Is Air Duct Cleaning Worth It?

There is an on-going debate as to how important it is to have your air ducts cleaned. Dust in the air ducts is only one pollutant that is found in the house. Some of the other pollutants can come from cooking, smoking, and pets. So how do you decide if you should get your air ducts cleaned?

If you see mold on the metal part of your ducts or in your air conditioning system or duct work, you must have your ducts cleaned. This should be done by a certified air duct cleaning professional because if you try to remove the mold spores then you run the risk of loosening them up and contaminating the entire home. Also, if you notice that your air ducts are infested with rodents or insects or construction debris, then you should also have your air ducts cleaned.  All of these items can cause your HVAC system to run more often and less efficiently due to blockages.

Often, you can tell how much debris you have built up in your air ducts by how much dust collects in your house. Pay attention each time your air conditioner or heating system turns on and whether you see a fresh layer of debris or dust particles settle on your table tops, window sills and other surfaces in your home.

Aside from the physical signs of clogged or dirty air ducts, health concerns might also surface. If people in your home start to get sick often or seem to be struggling with allergies more and more, it is worth looking within and determining if the indoor environment of your home is a factor. The dust and debris could be dislodging and become air borne particles that you and your family breath in.

So, the question remains: is having your air ducts cleaned necessary? Removing the debris, mold spores, and dust from your air ducts is essential to good indoor air quality and clean breathing. Trying to clean or vacuum out the debris yourself can loosen the particles and add more contaminants and pollutants into your home. Using a licensed professional air duct cleaner is the safest and most effective way of cleaning your air ducts.