If your allergies make you suffer, or your lungs are irritated even indoors, your HVAC system might be the culprit. Normally, your HVAC system is responsible for filtering contaminants from the air so they don’t go into the system. Though it’s not the filter’s main purpose, this also helps remove particulates from your home’s air. When the system can’t filter out contaminants properly, it can impact your family’s health and well-being.
Moreover, you might notice respiratory issues or other symptoms even with a clean filter. In that case, there might be particulates further inside your system, such as in the ducts. Although duct cleaning generally happens less frequently than other maintenance tasks, it can be quite beneficial.
Why Is Duct Cleaning Important for Your Health?
Duct cleaning can protect your family’s health in several important ways. Clean ductwork will help improve your indoor air quality (IAQ). In the short term, exposure to low-quality air can cause respiratory irritation or worsen existing conditions. Over a long period, low IAQ is linked with conditions as severe as lung cancer. In general, low IAQ can also make it harder to sleep or be productive.
IAQ is lowered when particulates make their way into your building’s air. Here are some contaminants you might find in ductwork that needs cleaning.
Dust and Dirt
No matter how clean your home is, dust and dirt can develop in your HVAC system. Excess dust can impact your overall health. This is especially true for people with respiratory issues. Dust can trigger asthma attacks and worsen your allergy symptoms.
Pollen
When some types of plants reproduce, they release pollen into the air, and it can end up in your ducts. Along with contributing to allergy symptoms, asthma attacks, and respiratory illnesses, pollen can increase the odds of sinus infections.
Mold and Mildew
If moisture gets into your ducts, it can lead to mold and mildew growth. Cool, dark conditions are a hospitable environment for mold and mildew. These spores can irritate your respiratory system and make you sick.
Some forms of mold are known to produce mycotoxins. Acute exposure to mycotoxins can cause lung damage, immune system issues, and problems with digesting proteins. Even moderate exposure can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, fatigue, concentration problems, and irritability.
Pet Dander
Pet dander refers to the minuscule skin flakes your pet sheds naturally. It’s not the only pet-related allergen, but it’s one of the most common ones. Over time, pet dander can build up in your HVAC system. Brushing and washing your furry friend regularly can reduce the chances of dander getting into your system. If it’s already there, though, only ductwork cleaning can help.
Pest Waste
Sometimes, insects and rodents can get into your HVAC system. They can leave droppings behind. At worst, they can expire in your ductwork, causing foul odors.
Pet dander, waste, dust, and other contaminants aren’t just dangerous for your health. They also impact the efficacy of your HVAC system. If your HVAC system is dirty, it limits airflow and makes the components work harder to maintain a comfortable environment. By cleaning your ducts, you can decrease the amount of electricity your unit needs to heat and cool your home.
How Do You Clean HVAC Ductwork?
To prevent damage and other potential issues, leave duct cleaning to the professionals. However, basic vent cleaning should be a part of your routine HVAC maintenance. This includes the return vent, where the filter goes and air is taken in. It also includes supply vents, which allow conditioned air into the rooms in your home.
When you’re cleaning your system’s vents, it is a good idea to wear a mask and goggles. These items can prevent contaminants from getting into your eyes or respiratory system. Then, follow the steps below.
First, turn off your HVAC system. Remove screws from the vents, return vents, and duct covers.
Then, lift the vent cover off of the vent you’re working on. You can use a soft-bristle brush to clean dust buildup from the interior. A vacuum can also be used to remove dust from inside.
If you have a microfiber cloth, you can reach it into the duct to wipe the interior clean. Rinse the cloth as needed.
Next, take the vent covers to your sink or tub. Use soap and warm water to clean the vent covers.
The vent covers must dry completely before you put them back in their original locations. Wet vents can lead to mold, so never introduce any moisture into your HVAC system.
Once the vents have dried, put the vent covers back and screw them back in. This is also a good time to change your air filter so that it isn’t blowing dirt and dust into your freshly cleaned system.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Ducts?
In a six-room home, around 40 pounds of dust is created each year. Pet hair, pests, pollen, and other contaminants can also accumulate over time. It’s never a bad idea to do basic vent cleaning when you do routine maintenance tasks like changing your filter. A professional should clean your entire ductwork every two to five years or as necessary. If you have air purifiers, you might be able to extend that to as much as every eight years.
Should You Get Professional Duct Cleaning?
Professional duct cleaning is more intensive than the routine maintenance you do on your own. Because your ductwork is so important for your HVAC efficiency, you don’t want to unintentionally damage it. There are a few reasons why you should seek professional help.
HVAC Technicians Can Achieve a Better Level of Cleanliness
An HVAC technician uses procedures and equipment that achieve a deeper level of cleanliness. First, the HVAC technician will inspect your system for problems. They will inspect each seal for damage. If sealants or tape have deteriorated, they can replace them and make sure your system is properly sealed.
Most often, they will then use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to make negative pressure in the vents. Afterward, they will use air whips and compressed air to loosen debris in your ducts. These contaminants are then vacuumed out of your HVAC system.
There Are Situations Where Professional Help Is Necessary
If you’ve recently completed a home remodeling project, you may have more dust than normal in your ductwork. Likewise, significant pest damage, nests, and mold growth are situations that require professional help. When mold is present, you should never clean it yourself because it can pose problems for your respiratory system.
Finally, you may need professional ductwork if your system is at least seven years old or has duct leaks. During your routine maintenance check, the HVAC technician can perform an energy audit to look for duct leaks.
Learn More About HVAC Maintenance and Duct Cleaning Services
At Honest Home Services LLC in Flower Mound, we have more than 20 years of combined experience. Our HVAC team is known for honesty and reliability.
Other than duct cleaning, we offer help with air conditioner maintenance, installation, and repairs. We also provide heater repairs and maintenance. Additionally, our team can consult with you on the type of air purifiers, humidification, dehumidification, and ventilation your home needs.
For more information on duct cleaning and other HVAC services, reach out to Honest Home Services LLC today.
