Central heating and air conditioning systems have a series of ducts through which they provide conditioned air throughout a living space. Many homeowners overlook those ducts and don’t schedule regular maintenance, but they need it. With that in mind, let’s explore the maintenance required for your ducts and when to schedule.
Duct Cleaning
No matter how clean you keep your home, dust accumulation in your ducts is inevitable. Central air systems blow air. It moves dust around. Dust gets into the system and settles in the ducts due to static air pressure. Some dust in your ducts isn’t problematic. But it does become a bigger issue in the long term.
The accumulation can eventually affect airflow, the evenness of heating and cooling and energy efficiency. But the bigger concern is indoor air pollution. Dust is like a sponge for pollutants and contaminants. It extends the life of those toxins and continues to reemit them over time.
During a duct cleaning appointment, our HVAC technician will use an industrial vacuum. This machine has a long, large-diameter hose that is sturdy but flexible. The technician will thread this hose through the ducts, and the powerful suction will pick up the vast majority of the dust. This system also has HEPA filtration to ensure that we collect and remove all of the dust rather than recirculate it.
When to Schedule Duct Cleaning
The EPA recommends scheduling duct cleaning as needed. The challenge there is that it’s difficult to know if it’s needed without a video inspection. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends having your technician inspect your ducts each year and cleaning them as needed. The average household will generally require duct cleaning every several years or so.
But there are a number of factors, including the size of the household relative to the size of the home. In a similarly sized home, a couple without kids will need duct cleaning less often than a family of four. Pets with dander make a big difference as well. You may also want to clean your ducts more frequently if you have a family member with asthma or severe allergies.
Video Inspection
To determine if your ducts need cleaning, HVAC technicians perform a video inspection. Technicians use a borescope, which is the same equipment plumbers use to inspect water and sewer pipes. It has a high-definition camera connected to a strong but flexible cable. The cable is on a reel. Our technician will use a handle to feed and retract the cable. A technician will recommend cleaning when there is a layer of dust as opposed to splotches here and there.
The video inspection serves purposes beyond just checking for dust. Our technician will look for mold, fungal growth and any signs of moisture. Moisture in ducts can lead to harmful bacterial growth. Our technician will also check the duct interiors and connections. The goal here is to ensure no leakage. Air leakage results in reduced comfort, lower energy efficiency and more wear and tear.
Exterior Inspection
Our technician will also perform an exterior inspection. This requires going into the attic or the crawl space or basement in some cases. We’ll look to ensure that the ducts are intact and connected and hung properly. Loose mounts are a leading cause of leakage. We’ll also ensure that the seals are tight. Finally, we’ll make sure there’s enough insulation and that the material is in good condition and not wet. Our technician can replace mounts, replace sealant and add or replace insulation as needed.
Steps to Keep Your Ducts Cleaner
While you can’t prevent dust from accumulating in your ducts, you can slow the buildup. Dust your home frequently. The EPA recommendation is at least once a week. Replace your HVAC filters as needed. All homes with central air have at least one supply vent with a filter. Check it once a month and replace it when there is more than a light sheen of dust. Schedule a seasonal tune-up through which we’ll clean your HVAC equipment. We can perform a duct inspection during this appointment as well.
Local Duct Experts in Grosse Pointe
If you need your ducts cleaned, Oasis Heating & Cooling is here to help. We also have IAQ experts who install whole-house air purifiers, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, indoor air quality services and more. We also have HVAC technicians that install, maintain and repair all types of ducted and ductless heating and cooling systems. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment or with any questions about our services.
