Indoor air quality is linked directly to the comfort of your house and the health of your family. Sometimes homeowners ignore duct cleaning, thinking if the system is working fine, why clean it at all?
In reality, an HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, and air Conditioning) system is a circulating mechanism that ventilates the entire house. With time, the ducts get filled with dust, pollen, pet hair, and allergens, which affect both air quality and system efficiency.
According to NADCA, air ducts should be inspected at least once every year and should be cleaned if needed. Air Duct Cleaning in DMV is mostly recommended when contamination is visible, when the airflow is restricted, or there are signs of pest infestations. Timely cleaning helps the system work efficiently, keeping the indoor air clean as well as keeping you safe from allergens.
Role of Ducts in the HVAC System
The HVAC system is basically the temperature control and air circulation unit of your house. It is a combination of three things.
Heating: when it’s cold inside your home, the furnace or heat pump warms the air.
Ventilation: This process circulates air to keep polluted air outside and bring in fresh air.
Air conditioning: This system keeps the air cold in hot weather and controls humidity.
All this air enters and leaves the room through ducts. If there is a massive buildup of dust and debris, it can restrict the airflow, which causes the system to consume more energy, and we get to see uneven heating and cooling in the house.
EPA Recommendations on Duct Cleaning
EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) is a U.S federal agency that protects environment and public health. According to its recommendations, aside from regular maintenance, air ducts should only be cleaned when there is visible mold, dust buildup, pest infestation, or contamination.
Light dust does not have a noticeable effect on the system. However, EPA also states that if cleaning is done seasonally, it can work as a preventative measure to stop the buildup of contaminants in the ducts.
The Best Times to Clean Your Air Ducts
Transitional Seasons – When the system is at Rest
The ideal time is when the heating season ends and the cooling season is about to begin, or when the cooling season ends and the heating season is about to begin.
This means the Spring (March-April) and fall (September-October) seasons are considered ideal for residential air duct cleaning.
This time is considered best because
- System is mostly idle, so cleaning does not affect air flow.
- It is the perfect time to clean out the dust and allergens accumulated throughout the previous season.
- Air duct cleaning in DMV is important because the increased amount of pollen and dust in this region can cause the growth of moisture and allergens in the air ducts.
Special Situations
In some scenarios, it is essential not to delay air duct cleaning service
- After renovations in the house: Construction dust can easily get stuck in the air ducts.
- After buying a new house: Pet hairs of previous residents, smoke residue, and dust should be cleaned.
- Pest infestation: The presence of insects and rodents in the ducts makes it important to sanitize the ducts.
- Visible Mold: If there is visible mold in the ducts, then it is crucial to get the air ducts cleaned thoroughly by professionals.
Do Dirty Air Ducts Affect the System Performance?
If there is a buildup in the ducts, it can restrict airflow and also cause extra pressure on the blower motor and coil. It also causes the system to use more energy to maintain the desired temperature. All this results in increased bills, overheating systems, and increased maintenance costs over the years.
Clean air ducts mean improved airflow, which helps in uniform heating and cooling through all rooms. It lowers the consumption of energy, which means lower utility bills, while increasing the system life as well due to no excess strain on the components. Air quality is also improved with clean air ducts by removing the musty smell and presence of allergens.
Professional Air Duct Cleaning Process
- Inspection: Technician inspects ducts, vents, and filters for visible dust and mold.
- Vacuum Cleaning: Using a high-powered vacuum, all the debris in the entire system is extracted.
- Component Cleaning: Blower motor, coils, and drain pans are also cleaned so the contamination does not return for an extended period of time.
- System Testing: Air flow and filter performance are tested after cleaning.
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How to Keep the Air Ducts Clean for Longer?
Everyone should adopt these small habits to keep their HVAC system clean.
- Change air filters every two or three months
- Vent openings and grills should be vacuumed regularly
- It is necessary to do annual inspections of ducts for leaks, pests, and moisture
- Schedule HVAC preventive maintenance before the season changes.
These steps stabilize airflow, thereby increasing the intervals between thorough duct cleanings. If you have not had a thorough residential air duct cleaning, it is important to contact a professional for an inspection beforehand.
Schedule Air Duct Cleaning for Efficiency and Longevity
The best time for cleaning residential air ducts is not determined by the calendar but by the downtime of the system. It is ideal to schedule cleaning when the system is less active during fall or spring. In regions like DMV, where humidity and pollen are high, seasonal cleaning can keep you safe from allergens and mold growth.
EPA and NADCA both recommend residential air duct cleaning to be done when needed or every three to five years, but with regular inspections and smart timing, your system will become smooth, efficient, and long-lasting without putting the burden of maintenance on you all at once.
Make the air inside your house cleaner. Schedule an appointment with the professionals of Delta Air Duct DMV. We provide specialized residential air duct cleaning services in the DMV area, which makes your HVAC system smooth, energy efficient, and allergen-free.
Visit our website Delta Air Duct DMV, today, or give us a ring. By cleaning your air ducts, you’ll feel a new freshness in your house and breathe in better, cleaner air.
