What Is Air Duct Cleaning?
Over the last decade people have become more aware that indoor air pollution is an issue of growing concern. There are numerous companies that market services intended to improve the quality of everyones indoor air. Air duct cleaning services from most of our competitors vary from $75 – $2,500. There are a plethora of reasons the price may vary so much.
- The size of the system being cleaned
- The ease of access to the system being cleaned
- The climatic region
- The level of contamination
These all play a major role in determining the cost of duct cleaning.
Duct cleaning refers to the cleaning of cooling, and in some cases, heating components of any forced air system. This generally includes the following :
- Supply Intake Vents
- Return Air Ducts
- Registers themselves
- Grilles
- Diffusers
- Heat Exchangers
- Heating and cooling coils
- Condensation Drain Pans (Drip Pans)
- Fan Motor
- Fan Housing
- Air Handling Unit Housing
This is not an exhaustive list, but does provide a general scope of what you can expect to be cleaned. Typically most duct cleaning companies will charge more for more services you require. For instance, a basic air duct cleaning may only clean the ducts of debris, and not clean the registers, air handling unit, or anything else. It’s important that you always check with your air duct cleaning company on exactly what services will be performed for the price you pay.
If not property installed, maintained or operated, all of your HVAC components could become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen and / or other debris.
Deciding Whether Or Not To Have Your Air Duct Cleaned.
Conditions in each home are uniquely different, so it’s important to speak to an HVAC expert to gauge what all needs to be completed.
Generally, you can determine if you need ducts cleaned if you meet any of the following criteria.
- If you smell musty, or moldy air.
- If you suffer from asthma, or other allergens you should clean your ducts every 6 months to 1 year.
- If you can visibly see small, medium, or large dust deposits in your ducts.
- If you see mold, or other growth on your registers in each room. (Even if the growth is only on one register)
- If family members are experiencing unexplained symptoms or illnesses that may be explained with dirty indoor air.
- If your air ducts are insulated, and the insulation gets wet.
- If you notice vermin in your ducts, such as mice.
Many people chose to have their ducts cleaned because it just seems logical at the time. The general rule of thumb is to get them cleaned once a year unless you suffer from Asthma, or allergens, in which case every 6 months is recommended.
What to Expect from Your Duct Cleaning
If you chose to have your ducts cleaned, the service provider to meet the following criteria.
- Visually inspect the entire system.
- Use vacuum equipment that exhausts particles outside of the home, or inside of the home with a heppa filtration system.
- Cover carpet and household furnishings to prevent them from becoming dirty.
- Use a soft bristle brush to prevent damage on any of your ductwork.
- follow NADCA standards for air duct cleaning.
- Take care to protect the duct work, including sealing and re-insulating any access holes the service provider may have made or used so they are airtight.
Overall, cleaning your ducts is a great way to keep your indoor air pollution free. It’s important to stay vigilant though, as some companies simply don’t do a good job.
Ecostar offers free inspections and upfront pricing. Give us a call today for same-day service.
