Most people never give their air ducts a second thought – that is, until they start to notice dust and dirt circulating throughout their home every time the furnace or air conditioner kicks on.
This is because many homeowners are never sure about whether or not they should have their air ducts cleaned and often wonder if it’s really necessary.
They search online for phrases like “should you have the air ducts in your home cleaned,” so we thought to provide some credible information through this blog.
This article will help people decide whether or not they need to have their air ducts cleaned.
And if they do, how can they find professionals for air duct cleaning in Houston, TX, or possibly elsewhere that is right for their particular situation.
But first thing first.
Let’s discuss why they get dirty in the first place.
How do Air Ducts Get Dirty?
The answer to this question is actually quite simple – air ducts get dirty because they circulate air.
It’s the same reason why your furniture and floor get dusty; it’s just a fact of life.
Every time your furnace or air conditioner kicks on, it circulates air throughout your home, and some of that air is bound to be dusty.
Over time, that dust will build up in your air ducts and eventually start circulating throughout your home every time the furnace or air conditioner kicks on.
So, should you have your air ducts cleaned?
Generalizing every home condition isn’t possible, but a few factors might help you decide if air duct cleaning is right for you.
1. Does Anyone in Your Home Suffer from Allergies or Asthma?
If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, it’s probably good to have your air ducts cleaned.
Allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander can build up in your air ducts and circulate throughout your home, exacerbating allergies and asthma.
If you’ve noticed that your allergies or asthma seem worse when you’re at home, it might be time to have your air ducts cleaned.
2. Do You Have Pets?
Moreover, air ducts adhere to other parts of your home, such as the floor registers where cold air return vents and air filters are located.
If you have pets, it’s also a good idea to have your air ducts cleaned.
Pets shed fur and skin cells, which can build up in your air ducts and circulate throughout your home.
If you’ve noticed that your allergies seem to be triggered by pet hair or dander, it might be time to have your air ducts cleaned.
3. Is There a Musty Smell in Your Home?
If you’ve noticed a musty smell in your home, it might be time to have your air ducts cleaned.
The musty smell could be caused by mold or mildew, which can grow in your air ducts and circulate throughout your home.
If you’ve noticed a musty smell in your home and can’t seem to get rid of it, it might be time to have your air ducts cleaned.
4. Do You See Dust or Dirt Coming from Your Vents?
If you see dust or dirt coming from your vents, it’s definitely time to have your air ducts cleaned.
This is a sure sign that there is a buildup of dust and dirt in your air ducts that needs to be removed.
5. Has It Been a While Since Your Air Ducts Have Been Cleaned?
If it’s been a while since your air ducts have been cleaned, it might be time to have them cleaned again.
Most experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every three to five years.
If it’s been longer than five years since your air ducts have been cleaned, it’s probably time to have them cleaned again.
What does EPA Say About Air Duct Cleaning?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not specifically recommend or endorse regular air duct cleaning. Still, they say that if you have a problem with indoor air quality, the first step is to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional.
“EPA does not recommend that air ducts be cleaned except on an as-needed basis because of the continuing uncertainty about the benefits of duct cleaning under most circumstances.”
“There is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to health, according to the EPA.”
This is because the dust particles are small, and most of the time, they remain inside the ducts and never enter your living area.
Does it mean that you should never have your air ducts cleaned?
No, it just means that the EPA does not specifically recommend or endorse air duct cleaning for the purpose of improving indoor air quality.
EPA supports the idea that cleaning your air ducts is a good idea. It can improve the system quality of your HVAC, remove mold and other contaminants from your system, and help to improve the quality of your indoor air.
“Little evidence exists to indicate that simply cleaning the duct system will increase your system’s efficiency.”
EPA does say that if you have a problem with indoor air quality, the first step is to have your air ducts cleaned by a professional. Though regular cleaning isn’t necessary, it can be good to have your ducts cleaned if they haven’t been in a while.
But there are some conditions where the EPA says duct cleaning is definitely a good idea.
In What Conditions is Air Duct Can Be Cleaned?
EPA recommends that you have your air ducts cleaned if:
There is substantial visible mold growth inside the air ducts or on other heating and cooling system components.
– Your ducts are infested with vermin, e.g., rodents or insects.
– Your ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles that are actually released into the home from your supply registers.
– You have unexplained allergies or respiratory problems, and you think your ducts may be the source.
– You recently completed a home renovation project, such as remodeling your kitchen, and you now think your ductwork may be contaminated with construction debris.
– Your heating or cooling system has been operating for some time without attention, and you are now experiencing unusual problems with increased allergies or poor indoor air quality.
Conclusion
There you go! These are some of the key things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to have your air ducts cleaned.
However, when you decide to get air duct cleaning services, make sure to hire a professional who has the proper training and equipment to do the job right.
Many duct cleaning companies will provide air duct cleaning in Houston, TX, but make sure you only get it done from a reputable company.
Air filter replacement and cleaning duct surfaces is a necessary part of maintaining your HVAC system and improving your indoor air quality.
If you have any more questions about air duct cleaning or other ways to improve your indoor air quality, contact us today!
