Can All Air Ducts be Cleaned?
Air duct cleaning is one of the most important aspects of home maintenance. This process affects the overall quality of your indoor air and even your HVAC system’s performance in the long run.
It is important to clean up your air ducts to avoid allergic reactions and health issues that can result from accumulated dust and debris.
However, since there are different kinds of air ducts, homeowners usually wonder if all air ducts can be cleaned. The answer is yes, and we will explore how in this article.
Key Takeaways
- Air duct cleaning is essential for maintaining indoor air quality, preventing health issues, and optimizing HVAC performance. All types of ductwork can be cleaned, though some materials are more prone to damage.
- The cleaning process involves three steps: pre-inspection, cleaning using negative pressure and debris removal, and a final inspection to ensure thoroughness.
- Signs your air ducts need cleaning include higher energy bills, dirty vent covers, unusual noises, and uneven airflow. Cleaning ducts can enhance efficiency and reduce energy costs.
- Air ducts may need replacement if they are over 10 years old, infested with pests, contaminated with mold, or poorly designed. Regular cleaning every 3-5 years is recommended for optimal performance.
- Ties360 offers highly thorough and intensive duct cleaning services for homes and commercial buildings in Fort Myers. Reach out to us for a custom quote for your ducts!
What does Air Duct Cleaning Involve?
Air duct cleaning usually involves having your entire duct system, including the supply and return vents, cleaned using high-quality equipment. It can also involve cleaning grills, fans, furnaces, and the HVAC unit.
The air duct cleaning process usually takes three major steps which are:
Pre-inspection
This step is especially important as it involves checking all the access points into the duct and assessing its condition. This is followed by deciding which cleaning method is suitable for your home. After a thorough inspection, then the cleaning can begin. Every proper air duct cleaning company should employ this first step.
Cleaning process (Negative pressure and Debris Removal)
According to the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA), negative pressure should be applied to the air ducts to prevent dust, debris, and dirt from spreading into the house. This involves using high-suction equipment to absorb allergens and prevent them from flying around.
Final Inspection
After the cleaning process is done, another round of inspection will follow. This process ensures that every aspect of the cleaning is completed and that nothing is left out. It is also important to ensure that the cleaning is done thoroughly.
Can All Ductwork Be Cleaned?
Yes, all ductwork can be cleaned. However, some types of ductwork are more prone to damage during cleaning than others. Ducts made with flexible materials, like those made with springs wrapped in a layer of plastic, can be damaged while cleaning after a couple of years. Ducts like Aluma flex ductwork have better integrity when installed properly and can survive several cleaning processes because they are less flexible and more durable.
Rigid ducting or Solid Sheet Metal or KD are the most durable of all because they have the least risk if they are installed properly with the right sealant and insulation. They can withstand several cleaning sessions for years and are the best type of ductwork.
Factors Influencing Air Duct Cleaning
Several factors can affect your air duct cleaning. However, they should never be much of a problem if you’re keen on maintaining a clean air space and keeping your HVAC unit running.
Here are some of the factors that can influence your getting experts to clean up for you and the cost:
Level of Contamination
The amount of allergens, such as dust, dirt, and debris, in the system can influence the cost of cleaning. Remember that before any cleaning is done, it is standard procedure to perform a pre-inspection to ascertain the cleaning your ducts need.
Home size
A large home means more ducts, which means more areas to clean. Because of the large space, more expert hands are needed, which can increase the labour fee.
Accessibility
Some ducts are more accessible than others. Ducts without corners and a rounded shape are easier to clean and can cut work time in half. However, ducts with square edges can pose some difficulty, thereby requiring more expertise and, as such, more pay. All of this is assessed during the pre-inspection phase of the cleaning process.
HVAC size
The size of the HVAC unit can affect how much it costs you to clean it. For example, if you have a furnace in addition to your simple HVAC unit, you would have to pay more to have that cleaned as well.
Signs You Need Air Duct Cleaning
Here are some ways you can tell your ducts need cleaning:
Increase in power bill
When your power bill suddenly increases, even though you have not added any extra appliance to your connection, it may be a sign that you need to clean your HVAC system because it is working harder than it’s supposed to. When dirt and dust accumulate in the ducts, they can restrict airflow and cause the system to overwork to deliver the required output. By cleaning the ducts, you can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30%, according to a study by the NADCA.
Dirty vent covers
If you notice a lot of dust on your vent covers, it could mean that your ducts are clogged, and it’s time for scheduled cleaning.
Noisy air ducts
While silent humming sounds are normal for your HVAC system, rattling and banging sounds can be a sign that your ducts need cleaning. Clogged ducts cause internal components to work harder, which can lead to strange noises.
Uneven airflow
If some rooms feel cooler than others, even after adjusting the thermostat, it is a sign that your ducts are clogged. Blocked ducts can prevent conditioned air from effectively reaching all parts of your home, leading to temperature fluctuations.
When Should I Replace my Air Duct?
Your air ducts will need to be replaced eventually. Here are some telltale signs to look out for.
Age
Air ducts can last up to 10 years if properly maintained. However, duct seals and joints can rust and deteriorate over time. This damage can result in higher energy consumption, poor air transmission, and overall discomfort. For the best experience, you should plan to replace your ductwork once every 10 years.
Pest infestations
Pests, insects, and rodents in your airtight home can indicate a torn or broken duct. This opening can serve as a door for pests and is a sign you should change your air duct. New ducts with proper seals and insulation can help prevent rodents and insects from entering your home.
Mold & Odors
If your HVAC system emits a bad smell and you can’t seem to trace it, you may have some mould in the system. This is especially dangerous as it can cause severe health problems. While duct cleaning may be helpful, a full replacement is the best solution for moulds.
Improper ductwork design
Sometimes, the wrong air duct can affect the overall performance of your HVAC system. If your ductwork was not installed properly or you used a poor design, it makes sense to replace it with a better option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know I have bad ductwork?
Check for cracks and gaps in the joints. This can be because the design you chose does not fit your home layout. Gaps and holes can lead to higher energy consumption and air loss.
How often should ducts be cleaned?
Ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, according to the NADCA.
How can I tell my ductwork is old?
Sometimes, the equipment’s manufacturer’s date is listed. If it isn’t listed, look at the serial number and model number to tell when it was made.
Conclusion
All ducts can be cleaned, especially when you employ the best hands to handle your air duct cleaning. It is important for your general comfort and your HVAC system that you clean your system every 3 to 5 years as dust and debris accumulation can cause serious problems for your health and lead to extra cost of living.
Ties360 offers you expert hands to handle your air duct cleaning business. With up to 20 years of experience, you can expect thorough and professional work that improves your home’s comfort and increases your system’s lifespan.
