The ABCs of Air Duct Cleaning
A humid household, especially in tropical regions, can have excess moisture in the air, leading to mold and mildew. Maintain the humidity levels, particularly in the bathroom and attic, to reduce buildup in the ductwork.
An HVAC system needs clear air ducts to function at its best. All too often, though, many homeowners neglect to do so. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Simple steps and regular maintenance go a long way to keeping things flowing smoothly.
Here are the ABCs of duct cleaning:
Prevention
As they say, prevention is better than cure. Take the right precautions and maintain consistent practices to increase the time between professional services. Here are some suggestions:
Leave air vents unobstructed: Vents in walls and on floors can seem unimportant or even an eyesore. Many are covered up and obstruct vital airways. Any blockage can reduce the entire system’s effectiveness.
Avoid upholstery: Carpets and curtains are magnets for dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergy-inducing materials. If they are too close to an air duct, then particles can be sucked into the ducts.
Regulate humidity: A humid household, especially in tropical regions, can have excess moisture in the air, leading to mold and mildew. Maintain the humidity levels, particularly in the bathroom and attic, to reduce buildup in the ductwork.
Don’t smoke: Besides the obvious health risks, sticky nicotine residue adheres to every surface of the house, particularly air ducts.
Keep the vents clean: Regularly wipe down the vents and vacuum as far into the duct as possible. This is especially important for dust-prone floor vents.
Change filters regularly: Homeowners can easily swap out a filter to keep the air flowing. An obstructed filter means a less effective HVAC system and higher energy bills.
Preventative measures require little time or effort but bring countless benefits to the home’s ducts:
Ensures the air does not smell musty.
Preventing particle accumulation will also ensure fewer respiratory issues or allergic reactions.
Heating and cooling will function more effectively.
Professional cleaning
While regular cleaning is essential, thorough deep servicing by a licensed HVAC professional is still necessary. How frequently it happens depends on climate and system usage, but it should ideally happen once a year during the seasonal shift from summer to winter or vice versa.
It’s perfectly okay to demand the best from a service. In states like Texas, an HVAC specialist needs to be properly licensed, especially when dealing with fiberglass systems. Ensure the company has the relevant NAIMA or NADCA licenses before using them.
What to expect from a professional cleaning
During an expert cleaning of the air ducts, a service should do the following:
Check all vents, ducts, and return registers for condition and damage
Replace filters
Check the condition of the furnace
Examine the condenser coils of the AC unit
Double-check all covers and ceiling vents
Even if the steps differ, have the team explain their process to you in advance. A good service should have those ducts flowing flawlessly once again.
Above & Beyond Air Conditioning & Heating is a San Antonio residential and commercial heating and air conditioning company dedicated to providing the highest level of home comfort. Call us today at 210-897-8658.
