All central HVAC systems have a duct network that delivers conditioned air to your home’s living spaces. Routine HVAC maintenance, high-quality HVAC filters, and regular filter changes help keep your ducts clean. However, even with diligent maintenance, dust and other debris will build up in your ducts over time. That’s why the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends regular duct inspections and professional cleaning as needed. Cleaning involves the use of an industrial-strength vacuum and other tools to extract all the dirt and grime from your ducts. This article explores 10 benefits of scheduling this service for your home.
1. Less Household Allergens
Dust will settle in your ducts, but it won’t remain undisturbed. When your system cycles on, that airflow may kick up dust that then enters your living spaces through your vents. Airborne dust is a significant concern. Enough of it can cause the onset of allergic rhinitis, which is an allergic reaction in the upper airways. In addition, airborne dust can trigger symptoms in people with respiratory conditions like allergies or asthma.
2. Reduced Indoor Air Pollution
Allergies aren’t the only air quality issue with dust. Dust is an amalgamation of pollutants and contaminants inside your home. The dust you breathe in may contain:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
- Textile fibers
- Insect debris
- Dead skin cells and hair
Dust doesn’t just contain particulate matter; it is a combination that acts like a sponge that can soak up chemicals and gases. It extends the life of these potentially harmful substances and emits them over time. That means the dust in your ducts may release toxins, such as volatile organic compounds, into the air you breathe.
3. Lower Dust Accumulation
Frequent dusting is the key to winning the battle against dust in your home. Experts recommend a deep dusting weekly using a microfiber cloth and a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. The problem is that you can only control the dust you can easily access. If there’s a significant buildup in your ducts, there’s not much you can do about that yourself. If your house is often dusty, even though you clean regularly, the culprit is likely dirty ducts.
4. Longer Filter Life
The more dust in your home, the more dust in your air. The more dust in your air, the shorter the life of your air filters. That includes your HVAC air filter. A shorter life can become expensive if you use a premium filter with a high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating. It will also shorten the life of any MERV and HEPA filters in your whole-home air purifier. Shorter product life also applies to any air filters in your appliances.
5. Identify and Correct Air Leakage Issues
Air leakage refers to the loss of conditioned air through your ducts. Even a new duct network can experience losses as high as 5%. On the other hand, the DOE estimates that losses in the average American home are between 20% and 40%. That means many homeowners are experiencing excessive HVAC equipment wear and tear and unnecessarily paying additional heating and cooling costs.
One of the oft-overlooked aspects of duct cleaning is that the first step is a video camera inspection of your ducts. During this inspection, your technician will be able to identify the causes of air leakage. That includes the seals wearing out between the duct sections. Other issues include loose or detached mounting hardware and any gaps that have developed between your ductwork and your heating or cooling system. You can get the loss of conditioned air through faulty ductwork back to under 5% through duct repair and sealing.
6. Avoid Persistent Unpleasant Odors
If you notice an unpleasant smell when your HVAC system cycles on, it’s likely coming from your ductwork. These odors are often caused by a buildup of dust, mold, or even pest droppings within the ducts. While the smell may seem fleeting at first, it won’t fully disappear until the ducts are professionally cleaned. As debris accumulates over time, these odors can become more persistent, lingering even when your heating or cooling system is not running. Regular duct cleaning can help eliminate these unpleasant odors, keeping your home smelling fresh and clean.
7. Eliminates Fire Hazards
The NADCA stresses fire safety as another reason to clean your ducts regularly. Dust is highly flammable. Even the warm air from your furnace can be enough to ignite it. The greater the accumulation, the higher the risk. Once the dust ignites, a fire can spread quickly throughout your ducts and reach other areas of your home. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) advises not allowing dust to accumulate more than 1/32 inches thick.
8. Extends HVAC Equipment Life
Dust in your HVAC system is a leading cause of wear and tear. It can clog burners in furnaces and build up on the evaporator and condenser coils in your central air conditioner. This causes a decrease in your cooling and heating system’s efficiency, increasing your utility bills. In addition, dirty ducts contribute to your HVAC system running harder and longer to keep your home comfortable, resulting in the need for more frequent repairs and short lifetimes.
9. Prevent Mildew and Mold
Dirty ducts can contribute to moisture problems in your ductwork by restricting airflow and creating ideal conditions for condensation. This reduced airflow causes cool air to mix with warm air more frequently, leading to increased moisture levels. Over time, this moisture can settle inside the ducts, creating the perfect environment for mildew and mold to grow. Regular duct cleaning helps prevent these moisture-related issues by restoring optimal airflow throughout your HVAC system.
10. Safeguard Against Pest Infestations
Dirty ductwork can create an inviting environment for pests, making your forced air system a potential nesting site. Dust, debris, and moisture accumulation in neglected ducts provide pests like insects with shelter and a steady food source. Regular cleaning not only removes these attractants but also helps to prevent infestations from taking hold. If a pest infestation is already present, a thorough duct inspection will reveal signs of their activity. Once identified, you can bring in a pest control company to address the problem before having the ducts professionally cleaned, ensuring your system is both clean and pest-free.
Do You Need Your Ducts Cleaned in Southern California?
We Care Plumbing, Heating, & Air has offered professional duct cleaning services in Southern California for over 20 years. We’re an award-winning company with locations in Murrieta, Orange, San Marcos, and Temecula. Our NATE-certified HVAC technicians install and service furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, and ductless mini-splits. We also install and service zone-controlled HVAC, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and whole-home air purifiers.
As your one-stop home care provider, we also offer plumbing services. Our experts can help with all your water treatment, plumbing repair, and drain cleaning needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
