A healthy Flower Mound, TX home is clean even in the most unexpected places. In addition to vacuuming your carpet and dusting hard surfaces, it is also essential to keep your ductwork clean. Each time you run your HVAC system, air passes through your ducting and out through various vents and registers.
Over time, your ducting can experience a buildup of allergens and contaminants, such as dust, mold spores and pet dander. As these particulates circulate through your home, you can experience issues like headaches, shortness of breath and fatigue. Regular duct cleaning from our team here at Honest Home Services LLC can help alleviate these symptoms.
How Often Should You Schedule a Duct Cleaning?
We recommend that you have your ducts cleaned professionally at least once every three to five years. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies, consider scheduling more frequent appointments. Pet owners should also maintain a regular schedule for duct cleaning. You may need to schedule one-time cleanings after construction work is completed in your residence.
In addition to having your ducts cleaned, ensure that a professional also performs an inspection. This process can identify ductwork damage and other issues that contribute to HVAC inefficiencies and poor indoor air quality.
What Are the Health Benefits of Duct Cleaning?
Removing allergens and particulate matter rather than allowing them to circulate throughout the living space can lower your risk of allergies and asthma attacks. People who suffer from chronic respiratory conditions or other health issues will benefit as well.
By keeping your ductwork clean, you can prevent mold from growing inside your ductwork. This is accomplished by removing organic matter that mold can feed on, preventing future spore release. A duct cleaning can also remove moisture from the inside of your ducts. Mold exposure can cause severe health problems, such as inflammation, fatigue, brain fog and gastrointestinal issues.
You can prevent mold growth in your ducts by controlling the relative humidity in your home. If humidity frequently rises above 50% in your residence, consider investing in a whole-home dehumidifier. This equipment may be installed near the HVAC system so that it has easy access to the ductwork.
Ducts can be contaminated with viruses, bacteria and other pathogens that can make you sick. If you and your family are frequently ill, consider a duct cleaning. If symptoms like chest congestion and sinus irritation are frequent, dirty ducts may be to blame.
It’s essential that you get restful sleep each night. If you’re waking up frequently because you’re feeling unwell, this can lead to issues with your mood and chronic health problems. Removal of allergens and contaminants can decrease any nighttime interruptions that have become commonplace.
Other Benefits to Consider
Aside from its health benefits, duct cleaning can also enhance airflow and improve energy efficiency. Clean ducts allow air to move easily through, reducing any potential strain that your HVAC system could experience. Long-term benefits can include reducing your energy consumption, lower monthly utility bills and faster heating and cooling times.
Your HVAC system should last between 15 and 20 years with regular maintenance. Clean ducts enable your equipment to operate more efficiently, reducing wear and tear on components. In addition to avoiding premature heating and cooling equipment replacement, you can also reduce the need for frequent repairs. Emergency repairs can be expensive, especially when damage is extensive.
Signs It’s Time to Schedule a Duct Cleaning
While you should follow the general schedule of a duct cleaning every three to five years, there are other signs to watch for. Professional attention is necessary if you notice any of these indicating factors.
Visible Dust and Debris
You may find that surfaces in your home are getting dirty more frequently than usual if you need a duct cleaning. Also, inspect your vent covers and around registers for signs of particulate buildup.
Foul Odors Coming From Vents
When your heating or cooling equipment is running, bad odors coming from vents and registers can indicate dirty ducts. The problem may simply be typical particulates like dust and pet dander, but musty or moldy smells should be investigated immediately.
Inconsistent Heating and Cooling
The temperature in your home should be relatively consistent throughout the entire residence. If you’re noticing dramatic temperature fluctuations or inconsistent airflow, you may need to schedule a duct cleaning.
Feeling Unwell
If you’re noticing a steady increase in allergy symptoms or respiratory infections, consider a one-off duct cleaning. This is especially true if pollen levels outside aren’t high or you haven’t recently been exposed to a known trigger.
Avoiding DIY Duct Cleaning
It’s important to rely on our professional team for your ductwork services needs. We use high-quality brushes, vacuums and other equipment to remove particulates without contaminating the rest of your home. We will clean and inspect all of your vents, registers and grilles. We will notify you promptly of any issues that require immediate attention, such as pest infestations or the presence of mold. Attempting to clean your ductwork yourself can lead to damage and the spread of pollutants.
Reducing Particulate Matter in Ducting
It’s inevitable that some amount of particulate matter will accumulate in your ducts over time. However, there are steps you can take to minimize the number of contaminants you deal with. Remember to change your HVAC filter regularly. Most filters require replacement every 30 to 90 days. If you suffer from allergies or other health issues, consider more frequent changes.
Install Air Purifiers
You can have whole-home air purification equipment installed in your HVAC system. Particulate matter will be removed as your heating or cooling equipment runs. This is much more effective than using a portable purifier, which only addresses a small amount of square footage at one time. Additionally, whole-home units utilize enhanced filtration that can remove up to 99.97% of the particulate matter from your air.
Ventilate the Home
Utilize proper ventilation in your home. This can help keep relative humidity between the recommended 30% and 50%, reducing the risk of mold growth and moisture buildup in your ducts. Additionally, humid air can retain higher levels of particulate matter, which has the potential to accumulate in your ducting.
Establish a No Smoking Policy
Don’t allow people to smoke in your home. The chemicals and carcinogens in cigarette smoke can make you feel unwell and increase your risk of cancer. Smoke particulates can settle in your ducting and then circulate to other areas of your home.
Clean the Vent Covers
Remove and clean your vent covers periodically. Wipe down air intake vents as well. This can reduce your exposure to particulate matter and help keep your ducts clean in between maintenance.
Routine duct cleaning is much more than general maintenance. It’s a process that helps protect your HVAC equipment and indoor air quality. Not only will you breathe easier when scheduling periodic duct cleaning, but you can also avoid expensive HVAC repairs. Contact our team at Honest Home Services LLC in Flower Mound to schedule an appointment today.
