Will Air Duct Cleaning Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Although air duct cleaning doesn’t need to be performed regularly, it can help improve your home’s air quality if mold, pests, or excess dust is a problem.
By Tom Moor
When was the last time you thought about your air ducts? Tucked away behind walls and in attics, they’re easy to forget – and hard to check. But when ducts get dirty or clogged, they can start circulating dust, allergens, bacteria, and even mold spores throughout your home, which can impact your indoor air quality (IAQ).
The good news? Duct cleaning can help clear out those contaminants, boost your air quality and improve your HVAC system’s efficiency. Here’s how to know when it might be time to schedule a cleaning.
When is air duct cleaning necessary?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t recommend regular duct cleaning, adding there’s no evidence that a light amount of dust or particulate matter poses any health risks. However, duct cleaning is a viable solution when visible mold, pest infestations, or excess dust are discovered.
Mold growth
Unfortunately, your HVAC system can create the perfect breeding ground for mold when the right conditions are present including moisture, poor insulation, or leaky ducts. Mold spores love damp, dark places, and once they take hold inside your ductwork, they can easily spread throughout your entire home.
Mold can compromise your home’s air quality and should not be taken lightly. It can lead to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, coughing, and asthma attacks.
Tell-tale signs include mold around vents or a musty odor when your HVAC system is running. If you discover mold, don’t try a DIY fix. Call a professional duct cleaning service to remove it safely and recommend ways to keep it from coming back. This may include improving ventilation or installing a whole-home dehumidifier.
Infestation of rodents or insects
If the idea of critters using your ductwork as their personal highway makes your skin crawl, you’re not alone! No one wants to think about a mouse family setting up shop inside their air ducts.
Unfortunately, it happens more often than you'd expect. Rodents, insects, and even birds can sneak in through disconnected duct sections or small holes, leaving behind hair, droppings, and nesting materials.
These pests can cause health issues by spreading bacteria, triggering allergies, or making your home smell. If you’ve seen droppings, heard scratching sounds in your walls or attic, or noticed bugs around vents, have a professional remove the mess and seal up any entry points to keep the intruders out for good.
Clogged ducts or excessive dust
Are you constantly dusting? Over time, thick layers of dust, dirt, pet dander, and other airborne particles can build up in your air ducts and eventually make their way into your living areas, potentially causing respiratory issues. This usually happens because of a lack of maintenance, leaks, or after a major renovation.
Dust buildup can also restrict airflow, making your HVAC system work harder than it should. Over time, this can lead to increased wear and tear and higher energy bills.
Duct cleaning can remove these blockages, improve airflow, and reduce how much dust is in the air.
How air duct cleaning works
Professional air duct cleaning typically includes:
- Inspection. A technician inspects your entire HVAC system, including the ducts, to check for visible mold or debris.
- Negative Pressure. A powerful vacuum system is used to create negative air pressure to prevent dust and debris from escaping into your home during the cleaning process.
- Agitation Tools. Brushes, air whips, or compressed air tools are used to dislodge dirt, dust, and debris from the duct walls.
- Removal. Contaminants are sucked into the vacuum system and safely removed from your home.
- System Reassembly. Access holes are sealed, and vents are cleaned.
Duct cleaning typically takes a few hours, depending on your home’s size and the condition of your ducts.
If you’re thinking about having your ducts cleaned, hire someone certified by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). They follow strict industry standards, use specialized tools, and know how to clean your system thoroughly without causing any damage.
How much does air duct cleaning cost?
Expect to pay between $450 to $1,000 for air duct cleaning, according to the NADCA. That price depends on factors such as the size of your home, how accessible your ducts are, the level of contamination, and whether your system needs any special attention, like mold treatment or pest removal. Homes with more complex layouts or longer duct runs might be on the higher end.
Contact an American Standard® dealer for air duct services
If you suspect issues or have questions about your home’s ductwork, trust an American Standard® dealer to get the job done right. Our professional dealers offer ductwork inspection, repair, and replacement services that are designed to improve your home’s efficiency and air quality.
Author: Tom Moor
Expert review by Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality
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