Have you ever thought about the importance of HVAC duct cleaning? Remember that your ducts get dusty, which is normal, but it has to be maintained regularly to ensure the system is able to perform at its most optimal level. However, this doesn’t mean that you should clean it all the time because that may not be a good idea as well, because cleaning it frequently can do more harm than good. Before we get into that, here’s something to know about duct cleaning.
To clean your HVAC’s ductwork, it will require specialized equipment to remove dirt in the ducts before they get vacuumed out. In some cases, the tubes are cut for better access, meaning that it has to be resealed carefully when done. Indeed, it’s a tedious process. Moreover, it requires a powerful vacuum system to remove the air duct contamination fully.
Air Duct Contamination
Your HVAC’s tubes can be contaminated with harmful elements over time, such as pollen, mold, bacteria, chemical residue, and other pollutants. These elements are a health hazard and they can potentially damage your system when the build-up becomes unmanageable. Keep in mind that there are two ways to have your system cleaned: HVAC system cleaning and duct cleaning. But what’s the best choice?
HVAC Cleaning vs. Duct Cleaning
When it comes to having the ductwork cleaned, it’s typically only required when it’s contaminated, and it only makes sense to clean the entire system following the cleanup. With that, it is recommended that cleaning of the tube must be a part of an overall HVAC system cleaning, which includes cleaning and replacing the air filter, cleaning diffusers and grilles, and checking drain pans, and lines for proper drainage, among others.
The Truth About Duct Cleaning
Although cleaning your ducts may be essential for health, it really isn’t. This means that even if your tubes are dirty, cleaning them won’t provide you with any measurable benefits. Why? This is mainly because there is little research on duct cleaning and its benefits. So far, this cleaning can actually stir up so much dust that it can create a bigger problem.
Another point to remember is that if you discover a build-up of dust on registers, that doesn’t mean that there’s dust in your tubes. Return-air registers are indeed prone to accumulate dust, but that doesn’t mean the ducts have the same build-up. This is because the air filters behind the registers are designed to trap most of the dust that gets sucked into the return-air register, meaning that it never enters the HVAC system. The best thing to do here is to change air filters when they become dusty as this is most effective in preventing dust from entering the system.
It is a good idea to check for contamination in your ducts at least once a year. On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about it so much because you only have to clean it when there’s a serious problem. Otherwise, you’re all good!
Conclusion
At this point, you now know more about duct cleaning and the frequency to do so. What’s important when it comes to your HVAC system is to have the system maintained by professionals. If you are not experienced in this, you may end up risking your health by breathing in harmful contaminants. Also, if your tubes are old, it’s best to replace them entirely. Your HVAC contractor will know what to do, especially when it comes to your ducts.
At Air 1 Heating & Cooling, our experts will help you figure the best way to clean the ducts to ensure clean air within your property. If you are looking for a professional HVAC service in Bergen County, NJ, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!