Professional Air Duct Cleaning: Common Myths and Facts You Should Know
Regular air duct maintenance can guarantee a safe living space for you and your family. If your ducts are home to molds, infections, or excess dirt, they need professional cleaning so you know that the underlying causes have been addressed and the ducts are contamination-free.
The internet is filled with information on air duct cleaning that may encourage you to try it yourself instead of hiring an air duct cleaning company, but there is a wide range of myths that can turn your duct cleaning mission into a disaster.
That’s why you should learn all the facts about cleaning home air ducts before you decide to DIY and consider a professional who provides air duct cleaning services.
Don’t worry, here are the top 10 myths and facts about duct cleaning services that the experts at Service 360 Group think will help you decide if you can handle cleaning your ducts, or if professional assistance is the way to go. Let’s dig into it.
Top 10 Air Duct Cleaning Myths And Facts
If you read these myths and feel that hiring a professional makes sense for you and your home, Service 360 Group is available to answer any more questions you have and is happy to schedule an appointment to inspect your HVAC system.
Myth 1: DIY Cleaning Is Enough – False
Fact: Even though DIY cleaning seems simple enough, you should still rely on regular professional air duct cleaning services to guarantee that your HVAC system is maintained properly. DIY air duct cleaning will be effective for some time, but you will fail to provide the deep cleaning needed for your HVAC system to run for years to come. This level of cleaning is only possible with specialized equipment and techniques designed for working with deeper ductwork and allergies or respiratory risks.
Myth 2: Air Duct Cleaning Is Expensive- False
Fact: Many factors impact the cost of professional duct cleaning, some of which require the experience of a professional to answer. These factors are:
Size of your Home
Level of Contamination
Which Cleaning Method are you going to choose
No. of Vents
Complexity of Cleaning
Accessibility of Ducts
No. of Crew Members Required
On average, you can expect to pay between $400 to $1000 for professional cleaning services. This may look like a hefty amount, but when you consider it as an investment into the health of your family and the air quality of your home, it isn’t all that expensive.
Myth 3: Air Duct Cleaning Should Be Done Annually- False
Fact: Air duct cleaning doesn’t have to be done every year. The truth is the frequency depends on several factors, including:
The age of your home
Whether you have pets
The level of pollutants in your indoor air
And more.
Homes with pets or residents who have allergies might need more frequent cleanings. Cleaning every 2 to 5 years is usually sufficient for most other households. Overcleaning is unnecessary and might cost more than it’s worth. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional, like Service 360 Group, inspect your air ducts and recommend a cleaning schedule based on your home’s needs.
Myth 4: Air Duct Cleaning is Quick Process- False
Fact: People usually assume that air duct cleaning can be completed in an hour or two, but proper cleaning usually takes longer. There are a couple of factors that determine how long a duct cleaning may take. A one-bedroom apartment that has been lived in for a short time will take less time than a five-bedroom home that has had years for dust and dirt to collect. It is important to estimate the length of your cleaning project when considering taking it on yourself, many times the process takes longer than homeowners expect.
Myth 5: All Air Duct Cleaning Companies Are Equally Reputed – False
Fact: Most people believe that air duct cleaning services are the same. This is not true, as some companies specialize more and offer a higher quality while others do not. You should always research before hiring a random duct cleaning professional. Companies with good reputations will have good reviews online and probably have been around for years if not decades. Establish if they possess advanced cleaning machines and how far they have gone in adhering to the regulations set by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Invest in a well-known service company to receive quality cleaning services instead of unclear, unspecialized, services which will result in losing money.
Myth 6: Air Duct Cleaning is a Waste of Money – False
Fact: It is true that many individuals see air duct cleaning as an expense and not as an investment. It is reasonable to think of it as an expense. However, providing quality air from clean ducts can be an investment in your and your family’s health. The condition of the duct may keep those who have allergies, asthma, or some respiratory conditions more comfortable and healthy. Even without such health risks, the air quality where you live is optimistic about your health. These points include air duct cleaning as a duty. It is not a luxury since that cleaning will benefit the entire house, creating a healthier living space.
Myth 7: Air Duct Cleaning Can Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency- Partially True
Fact: While dirty air ducts can affect airflow, the impact on energy efficiency is often minimal. However, with the help of regular HVAC system maintenance, you can improve energy efficiency. Here are some examples of typical HVAC system maintenance:
Minor Repairs
Filter changes
Cleaning
Lubrication
Tuning and calibration
Evaporator drain check
Thermostat accuracy check
Myth 8: Cleaning Air Ducts Is A Fire Prevention Procedure – Partially True
Fact: Yes, cleaning your air ducts does reduce the risk of fire due to removing any debris, dust particles, and other flammable materials. However, this fire prevention procedure still does not offer an assurance of safety.
Cleaning the outside of your air ducts will eliminate most of the materials that can be risk factors for ignition when cleaning ventilation ducts. However, it needs to be accompanied by regular upkeep of the heating and cooling appliances.
If you don’t pay attention to HVAC systems, filthy filters, and broken equipment, they can very well spark a fire at any time. Therefore, when cleaning air ducts and inspecting HVAC units for any fire hazards within the home, don’t forget to check if any cleaning inside the ducts has been performed.
Myth 9: Mold Remediation Includes Duct Cleaning- True
Fact: Your hired duct cleaning professionals can clean mold within the air ducts, however, duct cleaners are incapable of remediating mold properly. In cases where the mold infestation in the residence is critical, it is recommended to have an expert in mold mitigation treat the affected area.
Myth 10: Your Dirty Air Ducts Can Cause Health Issues – Partially True
Fact: Dirty air ducts can undoubtedly cause indoor air pollution. However, blaming unclean air ducts alone for all your health problems isn’t accurate. In addition to the impure air ducts, there are multiple factors such as dust, mold, thermal discomfort, and other stressful factors that also pollute your home and lead to various diseases, which include:
Respiratory Problems such as coughing, sneezing, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, difficulty in breathing, asthma attacks, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Allergies include allergic reactions to dust, mold, pollen, pet dander, skin rashes, and itchy, watery eyes.
Other Health Issues, including headaches, fatigue, and low-grade fever.
Conclusion
As you can see, air duct cleaning services involve much more than you may have thought. It makes sense to perform your own maintenance whenever possible to save time and money, but some things are best left to a professional. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning the ducts in your home, give us a call! The experts at Service 360 Group offer a range of home care services to help keep your home in its prime! DIY or professional service company, whichever you decide, properly maintaining your HVAC system will help you and your family stay healthy and comfortable for years to come!
