Air ducts are one of the most critical components of HVAC systems. The network of ducts acts as the passageway of air around the system, serving two purposes: bringing in filtered and conditioned air while expelling unconditioned air from the inside. Given its important role, it is crucial that air ducts are kept in top working condition, which can be achieved through regular HVAC air duct cleaning.
What Is Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning refers to the removal of dust, dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the air pipes of your HVAC system, including the primary supply trunk, main return, and branch lines. Although sometimes referred to as “vents,” air ducts are the extensive system of metal tubes running throughout the HVAC system, distributing heated and cooled air around your home. Vents are specifically the openings of the ductwork that blows conditioned air.
When cleaning the HVAC systems, particularly the air ducts, specialized tools like air whips and snakes are often used to move the debris toward an industrial vacuum. There are usually different levels of cleaning service recommended depending on the amount of dirt collected and when you last cleaned your air ducts.
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Because they distribute air inside your home, keeping the air ducts in your HVAC system is crucial in providing you with the best living conditions. Some of the benefits of regular air conditioning duct cleaning include:
1. A Clean and Healthy Environment
Dirty air ducts can contain millions of microscopic dust and dirt particles. These move through the air and can eventually land on your furniture without you knowing it, exposing you to various contaminants, many of which carry harmful bacteria that can cause serious illnesses. Thus, it would be best if you cleaned your air ducts regularly in order to live in a clean and healthy environment.
2. No Foul Odor
Mold and mildew can accumulate in dark and dirty air ducts. As these fungi multiply, they begin producing a strong and musty smell, which can spread throughout your home. The odor usually persists, no matter how many windows are opened or how many air fresheners you use.
Check your air ducts for any signs of mold growth. If the fungi are present, you’ll need a professional to do HVAC air duct cleaning to keep molds away and improve the air quality in your home.
3. Better Airflow
The dirt and dust buildup in the ductwork of your HVAC system can worsen over time. If not addressed immediately, the airflow can be restricted and affect the efficiency of the HVAC system. When you clean the air ducts, air can move freely along the ductwork and distribute high-quality air throughout your home more effectively.
4. More Efficient AC
Under normal conditions, your air conditioning system produces cool air, and the ducts distribute this across your home. Air can move freely, and the unit doesn’t need to work hard to cool the house. Simply put, your AC works more efficiently if the ducts are clean. This will eventually help you to save money as you see a significant reduction in your electricity consumption.
The opposite happens when you don’t do air conditioning ducts cleaning. Even with the AC on, the cool and clean air won’t be able to get to your living space, which will affect your living conditions and make the AC work harder. The result is a higher electricity bill and a humid environment, which you could have prevented if you had cleaned the air ducts.
How Often Do You Need To Clean Air Ducts?
It is recommended that air duct cleaning be done every two years. The best approach is to start with the most thorough cleaning service and then move on to the maintenance and repair phase. If you have difficulties determining how either services should be done, an HVAC technician can initially conduct a visual assessment of your home and share his findings with you.
Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strongly recommends air duct cleaning in the following situations:
1. Mold Growth
The presence of molds is often one of the most prevalent issues you will have to face with dirty air ducts. If the issue is not addressed immediately, serious health problems can arise, especially if you or a family member are allergic to these molds.
2. Pest Infestation
Rats, mice, cockroaches, and other pests are all drawn to unclean environments. If the ductwork is full of dirt and grime, it will more likely attract pests into the HVAC system and your home. Pests, particularly rodents, will not only bring diseases but also damage the ductwork as they are known to gnaw through different HVAC components.
3. Blocked HVAC Airflow
This usually happens when there is an accumulation of dirt, dust, and other debris in the ducts. Cleaning the ducts of your HVAC system can contribute to the better distribution of cool and clean indoor air.
Key Takeaway
Air ducts are crucial in helping your HVAC system perform at an optimal level. If poorly maintained, you could end up having a serious problem. There will be restricted airflow, and you won’t feel comfortable even when your air conditioning runs at full blast.
Performing regular air conditioning duct cleaning can help your AC work more efficiently. Using water and rags as cleaning materials should be sufficient, although there are special cleaning products and tools that can help do the work more efficiently. For best results, however, you should have a cleaning technician do the work for you.
Repair your HVAC air ducts with the help of DunRite Heating & Air, Inc.
HVAC systems are crucial requirements in every home, but to ensure that they are working properly, HVAC air duct cleaning is recommended. However, repairs may also be needed for better HVAC performance. DunRite Heating & Air, Inc., is ready to help you out in this regard.
We have a team of experts that offers top-notch HVAC repair in San Jose and other nearby areas. We guarantee a complete and safe repair service. Call us for any inquiries or quotes.
