Why Clean Air Ducts?
Answer: Because they get dirty!
In addition to normal accumulations of dust and dirt found in all homes with air ducts, there are homeowners that have the following should clean their air ducts more often:
- pets living in the home
- occupants with allergies or asthma
- cigarette or cigar smoke
- water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system
- home renovation or remodeling projects
Some homeowners are more sensitive to these contaminants than others. Allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as young children and the elderly, tend to be more susceptible to the types of poor indoor air quality that air duct cleaning can help address.
Top Reasons Why You Should Clean Your Air Ducts
NADCA’s rule of thumb for consumers is that “if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are,” and dirty HVAC systems should be inspected and cleaned by a reputable, certified HVAC professional. Below are some other reasons why homeowners choose to have their air ducts cleaned.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is one concern that homeowners have when they decide to investigate air duct cleaning. Your heating and cooling system is the lungs of your home. The system takes air in and breathes air out.
Through normal occupation in a home, we generate a lot of contaminants and air pollutants, such as dander, dust, and chemicals. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated 5 to 7 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the ductwork.
While dirty ducts don’t necessarily mean unhealthy air in your home, school or workplace, they may contribute to larger health issues or harbor contaminants that could cause serious problems for people with respiratory health conditions, autoimmune disorders, or allergies.
Energy Savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating or cooling a home is wasted. Contaminants in the heating and cooling system cause it to work harder and shorten the life of your system. Although filters are used, the heating and cooling system still gets dirty through everyday use.
When an HVAC system is clean, it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature you desire. As a result, less energy is used, leading to improved cost-effectiveness.
Find a Professional
When you’re ready to tackle those air ducts, choose a qualified contractor to ensure the job is done right. NADCA makes it really simple for homeowners to find a certified air duct cleaning professional. All it takes is a zip code to search our online directory to find a NADCA member in your area.
CLICK HERE TO FIND A NADCA PROFESSIONAL NEAR YOU