The air ducts that connect your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to each room in your home are critical for keeping indoor air healthy. Whether you have an older home or a newer one, you need to have your ductwork cleaned regularly in order to maintain good indoor air quality. Duct cleaning is also a good idea for homeowners who are experiencing a build-up of dust and debris inside their homes. In addition, if your home has recently been affected by fire or water damage, you should have your ducts cleaned to ensure that contaminants do not get pushed back into living spaces.
When Do I Need to Have My Ducts Cleaned?
Despite the importance of clean ducts, there is no universally accepted recommendation for how often they should be cleaned. The need for duct cleaning in des moines Iowa depends on a variety of factors, including dust accumulation, vermin infestation and the presence of biological contaminants such as mold.
In addition, the need for duct cleaning can be exacerbated by poor maintenance practices. Ducts that are not cleaned properly can become contaminated with moisture, which can encourage the growth of mold. Furthermore, if dirt and other contaminants are not removed from ductwork before they are used again, it can be blown into living spaces when the HVAC system is turned on again.
If you think that your ductwork might need to be cleaned, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced professional. An air duct cleaning company will use large, portable or truck-mounted vacuum collection devices to suck dust and debris out of your ductwork. In addition, they may inspect your ducts for leaks and other problems. Some duct cleaners will even make repairs to your ductwork, if necessary.
You should be prepared for your duct cleaning appointment to take between three and five hours. During this time, you should clear out any areas of the home that your technician will need access to. This includes the attic, basement, garage or utility closet where your HVAC equipment is located. You should also show your technician around the house and point out any vents that you would like them to pay special attention to.
Some duct cleaning companies will offer to apply a chemical biocide to the interior of your ductwork in order to kill bacteria (germs) and fungus (mold) and prevent future biological growth. Others will propose the introduction of ozone, which is a highly reactive gas that can quickly destroy microorganisms. There is considerable controversy over the need and wisdom of using biocides in ductwork.
Before the technician turns on the vacuum collection device or applies any chemical biocide, you should ask them to explain their cleaning process and why they recommend that you move forward with the service. It is also a good idea to ask them to demonstrate their equipment and show you any areas of your ductwork that they are particularly concerned about. If you decide to move forward with the cleaning, be sure to select an experienced and qualified contractor who follows NADCA standards for duct cleaning.