Is duct cleaning worth it?

Nearly 84% of Americans (100 million people) have air-conditioning in their homes. With the realities of air particulates and the effect to clean air, cleaning your air ducts is a hotly debated topic. In the US, we inhale two tablespoons of particulates every day. While inhaling a certain amount of dust and debris is normal and expected, sometimes allergens, gases, microbial substances, and particulates contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment. At Advanced Air Solutions, we help you understand duct cleaning, and whether our services should help with the air quality in your home or office. 

What is Air Duct Cleaning? 

Duct cleaning is the process of cleaning the cooling and heating system in your home, including the ducts, diffusers, coils, fan motor, drip pans, and air handling unit housing. Cleaning is part of the maintenance recommendations for the proper functionality of your unit, and a professional technician should always complete the maintenance and cleaning process.  

Why Should You Consider Cleaning Your Air Ducts?  

While we recommend scheduling your maintenance for at least once every year, there may be times when you should consider additional cleaning, particularly if the conditions are contributing to poor air quality and a health risk. Specific instances of unhealthy conditions include:  

• Mold Growth: If the insulation is getting wet and moldy, it may be as simple as replacing that section. If the mold is more extensive, as determined by testing and an expert determination, you should consider duct cleaning. Left unchecked, mold growth could be the cause of allergies or other health issues (itchy eyes, nausea, and headaches). If mold is an issue, it’s important to hire a technician to clean out your air ducts.  
• Vermin Infestation: If bugs, mice, or other vermin have infested your air ducts, you may need to first hire an exterminator to take care of the problem, and then have a technician clean out the ducts. Cleaning out the ducts will help to support a healthier and safer home environment.  
• Clogged Ducts: This issue may be connected to the improper installation of your air ducts or damage to the ducts. Maybe the system has not been properly maintained or the filters with the appropriate MERV rating were not used. You could be experiencing a range of issues from particulate, gases, microbial, VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), dust, radon, asbestos, and even second-hand smoke.  
• Renovation Construction: If you’ve renovated your home, the ducts could be filled with sheetrock, sawdust, and other particulates. When you’ve completed your project, it’s a great time to have a technician clean out your air ducts.  
• Moving into New Property: When you move into a new home, you should consider hiring a technician to clean your air ducts. Cleaning your ducts will not only improve your energy costs but it should keep your living space more comfortable.  

How Advanced Air Solutions Can Help 

At Advanced Air Solutions, we assess the condition of your air ducts and we make recommendations for the level of service that might be needed. While your health and wellness are often reasons for cleaning your ducts, consider how keeping the system clean will save time and money in the long run. Cleaning your ducts will make your home more energy-efficient since it clears any blockages or clogged vents. What’s probably most important to you, though, is that it will make your home a more comfortable environment.