The Basics of Duct Cleaning

Duct cleaning involves using specialized vacuum equipment to remove dirt, dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris from the interior of your home’s ductwork. It’s typically recommended every three to five years and can improve indoor air quality, reducing allergies and respiratory illnesses. However, it’s important to note that duct cleaning is not a cure-all for chronic health problems and that the root cause of your issues should be addressed as well.

The main purpose of duct cleaning https://www.ductcleaningwinnipeg.net/ is to remove dust and pollutants that settle inside your ductwork over time, which can then be recirculated throughout your house. This can lead to overworking your heating and cooling system, which in turn will increase your energy costs.

A reputable and certified duct cleaner will follow the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) guidelines when performing your service. These guidelines include a thorough, room-by-room inspection before and after the work is complete. The technician should also explain the process to you and show you what they found during their evaluation of your ductwork.

Before the duct cleaner arrives, make sure you clear a path to your HVAC equipment and to all of your supply vents. You should also move anything that might get in the way of their equipment, like a pet bed or your kid’s toys. It’s best to have everyone out of the house for this appointment since they will be making noise and need to visit each room.

When the duct cleaning technician arrives, they’ll need to connect their large vacuum collection device to your air handler and plenums, usually in the attic or basement. They’ll then use rotating brushes and compressed agitation air whipping tools to dislodge settled dust, which they will then vacuum. The ducts are cleaned vent by vent, and the technician will typically close your supply vents to maximize negative pressure.

Some companies will offer to apply chemical biocides or sealants inside your ductwork to kill bacteria and prevent future growth or to help seal leaks. NADCA and the EPA do not recommend these chemicals and you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of allowing them to be used in your home.

The duct cleaning process is fairly quick and should only take a few hours. Afterward, your HVAC system will be able to work more efficiently and your ductwork will be cleaner. Keep in mind that a duct cleaning is not a permanent fix to poor indoor air quality, and you’ll need to have your ducts inspected again in the future. To ensure that your ducts are clean and healthy, have a professional inspect them every three to five years. In the meantime, try to reduce the amount of dust in your home by keeping a good filter in place and vacuuming frequently. You may also consider installing a whole-house humidifier to help with your allergy symptoms. This will add moisture to the air, which can be a big help for people with irritable lungs.