Why is Duct Cleaning so Important?

Ducts are very important for the efficient operation of your HVAC system. As air flows through the system, it picks up dirt and debris. If the ducts are clogged with debris, air flow will be reduced, and the system has to work harder to move air around the house, which will cause your energy bills to rise. This can also lead to poor indoor air quality in your home or business, which could make you sick. Dirty ducts can also contribute to the growth of mold, which can cause serious allergic reactions in some people.

Hidden Danger of Dirty Ducts

As we have seen above, a dirty duct poses several problems: decreased energy efficiency and reduced air flow, which could lead to poor indoor air quality. A dirty duct can also be a source of contamination, bacteria and viruses. As ducts transport air throughout a building, they can easily become contaminated. In addition, ducts are often in hidden, closed-off areas of the building, and are not easily cleaned or maintained. Researchers analyzing the ductwork in several different buildings found that ducts can be contaminated with bacteria and viruses from people’s skin, mice and cockroach feces, as well as from food particles and dust mites. These contaminants can also be blown from other parts of the building and become trapped in the ductwork.

How often you should clean your ducts

You should have your ducts cleaned by a professional company at least once a year, or as recommended by the professionals who do the cleaning. It is a good idea to clean your ducts after any renovations that may cause a lot of dust and debris. You should also clean your ducts before putting your home or business up for sale. A clean duct system will make a home more attractive to potential buyers.

What to expect when having your ducts cleaned

When having your ducts cleaned, you should expect to have the following done: The cleaning company will first inspect your ducts and check for any damage or debris. They will then use a regular vacuum to clean out the ducts, removing dust, dirt, and small debris. The cleaning company may also apply a disinfectant to kill germs and bacteria in the ducts. Then they will use an industrial vacuum to suck out all the debris from all the vents. They should also inspect your HVAC system to ensure it is working properly, and even change out your furnace filter if necessary.

Remember to stay away from the area where the duct cleaning is happening: The cleaning company will let you know when the cleaning is complete and when you can come back to the area.

Extra steps you can take to keep your vents clean all year long

- Inspect your ducts before the cleaning happens: You can do an inspection yourself or hire a professional inspector to do an inspection for you. You can also take pictures of the ducts so you will have a record for future reference.

- Clean up the area around the duct openings before the cleaning happens: The cleaning company will need to seal off the ducts with plastic.

-If you have small children in your home, or small children that visit; invest in vent covers that will help to keep large objects out of the vents. GuardaVent is the only childproof vent cover available on the market today and is specifically designed to attach to the floor without damaging it.  There are two small tabs that lock the lid in place after it's installed and that will keep kids from putting objects down the vents. GuardaVent covers can still be opened by an adult to access for cleaning or maintenance.

Final Words

Cleaning your ducts every year is important as it will improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, reduce your energy bills, and make your home or business more comfortable. A dirty duct can also be a source of contamination, bacteria and viruses. You should have your ducts cleaned by a professional company every year, or as recommended by the professionals who do the cleaning. Remember, a good vent cover can make all the difference and GuardaVent is an excellent option that keeps small hands and feet out of the vents, keeps large objects out of the vents, and because it's attached to the floor, it gives the home a more finished and polished feel.