What is air
duct cleaning?
Duct cleaning refers to the cleaning and maintenance of the
heating and cooling ducts in your home. Most people forget that these even need
to be cleaned, but most people are also more aware that in-home pollution is
quickly becoming a hazardous situation waiting to happen if left unchecked. The
most common build up materials in home ducts are dust, mold, pollen, and other
debris. These materials are all known to cause allergic reactions in many
people. So if ducts go a long time without cleaning, household members could
suffer from unnecessary allergens and be uncomfortable.
What are some of the
signs that your ducts need to be cleaned?
- If
you notice build-up on the outside of your ducts (the air vents) like dust and
debris, it would be time to at least consider getting your ducts cleaned.
- If
a small animal or other obstruction has gotten into your ducts, you should have
them cleaned.
- If
you have pets (dogs, cats, etc.) you’re at a higher risk for debris.
- Consider having ducts cleaned once every two
to seven years, depending on whether you and your household have severe allergies or lots of pets
When and if
you hire someone to clean you air ducts, make sure that you do a background
check on the company beforehand. You want to hire people who have been
certified through the
National Air Duct Cleaners Association. This ensures that
the company has invested in appropriate equipment and training. A lot of carpet
cleaning services offer air duct cleaning as an add-on service. I would
recommend against that and find a company that dedicates it’s entire business
to air duct cleaning. Typical sessions can cost anywhere from 300-600 dollars
depending on the size of your home, so you want to make sure you’re getting
your money’s worth.