Friday, January 16, 2015

Air Duct Cleaning


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.