As homeowners, there are a lot of maintenance tasks that need to be done regularly. If you remember to have your furnace and air conditioner tuned up at the beginning of every season, then you’re doing a great job. But what about your air ducts? Should those be inspected, too?
In our most recent blog, Novak Heating and Cooling, Cedar Rapids’ trusted HVAC professional, discusses how often air ducts should be cleaned and the benefits of having duct cleaning services performed.
How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned?
Unlike your furnace, you don’t need your air ducts serviced on an annual basis. Experts recommend having your air ducts cleaned every 3-5 years. Because your ducts are built into your walls, they’re hard to reach and inspect properly. However, there are standard procedures with air duct cleaning that your technician should follow.
During an air duct cleaning, your technician will inspect the system for asbestos-containing materials. They will use a vacuum to clean out the chemicals in your vents, and brush surfaces to remove settled dust inside the vents. Your technician may also seal any cracks they find in the ductwork.
Check Novak’s Specials page for discounts on these services. If you find a service that is offering to clean your ducts for very cheap, they are probably only cleaning your main ducts and may charge an additional fee for the air handler and other heating and air conditioning components.
How Can I Tell When My Air Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?
Air ducts tend to collect dust, chemicals, and allergens. These particles flow through your ducts and circulate in your home. It takes a long time for these particles to become noticeable, but when they are, it’s obvious. How often homeowners should change their ducts also depends on how much dust is in your vents. If you see dust and debris accumulating at the bottom of your registers, it’s a good idea to clear out that debris with a vacuum. Then inspect other air vents in your home. If your vents are caked with dust, then it’s a sign your air ducts need to be cleaned. You might also see dust buildup inside your furnace and on your air filter.
It’s a good idea to have ducts cleaned after a home construction project. Dust from sanding or chemicals from paints and cleaners can live in your vents. These allergens should be removed from the air so you can breathe easily. Allergens like mold can live in your ducts as well. If you or your family are allergic to mold or have noticed mold in the house, having your ducts cleaned can help prevent the spread of mold even further.
What Are the Benefits of Having Ducts Cleaned?
Having air ducts cleaned can benefit your HVAC system. If your ducts are free and clear of dust, then your heating and cooling system can function better because nothing is restricting the airflow. Keeping up on regular ductwork cleanings can help extend the life of your HVAC system. Unclogged ducts are more energy efficient because they circulate air better throughout the house.
Having your ducts cleaned is a great idea if anyone in your home suffers from allergies, allergic reactions or respiratory problems. Removing pollen, dust, and other chemicals from the air can help improve indoor air quality.
Contact Novak for All of Your HVAC Issues
If you want to have confidence that clean air is circulating in your home, then contact the experts at Novak Heating and Cooling for a whole home air duct cleaning service. The frequency in which air ducts should be cleaned depends on how much dust you see in your home and if you’ve had recent renovations. You may be surprised at what our technicians find in your ducts. Contact Novak today to schedule your air duct cleaning service today.