HVAC Duct Cleaning: Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

That saying, “out of sight, out of mind” is certainly true in most situations. You do not see the inside of your HVAC ductwork, so you most likely have not considered how much dust has built up or the consequences of dirty air ducts.

Air passes over the dust multiple times per day and into your home, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Air quality is very important to the health of occupants.

Dirty air ducts are extremely harmful to the electrical and mechanical components of the HVAC system.

However, there are steps you can take to keep your air ducts cleaned.

1. Change your Air Filter on Schedule. The front line of defense against dust, dander, and pollen is the air filter. The air filter is made of thin paper and fiber material that allows the free flow of air. The filter is placed so as to trap particles before they reach vulnerable equipment. Eventually, the air filter is clogged, restricts airflow, and makes the blower work harder, so make sure you change the filter at least every three months. 
2. Keep Vent Registers Open. Ducts generally terminate in floors with a louvered register. The louvers are designed to direct the air as desired, not to close or restrict airflow. It is also important not to place furniture or accessories over the louvered register. Closing the louvers or covering the register makes the duct a dead end. Dust blows into the vent with no exit, trapping particles in greater volume than normal. The air filter works when the air is moving, so avoid trapping dust by keeping vents open. 
3. Clean What You See. Dust is kept moving while the air is circulating. As soon as air movement slows, gravity takes over and particles begin to settle. Regular cleaning will remove dust, pet hair, and pollen from the air before it can settle in the ductwork. Cleaning products are readily available that use static electricity to attract, trap and remove particles. Mopping hard surfaces and vacuuming carpets, rugs, and furniture is extremely helpful; the dirt that is in the vacuum cleaner bag was in the air and potentially would end up in air ducts. 
4. Add an Air Purifier. If your HVAC system needs a boost, consider a small, portable air purifier. These attractive units generally have a multi-stage filtration system, trapping larger, than smaller particles, before an activated charcoal filter removes gaseous odors. Often the filters can be cleaned and reused; good maintenance will keep them running for years. Air purifiers are also ideal for bedrooms—keeping air cleaner in a space you spend 1/3 of your life. Do some research and find an air purifier that fits your needs. 
5. Have You had HVAC Duct Cleaning by a Professional? If you clean regularly, change air filters every three months and keep registers open, dust will still accumulate in your air ducts. At Mullinix, our technicians are trained and properly equipped to clean your return and supply ducts and make sure your entire system is clean and functioning properly. Call now to schedule an appointment.

Interested in HVAC Duct Cleaning?

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