They are generally hidden away behind walls or ceilings, or in your furnace room or attic. You don’t think about your home’s air ducts, but they are essential in making sure your home stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Air duct cleaning has never been proven to prevent health problems. However, clean ducts will make your heating and air conditioning system operate more effectively and could potentially extend its life and improve indoor air quality if other parts of the system are properly maintained.
You should clear your ducts under the following circumstances:
- There is visible mold growth inside them.
- They are infested with vermin such as rodents or insects.
- They are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris.
- Particles and contaminants are released into the home through registers.
The company performing the duct cleaning services should:
- Inspect the system to ensure there are no asbestos-containing materials that would require specialized procedures.
- Use either equipment that exhausts particles outside the home or HEPA vacuuming equipment if exhausted inside the home.
- Brush duct surfaces along with contact vacuum cleaning to dislodge particles.
- Use only soft-bristled brushes on fiberglass.
- Seal any access holes they may have made to ensure the ducts are airtight.
- Protect flooring and furniture during cleaning.
Cleaning your air ducts can cost up to about $1,000. The exact price is determined by:
- The size of the system
- Accessibility
- Climate
- Level of contamination
If you are going to have your ducts cleaned, make sure you select a reputable provider. Things you should do:
- Make sure the company complies with standards issued by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
- If your ducts are constructed with fiberglass or are insulated with fiberglass duct liner, make sure the company complies with North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recommendations.
- Get references from family and friends (references the company will give you will likely be their family and friends).
- Check Google reviews.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been lodged against them.
Once you have done this due diligence, talk to at least three companies and get written estimates. If the estimate is based on hourly charges, get in writing the number of hours the project will take.
Finally, some companies to stay away from:
- Firms that make claims about the health benefits of professional duct cleaning (per above, there is no proof)
- Firms that use chemical biocides and treatments
- Firms that say they can give you an estimate without coming to your home.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for HVAC Needs
While Ravinia Plumbing does not perform ductwork, we can inspect, maintain, and repair the rest of your HVAC system. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable heating and cooling companies in Chicagoland. Contact Ravinia Plumbing today to schedule an appointment. To find a duct cleaning service, visit the NADCA at www.NADCA.com
