Each home’s air duct system holds millions of dust particles. Over time, they may become contaminated by new construction or renovation debris, pet dander, smoking and more.
A trained professional uses continuous negative pressure to remove these fine particles from your ductwork. They also clear a path to your HVAC equipment, usually in the attic, basement or garage. Contact Air Duct Cleaning Utah now!
- Improved Indoor Air Quality
While dust and debris may accumulate over time in your home, it’s important to keep these particles from recirculating. If they do, they can aggravate allergies and asthma in family members who have respiratory conditions. By regularly having your air ducts cleaned, you can eliminate this buildup and reduce the amount of dirt that gets blown around your home.
Your home’s air filters trap dirt and other pollutants, but these contaminants can also get clogged with the buildup of other materials in your ventilation system. If this happens, it will require you to change the filter more often and spend more money on replacements than you would otherwise. By cleaning your ducts often, you can avoid these problems and reduce the need to replace your air filters.
A professional air duct cleaner will use specialized equipment to remove dirt and dust from your vents and ducts. You’ll need to be home when they arrive so that you can show them where the vents are and provide any instructions that they might need.
Once they begin the cleaning process, they will agitate all open areas of your ventilation system to stir up the particles and make them easier to remove. They will then use a truck-powered vacuum to suck up the dust and dirt that has been dislodged.
During this stage, the professional will also check for rodents or insects that might be living in your ventilation system. If there is any evidence of infestation, the technician will recommend hiring an exterminator to take care of the problem before they continue with the cleaning process.
After removing all the loose dirt and dust from your ductwork, they will use a damp sponge to wipe down the interior surfaces of each vent. This will help to prevent mold, mildew and other substances from growing in the future.
Besides preventing allergens and other harmful microorganisms from building up in your ventilation system, regular cleaning will also keep your home smelling fresher. Over time, odors from household cleaning agents, paint fumes, pets, tobacco smoke and even cooking can accumulate inside your ductwork. These odors will be circulated throughout your house every time the HVAC system runs, making your home smell musty and stale. Clean ducts will eliminate these odors and give your home a fresher, more pleasant ambiance.
- Increased Energy Efficiency
Dust, rodents, toxins and other debris build up in air ducts over time. As the dust circulates, it causes your HVAC unit to work harder than necessary in order to heat and cool your home. This is a major source of energy waste. By having your ducts cleaned, you can expect your energy usage to decrease significantly.
In addition to cleaning the ductwork, an experienced technician will also look for signs of damage or leaks. These problems are often a source of poor air flow in your home, which can lead to higher energy bills. If he or she finds any issues, these can be fixed on the spot to improve your overall energy efficiency.
Dirty ducts often contain harmful contaminants, such as pet dander, bacteria, pollen, mildew and mold spores, and chemicals. When these are recirculated throughout the house, they can trigger allergies and other breathing problems. Duct cleaning eliminates these pollutants and creates a healthier living environment for the entire household.
The process of duct cleaning involves using various tools to clean all the components within your duct system. While some professionals use high-powered vacuums, others may hand scrub or brush the surfaces. The cost of duct cleaning will vary depending on the size of your home, type of ductwork and other factors. Rigid ducts are typically cheaper to clean than flex ducts, which require more specialized equipment.
While the initial investment of hiring a professional for duct cleaning may seem steep, it will likely save you money in the long run. Dirty ducts cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, which results in higher utility bills. By having them regularly cleaned, you can expect your monthly bills to drop significantly. Additionally, the toxins and contaminants found in dirty ducts can pose a fire risk, so they need to be eliminated as quickly as possible. By having a professional conduct regular duct cleaning, you can rest assured knowing that your family is safe from these threats.
- Reduced Utility Bills
When your home’s ductwork is dirty, your furnace and air conditioner must work harder to keep the house warm or cool. This takes more energy, which raises utility bills. Cleaning your home’s ductwork reduces dust buildup and dirt, improving airflow and decreasing energy consumption. This can result in reduced monthly energy bills of anywhere from 20% to 30%.
While some homeowners opt to clean their ductwork themselves, it is best to hire a professional. It’s important that the contractor you hire be certified and licensed, and that they follow the National Air Duct Cleaners Association’s (NADCA) guidelines for proper duct cleaning. The NADCA directory lists qualified contractors in your area, and you can use a zip code search to find a certified professional near you.
The average homeowner can expect to pay $450 to $1,000 for a thorough air duct cleaning. The exact price will depend on several factors, including your home’s size and the number of vents. Some service technicians charge based on square footage, while others use the number of supply and return vents to determine project pricing.
Once the service technician begins the duct cleaning process, they will seal all of your home’s supply and return vents to maximize negative pressure and vacuum out loosened debris and contaminants. Then, they will use specialized rotating brushes and compressed agitation air whipping tools to dislodge and disperse the settled dust. They may also use specialized vacuuming equipment to collect the dust, and cleaning sprays to sanitize ducts that are heavily contaminated.
In addition to the ductwork itself, the service technician will check for signs of mold and vermin infestation. If mold is detected, the ducts will be sanitized with chemicals to prevent future growth and to eliminate any spores that could pose health risks. Rodent infestations are another common hazard, and they require extermination services on top of the duct cleaning costs.
When hiring a duct cleaning service, be sure to get quotes from multiple companies. Unscrupulous contractors have been known to add on additional fees for unnecessary services or to overcharge.
- Reduced Risk of Allergies
As the allergy season approaches, it’s time to consider the state of your home air quality and how dirty indoor air might contribute to the onset or worsening of allergies. Your home’s air ducts play an important role in circulating fresh air through your living spaces but they can also serve as breeding grounds for dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
These allergens can be recirculated throughout your house by the heating and cooling system and can lead to asthma symptoms, nose and throat irritation, itchy watery eyes, and sneezing. Fortunately, periodic cleaning of your home’s air ducts can significantly reduce the amount of allergens in your indoor air and provide relief for those with sensitive immune systems.
Dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander are among the most common causes of seasonal allergies and can also cause breathing difficulties in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Air duct cleaning eliminates these allergens and allows the HVAC system to operate more efficiently, which can help improve your family’s overall health.
In addition to allergens, dirty air ducts can harbor rodent droppings, mildew, and bacteria. These contaminants and odors can get trapped in your home’s ductwork and repeatlessly circulate through the system each time the furnace or air conditioner turns on. Moreover, these smells are difficult to eliminate with open windows or the use of air fresheners. Detailed cleaning of your air ducts removes all odor-trapping particles and restores a fresh, clean smell to your home.
Even if no one in your household suffers from allergies or respiratory problems, the dust and pollutants that enter the nose and lungs can still trigger sneezing, coughing, sinus and bronchial congestion. Regular air duct cleaning helps ensure that your family is healthy and comfortable all year round.
Air duct cleaning is one of the best investments you can make for your health and well-being. It promotes better indoor air quality, which can lower the risk of allergies, reduce energy bills, and reduce the likelihood of various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.