December 4, 2018
“Out of sight, out of mind.” That’s how it is with ductwork. Since people rarely see the inside of their air ducts, they don’t think about what could possibly be lurking inside. How dirty can they get? They’re sealed, aren’t they?
You can get a basic idea of the cleanliness of your ductwork by opening up one of your vents or registers and sticking a flash camera inside to take a look (see below). If you see a lot of dust bunnies and debris, we recommend calling a professional for a second look.
It’s possible to get a general idea of the cleanliness of your air ducts, but for a comprehensive duct test, you’ll want to call a professional. A reputable technician will be able to tell you if you need duct improvements or not.
To keep your ducts nice and clean, commit to regular preventative HVAC maintenance, frequent filter changes, and identify possible indoor air quality problems.
Eventually, however, you will want a professional duct cleaning. Contact Service Champions for professional duct cleaning services in the East Bay, South Bay, and Sacramento areas.
Speak with a professional about air duct cleaning if you suspect any of the following:
Contact a professional if you suspect mold in your ducts or on other areas of your HVAC system. If your technician says they found mold, ask to see it. Since lots of things look like mold that aren’t, it’s a good idea to send your mold sample to a lab for confirmation.
Make sure you fix the conditions that caused the mold in the first place. A reputable HVAC company will make sure the underlying cause is fixed before cleaning the ducts.
If you get a whiff of mold while your HVAC system is running, ask a professional technician to take a look inside your ducts.
Unwanted pests can enter building structures through the smallest cracks and gaps. Although it may not be possible to completely rid your home or business of all pests, there are many ways to seriously reduce the possibility of pest problems.
Pests can wreak havoc on HVAC systems, including chewing through wiring and refrigerant lines, building nests in ventilation systems, and dying inside HVAC equipment.
Speak with a professional if there are signs of rodents, insects, and other vermin.
Learn how to prevent pests around your outdoor condenser/heat pump.
Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.
Your professional duct cleaner will also be able to help you seal your air ducts for even greater energy savings and improved indoor air quality.
If your home was built before 1978, you may have asbestos insulation around your ductwork. Schedule a professional inspection from a qualified HVAC technician.
As you use your HVAC system, dirt, dust, and debris eventually make their way into your ductwork. When you have pets, hair and pet dander can combine with dust and dead skin to create a matted environment for mold, dust mites, and other allergens to develop.
While homeowners without pets may be able to hold off on duct cleaning for over 5 years, pet owners may want to inspect their air ducts more frequently.
While you can always contact an HVAC professional to check your air ducts for you, you can conduct a quick inspection of your own:
It’s a good idea to check your air ducts every 2-3 years. Having your ducts professionally cleaned will reduce the amount of dust, hair, and dander in the home.
The benefits of cleaning and sealing your air ducts are huge, including reducing energy use and increasing airflow and indoor air quality.
Learn the difference between DIY and professional duct sealing.
Learn how to inspect your air ducts for leaks.
If you have mold, pests, or excessive dust, there are probably one or more underlying causes. Service Champions will make sure the cause(s) are corrected before any duct cleaning takes place.
The duct cleaning itself should only take a few hours and won’t create much disruption in your daily routine.
After professional duct cleaning, you will experience noticeable improvements in indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Learn more about the benefits of duct cleaning.
Keep in mind that not all air duct cleanings are created equal. It’s important to choose the right company for the job. Otherwise, you may end up spreading the dirt and dust throughout your home, making things worse than when they started.
Breathe easy with our professional duct cleaning services. Contact Service Champions for professional indoor air quality solutions around the South Bay, East Bay, and Sacramento area.