Should the Air Ducts in the Home Be Cleaned?

Generally speaking, if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are, and they should be cleaned professionally. Cleaning dirty air ducts on a regular basis reduces indoor pollution (that can cause health problems), reduces energy use and may prevent unexpected disasters and costly repairs.

The main reasons to have your air ducts cleaned:

• Reduce indoor pollution and health risks
  • Each year, up to 40 pounds of contaminants (dust, chemicals, dander, etc.) are created in a typical 6-room home through everyday living. These contaminants are pulled into the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, and recirculated 5 to 7 times a day, on average. As a result, a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork is created over time.
  • Having a clean and properly functioning HVAC system is important for maintaining a good level of air quality in your home and a healthy living environment.
  • Individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory diseases may risk aggravating their condition if the ducts are polluted with contaminants.

• Save energy
  • If the ducts in your home are clogged with dirt and other contaminants, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling is wasted, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
  • Although filters block some of the pollutants that would otherwise get into the ducts, the ones that do enter will cause your heating and cooling system to work harder and consume more energy. If the HVAC system is clean, it works more efficiently and consumes less electricity.

• Other reasons
  • Duct cleaning is necessary when there is a substantial amount of mold inside the ducts. Mold spores may be released into the home, affecting the health of the occupants.
  • If vermin, such as rodents or insects, live in the air ducts, you should immediately call a pest control company.
  • Have the air ducts cleaned after a home renovation, when a significant amount of debris, dust and other particles (especially asbestos and lead paint) have migrated into the air ducts.
  • It is advised to have your heating system (fuel burning furnace, stove or fireplace) and ducts checked and serviced before the heating season. This helps prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Don’t forget the dryer vents
  • When using a clothes dryer, lint accumulates in dryer vents over time, restricting the airflow. This is a fire hazard. The lint buildup can also contribute to excess household humidity and dust.
  • A clean dryer vent also allows the dryer to operate more efficiently, using less energy in the long run.

For a healthier home environment, air duct and vent cleaning should be conducted every 3 to 5 years. If you choose to have your air ducts cleaned, PuroClean can help. We provide full air duct cleaning services, including sanitization, deodorization and encapsulation of duct systems where needed.