Is Duct Cleaning Worth the Investment? Find Out Now!
Is duct cleaning a waste of money? This question usually plagues all homeowners with an HVAC system. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the price range of duct cleaning services can range from $450 to $1,000, depending on the heating and cooling system.
HVAC maintenance is necessary for the efficient running of heating and cooling systems. As the seasons and weather change, your HVAC system's performance will change gradually. These changes can pose a heavy burden on your ducts and can impair your indoor air quality.
The condition of your ducts determines the comfort of your home environment. The air quality in your home also affects your health; thus, cleaning your ducts is a worthwhile investment. Let's explore how duct cleaning isn't a waste of money and the true value it represents for your home.
When to Consider Duct Cleaning
Air pollution has never been as rampant as it is now. Duct cleaning isn't something you'll typically think about. But it's the most efficient way of improving your home's indoor air quality.
Duct cleaning is a rigorous process that carefully handles each component and removes contaminants such as pollen or dust. So, doing it yourself may not cut it. Here are some factors that may indicate you need to clean your ducts:
Dust and Debris Accumulation
Visible dust is an indicator that you need to clean your ducts. Noticing various signs of debris around the house should also be a warning sign that you're due for duct cleaning services. You can check for dirt buildup around the vent cover.
Dust and other debris are more likely to accumulate during the summer. On the other hand, the winter and rainy seasons can bring about mildew and mold. These are often harder to detect, but you'll likely notice a musty odor if your ducts need cleaning.
Construction or Renovation Work
Heating and cooling systems always require some maintenance work after a home renovation. Any construction around the home could leave debris and dirt that might find itself in your air ducts.
AC maintenance after a renovation can help maintain clear air filters. However, even if you haven't done any remodeling or construction work in your home, getting the ducts cleaned as time passes is vital.
Allergies and Unexplained Symptoms
Have you noticed members of your household getting allergies and unexplained symptoms? That may be due to the nature of your air duct efficiency. As your ducts get clogged with anything from dust particles to mold, indoor air quality will likely worsen.
Getting your ducts cleaned can immediately improve the quality of your home environment. Professional cleaning services get rid of the following:
Dust and debris
Pest
Mold or mildew
Dirty ducts contribute to allergies and unexplained symptoms in individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
How Duct Cleaning Is Helpful
The Energy Information Administration estimates that over 87% of homes in America use air conditioning equipment. But you may wonder, 'Is duct cleaning a waste of money?' The cost of duct cleaning is meaningless compared to the benefits you and your household enjoy.
Some of the key benefits of duct cleaning services are:
Better Indoor Air Quality
It goes without saying that the quality of air is one of the most important aspects of any home. The next step after buying and installing an HVAC system is maintenance. Your air ducts will likely collect various types of contaminants over time, such as:
Pet dander
Pollen and dust
Construction debris and other contaminants
The HVAC system will automatically circulate these particles all over your home, adversely affecting indoor air quality. Regularly cleaning your ducts helps reduce airborne contaminants, thereby improving air quality.
Eliminating Mildew and Mold
Mold and mildew can grow anywhere, humid or wet, which includes inside your home's ductwork. Mold spores pose a serious health risk because they're airborne and a common allergen. Getting duct cleaning services from an HVAC near me can help you:
Eliminate the buildup of any mildew or mold
Prevent the occurrence of musty odors
Mitigate the risk of respiratory or allergy problems
Dirty ducts can also be a hub for bacteria that may cause or exacerbate respiratory issues. Getting your air ducts cleaned is a no-brainer and way cheaper than incurring modern healthcare costs.
Improved HVAC Efficiency
Insulating and sealing ducts can significantly improve HVAC efficiency, according to the Energy Star Publication. However, cleaning them is an excellent alternative if you can't insulate and seal your ducts.
Maintenance is the next step after installing a heat pump or an HVAC system. Regular duct cleaning is one of the critical ways you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system without incurring any replacement or repair costs.
Duct cleaning improves air efficiency by:
Enhancing energy savings
Optimizing airflow through the ducts
Extending the HVAC system lifespan
If you're still worried about the cost of duct cleaning, think about this: When ducts or air filters get clogged, your HVAC system will run inefficiently, working harder to get air through your home.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts
How often you clean your HVAC duct system is very subjective. Some of the factors that should influence the frequency of duct cleaning include:
Respiratory issues or allergies
Environmental conditions
Weather patterns and climatic changes
Household pets
The nature of the HVAC system is also another factor. For example, the maintenance needs of mini splits are much different from conventional HVAC systems. The best way to find out how often you should clean your ducts is to ask the HVAC install contractors.
Is Duct Cleaning a Waste of Money? Find Out Today
Is duct cleaning a waste of money? Almost everyone with an HVAC system has asked the same question, but the answer is no. Cleaning your duct is the best way to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system while keeping home maintenance costs low and avoiding the burden of replacement and repair.
HPC Services offers top-tier HVAC install and repair services in Southern Maryland and Virginia. We leverage our expertise to provide various services, from drain cleaning to heat pump installation, plumbing, and HVAC installation.
Contact us today to find out more about our duct cleaning services.
