The Importance of Air Duct Cleaning for a Healthier Home

Quick question for you: When was the last time you thought of cleaning your home’s air ducts? If you answer, “I don’t remember,” the ducts are probably due for a cleaning! Your home’s air ducts play a huge role in keeping your home’s indoor air quality safe and healthy.

But over time, these ducts can gather dust, mold, allergens, and other materials and circulate them throughout your house. This can cause several health risks and reduce the efficiency of your home’s HVAC system. 

That’s not it! Ignoring proper cleaning of air ducts can lead to several other serious problems, too! 

In this blog, we’ll explore why you should clean the air ducts in your home. We will also discuss the signs of dirty air ducts and why seeking professional help is a must!

When Should You Clean the Air Ducts in Your Home?

Air duct cleaning is basically the process of removing debris and other dirt from the air ducts that compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system. Homeowners should clean the air ducts every three to five years, depending on their usage frequency and specific household conditions. 

But how do you know if the air ducts need cleaning? Well, look out for the following signs:

• Mold: If you notice mold inside the air ducts or HVAC system, it is high time to seek professional help. Mold can worsen health complications, including asthma or allergies, especially among those who already have these conditions.  

• Health problems: Dirty ducts could circulate pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. So don’t neglect signs like unexplained allergies, respiratory issues, repeated sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes. This can mean the air ducts need some cleaning! 

• Pest Infestation: Are there rats or insects in your ductwork? If so, it is a clear indication that it is time to seek the services of a professional to help remove the contaminants from the air ducts.  

• Reduced Airflow: If some of the rooms are hot or there is inadequate fresh air circulation, the ducts are likely blocked.  

• Excessive Dust: If you have to dust your home and wipe down surfaces frequently, have pet hair blowing out of the vents (if you have pets), then check if the ducts are filled with debris and dirt or not.  

Now that you know the signs to look for to detect dirty air ducts, let’s understand why cleaning them is essential for a healthier home!

Why Should I Clean Air Ducts?

Cleaning a dirty air duct is more than just about removing dust and debris. It improves the overall health of your home and the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system, among other things. Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Better Indoor Air Quality: Dirty ducts circulate dust, pollen, pet dander, bacteria and viruses, and mold spores within the home, causing poor indoor air quality. Cleaning them helps get rid of these pollutants, letting fresh air into the house without any obstruction.  

• Avoid Higher Costs for Electricity Bills: When the ducts are blocked, your HVAC system has to work a lot harder in terms of electricity usage and energy consumption, resulting in extremely high electricity bills. So, always keep the air ducts in check to ensure there is no blockage due to dirt or debris buildup and avoid high electricity bills. 

• Longer Lifespan of Your HVAC System: Less stress on your HVAC means fewer breakdowns; thus, your HVAC will not need frequent repairs or replacements.  

• Eliminate Foul Odor: Musty smells can come from mold or pets, or a foul smell can also come from the kitchen due to build-up of dirt in the air ducts. Cleaning eliminates these bad smells, making your house fresh.  

• Remove Allergens: If you are allergic or asthmatic, cleaning the ducts means fewer allergens circulating within the rooms. This will improve your health!  

According to the EPA, indoor air is up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, and dirty ducts play a significant role in this. Do not ignore these indications and call for an air duct cleaning service in Sacramento.

Common Misconceptions About Air Duct Cleaning

Some myths about air duct cleaning include the following:

• Cleaning Ducts Increases Energy Bills. 

This is considered a myth because when the ducts are clogged, it takes a lot of energy to drive air around the house, which means more energy is used to regulate the temperature of your house. So, when the blockages are removed, less energy will be spent!  As per the U.S. Department of Energy, cleaning air ducts can reduce the energy used by an HVAC system by as much as 20%!  

• Cleaning Ductwork Damages Them. 

Using DIY methods can damage the complex network of ductwork. That’s why it’s important to hire an HVAC professional for help. They have the proper tools and training to do the job effectively.

• Cleaning the Ducts is Needed Only in Old Buildings. 

Dust, other allergens, and dirt deposits occur in every home over time, whether it’s a new construction or an old one. So, cleaning air ducts is important in new as well as old homes.

• One Can Clean the Air Ducts on Their Own.  

Duct systems are complex. DIY cleaning is not entirely effective because it can be hard to reach hidden dirt and debris without the right tools. Therefore, it’s better to depend on a professional HVAC Company that provides air duct maintenance service in Sacramento. They will have all the necessary tools and do a cleaner job in no time!

Takeaway

Keeping air ducts dust-free is important for having healthy indoor air quality in your home. This will not only help ensure that there are no allergens in your home but also maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your home’s HVAC system. To understand if your home’s air ducts are dirty or not, look out for signs like mold, excessive dust, frequent health problems, etc. When you notice one or more of these issues, call an air duct cleaning service in Sacramento!

Take Charge of Your Indoor Air Quality- Rely on Our Exceptional Air Duct Cleaning Service in Sacramento 

If you’re in search of a quality air duct repair service in Sacramento, trust Heald Mechanical for a fast, reliable, and efficient job! We are a family-owned business, serving customers since 1910. 

We know the ins and outs of air ducts and will provide excellent air duct maintenance service in Sacramento. 

Our aim is to provide complete customer satisfaction so that you don’t have to worry about your HVAC system or the air ducts. We follow all the safety protocols required for the service. Besides air duct cleaning, we also provide water heater repair, heating repair, and AC repair services. 

So, let us help you enjoy a cleaner and healthier home! Call us now at 916-972-7276!