How to Get the Most Out an HVAC Duct Cleaning

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 301,123 people employed at 85,469 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.

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.