The condition of your air ducts is an important factor in indoor air quality for your home. Leaky ducts can allow material to infiltrate your airstream. They can also facilitate dangerous backdrafting if your home heating system uses fossil fuels. Additionally, materials in your home can settle in the ducts, building up and creating IAQ issues. It’s important to recognize the signs of poor airflow and indoor air pollution so that you can be sure to address problems before they become serious.
Duct Inspection and Cleaning
If you’ve never had your ducts inspected, it’s likely that you can benefit from duct cleaning services. Prior to cleaning, however, your HVAC professional will inspect the circuit of ducts to be sure that you don’t have serious problems with leaks. Proper sealing is a priority because leaks promote energy loss and can increase pollution problems. Insects and rodents can access ducts through holes, and failure to repair such problems will leave your system vulnerable to infiltration.
Once sealing and repair issues are resolved, your technician will use specialized brushes and high-powered suction equipment to loosen and remove debris. Remote cameras are used to visually evaluate the results. Debris is removed from your home for appropriate disposal. Your clean air ducts reduce the movement of old pet dander, particles and dust through your home, leading to healthier indoor air for the winter months.
When Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?
Every home is unique, and your needs may be different than those of your neighbor. Home sealing can keep debris in your home limited. Intensive air filtration can also limit the concentration of pollutants in your home. If you can find a layer of dust on your upper shelves or light fixtures, then your ducts probably contain similar levels of material.
Restricted airflow is another sign of trouble. If you have low air pressure from your vents, then you may be dealing with an obstruction in your ducts. However, this could also be a sign of damage or serious leaks in your system. Still another potential issue could be a dirty air filter. Your ducts are a major part of your HVAC system, but attention to both major and minor components is important so that the system works at its optimum.
Ducts should be cleaned periodically based on the level of dust and other debris in your home. During preventive maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment, your HVAC contractor can do a brief duct inspection to evaluate your need for cleaning. If your family is more susceptible to allergy issues, you may want to consider annual cleaning. If your home is tightly sealed and treated with a high-quality air filtration system, you may be able to manage for several years between duct cleaning services.
Contact a Pro
You should work with a home comfort specialist each spring and fall to have your cooling and heating equipment optimized. Gentry Service Group can evaluate the ducts in your Columbus, NC home as well, making recommendations for cleaning or repair services as needed. Contact our office to schedule your appointment.
