Duct Cleaning Basics
It’s back-to-school season, which means that kids will once again bring home homework assignments and sickness. Respiratory illness commonly breaks out every year when classes start back in session. Unfortunately, most respiratory problems can be traced back to poor lung health resulting from breathing low-quality air. Luckily, there is something that everyone can do to combat common sicknesses.
The air inside a home is notoriously polluted. As polluted air travels through ductwork, it continually soils it and starts a vicious cycle of dirty air and filthy ductwork. This year keep problems at bay by scheduling professional air duct cleaning. Here is a quick guide to the basics and benefits of duct cleaning and how to breathe cleaner air all year.
When is it Time to Have the Air Ducts Cleaned?
Low-quality air is often attributable to dirty ductwork. Exposure to poor indoor air quality can cause symptoms like:
- Aggravated or worsened asthma and allergies
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Air duct cleaning is one of the best tools available to improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens and irritants, but how can homeowners decide when to schedule a visit? Some of the things to look out for are:
- Smells: Dirty ductwork can accumulate mold and mildew that contributes to musty smells in a home.
- Higher Utility Bills: Dirty ducts restrict airflow, causing the air conditioner to have to run for longer periods. This raises cooling costs because of the lack of efficiency.
- Low Airflow: Buildup in ductwork causes air restrictions. The resulting loss of comfort will be noticeable.
- Sounds: Unrestricted airflow shouldn't make a sound. When airflow is restricted, it makes blowing noises or quiet whistling noises. When air is heard flowing through ductwork, it may be time for a cleaning.
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
The air conditioner gets annual professional maintenance, so why skip the maintenance on the ductwork? All of the air in a home passes through ductwork, so dirty ducts can take a toll on everything the air touches. When ducts are clean, homeowners can notice benefits like:
- Lower cooling bills
- Better health of residents
- Less dust buildup
- Fewer AC repairs
- Increased equipment longevity
Preserving Clean Ductwork and Indoor Air
Experts recommend air duct cleaning every three to five years in most cases. But homeowners should know how to keep the air ducts clean between professional cleanings to keep the air fresh. Luckily there are a few easy steps that homeowners can take to improve their indoor air quality in between duct cleanings.
First, make sure air filters are being changed regularly. Homeowners should change their air filters at least every three months. If the home is in a dusty environment or pets or allergy sufferers live there, the air filters may need to be changed as often as monthly.
Second, homeowners should schedule annual AC maintenance and inspections. AC maintenance from licensed professionals can help keep the machinery and ductwork cleaner, improving indoor air quality. AC maintenance also maximizes the energy efficiency and comfort of air conditioner units.
About Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment
Twin Belle Plumbing, Heating, Air & Water Treatment has over two decades of experience serving the residents of Westchester, NY, and the surrounding areas. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and personal attention. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Westchester, NY.
