Homeowners often forget about duct cleaning or else think it’s not necessary. Unfortunately, there are some shady companies that hawk “duct cleaning services” that don’t do much of anything at all except a shallow vacuuming of several ducts. This nearly useless type of duct cleaning has soured some people on the idea of the service.
However, duct cleaning professionals with the right equipment who take the time to do a thorough job can make a major difference for a home. A complete cleaning with a pressurized power vacuum and rotary brushes returns ducts to a “like new” condition that reduces resistance on the HVAC system and lowers the amount of dust and other debris that gets blown around the air. (Consider that the average 6-person home circulates 40 pounds of dust a year and you’ll understand what duct cleaning can really do.)
But do you need duct cleaning now? How can you tell? Let’s take a look at whether it’s time to call us to schedule an appointment for duct cleaning in Ellensburg, WA.
When Should You Schedule Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning may be needed when dust, debris, or reduced HVAC efficiency suggests buildup inside your ductwork. Common signs include:
- It has been 3 to 5 years since your last duct cleaning.
- Your air ducts have never been professionally cleaned.
- Your heating or cooling costs are rising unexpectedly.
- Dust quickly returns after you clean your home.
- You can see heavy dust or debris inside the ducts.
If you notice one or more of these signs, having your ductwork inspected can help determine whether professional cleaning is necessary.
It’s been 3 to 5 years since you last had it done
This is the schedule that we recommend for duct cleaning as a routine service. It only takes about one year for a thin layer of dust to develop on the walls of ducts and begin to create resistance to airflow. After three to five years, the buildup of dust, lint, dander, etc. inside the ductwork will be enough to cause a decline in HVAC performance and possibly even cause damage. It won’t be beneficial for your indoor air quality either!
You’ve never had it done before
If you’ve lived in your home for several years, long enough that you have to stop to think about how many years have passed, and you’ve never arranged for duct cleaning in that time, you’re probably overdue for it. Get started with it now and think about keeping up with the recommended schedule we listed above.
You’ve noticed rising HVAC costs
If you have a standard central HVAC system, the ducts receive use all around the year. If the ducts are extremely dirty, this will restrict the ability of the HVAC system’s blower to distribute conditioned air and you’ll see the effects on your utility bills. We recommend you first have our HVAC technicians check out the system to see if there’s something else wrong. If it’s dirty ducts, we’ll be able to tell.
The house is dusty all the time
When ducts become excessively clogged with dust, that dust will continually circulate through the home and keep it dusty. You’ll find dust collecting everywhere, and no amount of dusting does much good. You’ll likely notice the air is dusty and unpleasant as well. These are major signs that you’ve got ducts crammed with dust.
You make a visual check and it’s not good
This is a basic technique that will give you a look at the inside of your ducts. Remove the vent cover from one of the supply ducts, then reach down inside with your smartphone. Take a picture (with flash) of the interior. If the image you capture looks like a clogged car air filter, then it’s time for duct cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the signs that my air ducts need cleaning?
Answer: Common signs include excessive dust throughout the home, visible buildup inside the ductwork, rising HVAC costs, or dust and debris blowing from supply vents. If your ducts look heavily coated when inspected or your home quickly becomes dusty again after cleaning, professional duct cleaning may be worth considering.
Question: How often should air ducts be cleaned?
Answer: ThermAll recommends having air ducts professionally cleaned about every three to five years as part of routine home maintenance. The ideal timing can vary depending on factors such as dust accumulation, pets, remodeling work, HVAC usage, and whether the ducts have ever been cleaned before.
Question: Can dirty air ducts make my energy bills go up?
Answer: Heavy buildup inside ductwork can restrict airflow, forcing the HVAC blower to work harder to distribute heated or cooled air throughout the home. Because higher energy bills can have several causes, ThermAll recommends having the HVAC system inspected first to determine whether dirty ducts are contributing to the problem.
Question: How can I check whether my air ducts are dirty?
Answer: One simple method is to remove a supply vent cover and use a phone camera with the flash on to look inside the duct for heavy dust or debris buildup. If the interior appears heavily clogged or coated, a professional inspection can confirm whether a thorough duct cleaning is appropriate.
Question: Do dirty air ducts make a house dustier?
Answer: When ductwork contains excessive dust and debris, some of those particles can circulate through the HVAC system and settle throughout the home. Persistent dust that quickly returns after regular household cleaning may be a sign that the ducts should be inspected for significant buildup.
Call ThermAll Heating & Cooling, Inc: We are “Your Home Comfort Hero!”