Air pollution has been a significant issue in recent times. Clean air ducts can enhance the air quality and efficiency of your home. Thus, you have to know when to get them cleaned. Several products have been introduced in the marketplace to enhance indoor air quality. The massive demand for such products shows our concerns for enhanced air quality. For someone concerned about the air quality in our environment, ensure that you carry out air duct cleaning procedures.
Duct cleaning implies the cleaning of various compartments of the cooling and heating system. It may include registers and return air ducts, diffusers, grilles, cooling and heating coils, heat exchangers, air handling unit housing, fan housing, fan motor, condensate drain pans, etc. These compartments become accumulated with pollen, bacteria, dust, debris, etc., especially if it is not properly maintained and installed. Conversely, a duct system that is adequately insulated and sealed can make enhance your comfort.
If you set up an HVAC system in your home, then you have to understand the concept of air duct cleaning. Also, it would be best if you integrated these procedures into your home maintenance routine. Peruse this post on air duct cleaning.
Why Is Air Duct Cleaning Important?
The HVAC system operates by circulating air in your home. The air circulation makes your home comfortable for you, regardless of the chilling winter or scorching summer outside. Unclean air affects the emotional and physical health of the people in the house. We have provided a list of the various reasons that make it essential to clean air duct.
A Cleaner Home
The main reason to perform this task is that it enhances indoor air quality. The air ducts accumulate dirt and dust particles released into the air when ducts are left unmaintained. The tiny particles float unrestrained inside the home and land on the bed, carpet, food, furniture, and everywhere. Thus, you must ensure that the air ducts are always clean to enhance the cleanliness of your home.
Durability and Longevity
Research has shown that most HVAC systems breakdown or fail because it is not effectively maintained. The air ducts accumulate debris and dirt, which will gradually lead to system failure. Note that replacing the parts of the HVAC systems will cost you money. Therefore, ensure that you clean the vents and ducts to enhance the longevity of your system.
Reduce the Risk of Allergens
The air ducts act as paths for several harmful micro-organisms and contaminants to enter your home. Bacteria, pet dander, and other toxic substances usually find solace at homes if the air ducts are not thoroughly maintained. The contaminated air circulates through the homes resulting in allergic reactions for the people residing in the house. Research shows that the dirty air ducts circulate air contaminants and pollutants throughout the home multiple times per day. If anyone living in the house suffers from allergic reactions, air duct cleaning becomes an essential task. People suffering from allergic reactions need a healthy environment. An effective way to lessen the number of allergens in your environment is through air vent cleaning.
Eliminate Bad Odors
Unclean ducts contribute to the smell and odors in the rooms. Accumulating dirt and dust in the ducts will result in musty smells in the home. Even after applying aromatic candles and strong air fresheners, if a bad smell circulates in the home, ensure that you check the air ducts. You should conduct a thorough clean-up of the ducts regularly for a fresh-smelling home.
Improve Efficiency
Another benefit of air duct cleaning is that it enhances the efficiency of airflow. Blockage of the duct with dirt and other impurities will make the system work with the extra power to cool or heat the home. It results in decreased efficiency of the system. Thus, cleaning the ducts regularly will enable the system to work at optimal efficiency.
How Often Should You Clean The Air Ducts?
Air duct cleaning becomes an essential part of home maintenance, especially during the spring season. The winter season is when the air ducts accumulate a lot of contaminants and get trapped inside the system. The early spring season is one the best times to carry out this cleaning task. So, how regularly should you conduct air duct cleaning?
The fact is that there is no definite period to clean the air ducts. However, always put in mind that the air quality level of your environment and geographical location plays a role in determining the rate of air duct cleaning tasks. Look for the following signs to hire a professional that provides vent and duct cleaning services.
Dusty Air
If you notice a small initial puff of contaminants from the air registers after switching on the HVAC system, it implies that dust has circulated in the ducts. Generally, these contaminants are not visible. The accumulated dust in the air registers also results in the dusty air. Therefore, ensure that you clean the air registers both the inside and outside compartment.
Musty Odor
If you notice that your room oozes a bad smell, it may result from the air ducts. The debris that accumulates in the duct system oozes a bad odor, and it will be more evident when you sniff around the air circulation system. Another reason for the bad smell may be mold formation in the air ducts.
Irregular Airflow
Another great reason to carry out an HVAC inspection is when you notice an irregular pattern in the airflow. Some air circulation systems will have smooth airflow and operate normally. However, they might be a lack of pressure in the air circulation in some other rooms. The reason may be due to the blockage in the inner compartment of the air ducts. Another reason could be attributed to leaky ducts.
Can You Clean Air Vents Yourself?
The cleaning tasks will be more efficient if professional technicians conduct it. Nevertheless, you can do it yourself by using a damp cloth to clean off the dust accumulated on the system’s surface. Ensure that you conduct this task regularly, maybe weekly or bi-weekly. You can also use an efficient vacuum cleaner to wipe off the accumulated dust in the ducts. Ensure that you perform this task carefully because it may damage the duct unit.
Conclusion
Cleaning air vents is essential for a cleaner and healthier environment. This post has highlighted the importance of air duct cleaning, how often to clean the air duct, and things to do to conduct the task yourself. Thus, ensure that you apply the strategies highlighted and get the best out of them.
