminants like dust, dirt, pollen, and dust mites. These allergens settle in the ducts and can eventually spread throughout your home. Cleaning your air ducts will remove these pollutants, improve your indoor air quality, and help alleviate allergy or asthma symptoms.
How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
The cost of cleaning your HVAC system can range anywhere from $200 to over a thousand dollars, depending on its size. Factors like the number of returns and supplies, whether you have dampers or registers, the location of your HVAC unit or furnace, and the length of your air ducts all play a role in determining the final price. In this case, size definitely matters!
