Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It?
Dirty air ducts can cause all sorts of problems for your home, including decreased air quality, increased energy bills, and even structural damage. That’s why it’s important to have them cleaned regularly. But is air duct cleaning worth it? In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of air duct cleaning and help you decide if it’s right for you.
What Are The Pros and Cons of Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning is a process of cleaning the various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and returns air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and housings, and the air handling unit housing. There are both pros and cons to having your air ducts cleaned. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of this service:
Pros
Increase the system’s efficiency.
One of the advantages of having your air ducts cleaned is that it can increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. Your heating and cooling system have to work harder when there is a build-up of dirt, dust, and other debris in the ductwork. This means that your energy bills will be higher than they need to be. Having your air ducts cleaned regularly can help to reduce these costs.
It reduces the risk of disease transmission.
When it comes to your health, there’s no such thing as being too cautious. If you have the opportunity to reduce the risk of disease transmission, you should take it. Air duct cleaning does just that by removing contaminants from the air in your home. These contaminants may be coming from Hantavirus infection which is much greater when you breathe in dust contaminated with mouse droppings. This virus can be carried by cotton rats, deer mice, or rice patterns and could make its way into your home through air ducts without our knowledge.
Improved health and hygiene.
Another advantage that people have their air ducts cleaned is improved health and hygiene. Dust, pollen, mold spores, animal dander, and other contaminants can all get trapped in your ductwork. Over time, these contaminants can build up and cause a variety of respiratory problems. Even if you don’t have any health problems, you may still want to consider having your air ducts cleaned for improved hygiene.
Can get rid of unpleasant odors.
If your home or office has an unpleasant odor, it could be coming from your air ducts. Over time, dust, pollen, and other particles can build up in your ductwork and cause bad smells. A professional air duct cleaning can remove these contaminants and leave your space smelling fresh and clean.
Cons
It doesn’t get the main issue of the problem.
If you find excessive debris, dust accumulation, or even rodents in your air ducts then cleaning can fix the problem. However, this is just a temporary solution and without taking appropriate steps to prevent these issues from recurring they may come back again soon. For example, you need to keep an eye out for moisture access, leaks, or structural issues that could contribute to your air duct problems. If you don’t get rid of the root cause then mold will grow back and pests may move into them again.
Rather than cleaning, some systems require replacement.
Unfortunately, if your insulation becomes wet it can lead to dangerous mold growth. In addition, most homes use fiberglass-based products for cooling and heating systems which make them difficult or impossible clean with traditional cleaning methods available at home, in these cases, you may have a replacement expense on top of repairs, and it may be necessary to hire a professional to clean and seal the ducts.
The risk of damage is increased.
Hiring an amateur to clean your air ducts could be more disadvantageous than beneficial. Long vacuum tubes that are typically used for cleaning purposes can damage the inside of vents, leading to holes or leaks in them. But if these professionals use proper safety equipment and follow safe practices while doing their job then everything should be fine.
Cleaning your air ducts is costly.
The average cost for air duct cleaning ranges from $190 to $250. Most homeowners report spending between $100 and $400 on the project, with the low end of that range representing do-it-yourself work. DIY air duct cleaning is possible, but it’s a time-consuming task. You’ll need to rent a special vacuum cleaner and spend several hours cleaning each vent. If you have allergies or asthma, you may want to consider hiring a professional to clean your air ducts.
So, is air duct cleaning worth it? The answer to this question largely depends on your specific situation. There are pros and cons to air duct cleaning, and the decision of whether or not to hire a professional cleaner should be based on an individual assessment of your needs. If you’re looking for increased efficiency and better health and hygiene, then air duct cleaning may be a good option for you. However, if your system only requires light dusting or you’re worried about potential damage, then it might be best to steer clear. Give us a call today so we can help you assess the situation and make the best decision for your home.
Do You Need an HVAC Installer You Can Trust?
Superior Mechanical Services, Inc. began in 1948 as a family-owned business with a vision to provide value-minded service with a down-to-earth approach to customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As the premier Commercial and Residential HVAC Service provider for Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton, Superior Mechanical can do it all, from heating and air conditioning services to boiler services, to plumbing services. Our technicians are certified professionals who will ensure every part of your project is done right using a careful checklist to guide and test each step. At the end of your appointment, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your new system and give you tips on maintenance so it lasts for years to come. Contact us today for amazing service tomorrow!
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