Duct cleaning involves accessing the air handler and plenum. Be sure your technician has clear, easy-to-find paths to these areas.
Dust, dander and harmful microorganisms like bacteria and airborne contaminants can trigger or worsen allergies or asthma. Cleaning your ducts can remove these irritants from your home, making it safer for everyone. Discover more at duct cleaning Coquitlam.
What is a duct?
A duct is a system of air-conditioning vents that deliver cooled or heated air to different rooms in your home. Dust, dander, pollen and other airborne contaminants pass through your ductwork constantly. While filters help prevent some of these contaminants from circulating, the remaining particles build up over time.
A professional cleaning, following NADCA’s best practices, involves sweeping and vacuuming the interior surfaces of all return and supply vents and their connecting surfaces. Some ducts are constructed from metal; others are made of insulated fabric, either porous or non-porous (air-permeable) material.
Make sure your duct cleaner can easily access your air handler and evaporator coil, located in the attic or basement, or in a utility closet in the garage. If possible, clear the way for your technician and remove pets or children from the area. Duct cleaning is loud and messy; expect to hear banging and light banging. It’s also important to show your duct cleaner all the rooms in your house and point out vents.
What are the benefits of duct cleaning?
Air duct cleaning removes pet dander, mold spores, mildew and other contaminants. It also helps eliminate odors from smoking, cooking and general home activity.
Having your air ducts cleaned can reduce the symptoms of allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems. It can also help lower energy bills by keeping the forced air system running efficiently.
However, it’s important to note that duct cleaning has not been proven to prevent health issues or significantly improve indoor air quality. If you or members of your family have a serious health problem, talk to your doctor before having your ducts cleaned.
Additionally, if you’re concerned about moisture or mold growth in your ductwork, a reputable service company will inspect and repair any leaks. They’ll also check for duct insulation that may need replacement, which will keep your system more efficient and help lower energy bills. A clean ductwork system will also increase your comfort level. It’s a fact that dusty ducts make it harder for your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature.
How do I know if my ducts need to be cleaned?
Clean air ducts are an important part of maintaining good indoor air quality, but not every home needs a cleaning. A few environmental indicators can help determine if it’s time to hire a professional.
Start by examining your air vents and registers for signs of dust build-up, especially around the supply vents that blow cool air into the house. A thick coating of dust — and a musty smell that follows — may indicate that a duct cleaning is in order.
If anyone in your family has unexplained allergies or asthma, cleaning your ducts might be worth the investment. However, first talk to your physician. They can suggest alternatives to a duct cleaning and ensure that your symptoms are not caused by another health issue.
If you recently built a new house or underwent a major renovation, it is likely that debris from the construction has settled in your ductwork. A duct cleaning, performed according to NADCA best practices, might be in order.
How much does duct cleaning cost?
Air duct cleaning companies typically charge $300 to $500 for residential homes, though this price varies widely and can be higher or lower depending on the size of your home, the type of ductwork and whether it requires special handling. If you opt for the extra cost of duct sealing, that can add another $180 to $630.
Ducts are made from a variety of materials, and each requires a different cleaning process. Rigid ducts are the cheapest to clean, while flex and foam board ducts fall in the middle of the price range.
Labor costs vary, too, as some pros charge based on square footage and others by the number of vents cleaned.