Why Duct Cleaning Is Important

Just like your lungs are a vital connection to the rest of your respiratory system, your home’s ductwork, or air ducts, are connected to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. For your HVAC system—and your lungs—to perform at peak levels, the numerous airways need to be open and clear. All in the name of breathing properly. This is where duct cleaning can be a helpful step in the overall maintenance of your HVAC system.

The Importance of Every Breath Your HVAC System Takes

Essentially, the air in your SWFL home is carried to and from your lungs back to the HVAC system. Air ducts are the paths traveled by air, meaning it’s important for the traveling air to be as clean as possible because the air can pick up any particles or debris in the ducts and carry it straight to you.

Having clear air ducts can contribute to good indoor air quality (IAQ), which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states is a prime concern in relation to pollutants these days. The EPA is referring to the air quality around buildings and structures, more specifically as it pertains to the comfort and health of their occupants.

The health effects from indoor air pollutants can show up soon after you are exposed or even years later. While the scientific community recognizes common indoor air quality pollutants can have harmful consequences, it can’t pinpoint how long exposure is required or what concentrations are necessary for specific health problems to develop. Additionally, individuals react to different exposures distinctly.

With all this uncertainty, it’s better to avoid the pollutants altogether, as much as possible.

When to Have Your Ductwork Cleaned

You should consider having your ducts cleaned if you notice any or all of the following situations in your home:

• There is mold visible on the hard surfaces of your ducts (inside and/or outside) and other HVAC system components.

• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust, debris, or particles.

• Rodents and/or insects are infesting the ducts. (An exterminator is required to eliminate the infestation prior to getting your ducts cleaned.)

In addition to these circumstances, if you or someone living in your Southwest Florida home suffers from allergies, asthma, or chronic illnesses, or you have pets or smokers in your home, having your ducts cleaned may help improve your home’s indoor air quality, thereby helping anyone with these issues.

Knowledge about air duct cleaning is still in the early days. As such, the EPA does not provide a blanket recommendation on the effects of duct cleaning on IAQ. However, the EPA DOES recommend having your ductwork cleaned if you fall under any of the reasons cited above. Many people who have their ducts cleaned swear by the difference it makes to their breathing, especially those suffering from allergies or other respiratory illnesses.

The rule of thumb from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the leading nonprofit association of companies engaged in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems, is if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are.

If your ducts are dirty, it’s time to contact Certified Heating and Cooling to have us inspect your ventilation and provide a quote to clean your ducts. Every home is different, so having a Certified Field Supervisor or Comfort Specialist out to do a thorough inspection will allow us to give you a personalized quote that is based on your home and your needs.

At Certified Heating and Cooling, our professionals are expertly trained to clean the ventilation in your spaces, allowing your HVAC system to breathe properly and at optimal efficiency. Of course, clear and open ventilation can be of prime benefit to you and your energy costs.

What’s Involved in Air Duct Cleaning?

The standards set forth by the NADCA recommends that the entire HVAC system be cleaned during the duct cleaning process. This includes the ducts, coils, drain pan, registers, grills, plenums, blower motor and assembly, heat exchanger, air filter and air cleaner (should you have one).

There are two parts to the duct cleaning itself:

1. Breaking the contaminants loose, and then collecting the contaminants. Our air duct professionals will use brushes and similar tools to break any particles and debris free of the HVAC system.
2. They will follow up by sweeping in with their hoses and suction.

Feel free to ask if you can have an inside-the-ducts look before and after the job because you might be amazed by the difference.

Certified Heating and Cooling Knows Ductwork Inside and Out

Having your ductwork professionally cleaned can give you peace of mind, cleaner air to breathe, and help your HVAC system work more efficiently by removing the dust and debris that builds up in your home’s ductwork.

Call Certified Heating and Cooling at 239-205-8342 or request service online to discuss how our skilled professionals can assist you and your Southwest Florida home. We promise to make your ugly duct-lings beautiful.