Air ducts provide a passage for heated and cooled air to move around your house. Like every HVAC system, air ducts need regular maintenance to achieve maximum efficiency. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends that air ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years.
However, with advanced cleaning methods, the cleaning recommendation extends to 6-8 years. You may consider a more immediate air duct cleaning due to mold buildup and other pollutants causing allergic reactions.
What Air Duct Cleaning Covers
Air duct cleaning is not just limited to aluminum ductwork running through your home. This cleaning also covers various other HVAC components such as:
- Supply and return air ducts
- Supply and return registers
- Condensation drip pans
- Diffusers
- Grills
- Cooling and heating coils
- Fan housing
- Fan motor
- Air handling unit housing
The cleaning technician will first inspect your HVAC system for dust and grime buildup. They will use handheld scrubbers, brushes, access tools, a rotary brush, and a negative vacuum system to collect and remove the debris.
Air Duct Cleaning is Necessary
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air tends to be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. These impurities re-circulate throughout your house via air ducts and can pose a health hazard.
Your air ducts may require frequent cleaning and maintenance under the following circumstances.
Illness and Infestation
Prolonged colds, sinus infections, and other respiratory problems indicate the need for better Indoor Air Quality. Those who have frequent allergic reactions and asthma may benefit from a frequent air duct cleaning.
Since rodents and insects often make air ducts their home, you will need air duct cleaning to prevent the spread of disease from these vermin.
Renovation Projects or Change of Residence
Home renovation and remodeling create large amounts of dirt, dust, and debris. Since unsealed ducts are prone to contamination, schedule a ductwork inspection after a renovation project.
Moreover, air duct cleaning must be done before moving into a new home – especially if the previous homeowner was a smoker, had a pet, or didn’t have their ducts cleaned within the last three years.
Get in touch with the Licensed Professional Home Inspector at HTX Home Inspections to ensure a detailed home inspection. Click here to book your Real estate home inspections Houston and Home inspection Pearland to schedule cleaning services at the earliest.