AC Duct Cleaning

Most homes in the US use a ducted forced-air HVAC system to heat, cool, dehumidify, and clean the air. Ducted refers to sheet metal ducts, usually installed during construction in walls, ceilings, or floors. Forced air refers to a central unit with a blower motor, that pushes conditioned air into every part of the home and consequently recycles the air, returning it to the blower motor. In this article, we are focusing on this air movement and how to improve indoor air quality by cleaning the ductwork.

Why Clean Ducts?

Certain life experiences demonstrate that the air surrounding us is loaded with airborne particles. Occasionally, when the sun shines at just the right angle, we see dust in the air. Certainly, when we mop and vacuum floors, or dust furniture, we become aware of their presence. At certain times of the year, we might get a reminder of the pollen, mold spores, or dust in the wind that causes allergic reactions in our upper respiratory system. An abundance of airborne particles leads to poor indoor air qualities that commonly trigger allergies and asthma. These airborne particles can also lead to mildew and mold infestation in moist spaces, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

What is AC Duct Cleaning?

There is a key component in this whole network—an air filter. The air filter removes a significant amount of these airborne particles. However, the network of ducts is not sealed, and the filter does not capture every particle. The particles move freely during a heating or cooling cycle and settle to surfaces when the cycle ends.

Duct cleaning is a comprehensive scrubbing of the ventilation network; it includes:

• Both the supply and return air ducts are thoroughly cleaned
• The blower fan and housing are cleaned
• The evaporator coil and drain pan are cleaned
• The vent and register covers will be cleaned
• The air filter is replaced

What Should I Expect?

A team will arrive and explore your home to locate the central air cabinet, ducts, vents, and registers. After this inspection, the team will:

• All of the vents will be sealed to prevent dust from permeating the home
• The team will insert equipment that uses air and rotating brushes to dislodge the dust from duct surfaces
• At the same time, a high-suction vacuum will remove the agitating particles from your home
• When both supply and return ducts are thoroughly cleaned, the team focuses on the cabinet—the blower and evaporator chambers.
• After the network is cleaned, the air filter is replaced, and the vents are unsealed.

When Should Ducts Be Cleaned?

Unfortunately, duct cleaning is not a do-it-yourself project since homeowners do not have access to the necessary equipment or training. The National Duct Cleaning Association recommends ducts should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years.¹

Several factors may suggest more frequent AC Duct Cleaning:

• A location near a pollution source, such as a dirt road, a major highway, or a manufacturing plant
• Family members with breathing issues, such as asthma, severe allergies, or respiratory illness

Who Should Clean Your Ducts?

Whenever you invite a contractor into your home, be sure to choose someone you trust. Do some research. Make sure to capture credentials and references. An established relationship is a good start.

Beware of AC Duct Cleaning contractors that lure customers in with a price that seems too good to be true, only to add fees and upsell services with sales pressure. Not all duct cleaning services are the same, and not all equipment and processes return the same quality of clean duct. Ask for a ballpark quote beforehand, ask about the cleaning process and systems, and insist on the stated price.

Ready to Schedule Your AC Duct Cleaning Appointment?

For more information about R.M. Mullinix and AC Duct Cleaning, schedule an appointment, or visit our HVAC Duct Cleaning information page.

¹https://ductcleaning.org/consumer_education/do-i-really-need-an-air-duct-cleaning/#:~:text=Quick%20Information%20and%20Numbers,and%20debris%20in%20your%20system