HVAC systems play a large role in the indoor air quality of a home. Though you can change your air filter once every three months to reduce dust, allergens, and dirt in your air, sometimes you have to clean the whole system.
How Often Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?
There’s not one answer that suits every household. The frequency of duct cleaning depends on several factors: homeowner preference, how many smokers are in the household, how many pets are in the household, and whether or not there’s been some kind of water damage to the home. Households affected by these factors should invest in more frequent cleaning, and so should households with asthmatic or allergy-prone residents.
How Can I Identify Reliable Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors?
There are approximately 659,906 people employed at 145,142 HVAC businesses in the U.S., and not all of them provide reliable heating and air conditioning repair.
- Talk to several local contractors and get a few quotes so you can comparison shop
- Anyone you consider should have been in business long enough to gain experience
- They should also be properly licensed and insured
- Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau to get a good read on their services
- Ask questions when you meet the contractors
Will they clean and visually inspect your air ducts and your system components? Do they have the equipment to perform a thorough cleaning? Avoid deals that seem too good to be true and go for contractors with good reputations who give you straight answers.
If you need help finding a local HVAC company in Alabama, make sure to check out our guide on it.
How Can I Check that My HVAC Systems Are Actually Clean?
Reliable heating and air contractors won’t mind if you take a look at the ducts before they leave. Perform your own visual inspection before and after cleaning. If you can still see dust or debris, you shouldn’t consider the system cleaned. You can use a flashlight and mirror to check your ducts, or ask the contractor to help you.
If you’re not satisfied, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for a complete recleaning.
How Can I Get the Most Out of an HVAC Duct Cleaning Serivce & My HVAC Systems?
There are several steps you can take to get the most out of an HVAC Duct Cleaning service and your HVAC system:
- Identify a relaiable local HVAC company
- Double check their work
- Change the air filter regularly
- Keep the outdoor unit clean and free of debris
- Keep vents clear from obstructions such as furniture or curtains
- Schedule regular inspections and cleanings with a reliable HVAC contractor
It’s important to remember that regular maintenance will not only improve your indoor air quality, but also prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system. Neglecting proper maintenance can lead to costly repairs or even replacement of the entire system.
In addition to these steps, if you find that you’re are constantly bringing in HVAC contractors to clean your ducts, you may need to get your air ducts sealed. The reason they keep getting dirty are from cracks. In order to prevent the build up, you’ll need them sealed up.
If you’re interested in sealing your ducts, make sure to talk to a qualified HVAC technician. They can inspect your ductwork and provide recommendations for sealing any leaks.
Overall, by staying on top of regular maintenance (or scheduleing regular HVAC maintence) and working with reliable contractors, you can get the most out of your HVAC systems. Clean air ducts will improve the air quality in your home and also help your HVAC system run more efficiently.