These days, people are looking for every possible way to make their homes cleaner and more energy efficient. Many questions arise if this quest leads a homeowner to wonder about the home’s air ducts. Is cleaning air ducts important for an efficient AC system? Does duct condition affect indoor air quality?
This blog will teach you all about your air ducts and the maintenance required to keep your system efficient and safe.
Is Air Duct Cleaning Important?
Despite what you might think (especially if you could see inside your AC system), the EPA currently does not have a strong recommendation for air duct cleaning if air quality or dust is a concern. There are, however, some scenarios where the practice may be more warranted.
For starters, a professional should inspect ducts that have become infested with pests such as rodents, especially in older homes. These scenarios might also require the ducts to be repaired if any physical damage has occurred, and the infestation’s severity will determine which steps need to be taken.
Upon visible inspection, large amounts of dust, debris buildup, and substantial mold growth might be a cause of concern. These will lead to health issues down the line if the problem is severe enough. If you or a family member has unexpectedly developed symptoms akin to allergies, an excessive dust or spore buildup in your AC system might be to blame.
Preventative Measures
Cleaning air ducts just because they “seem” dirty may not be necessary – even though the EPA states “no evidence suggests that [duct] cleaning would ever be detrimental.” Still, proper steps can be taken to improve your home’s air quality and cooling system efficiency.
Changing your air filters is one of the simplest but most effective steps a homeowner can take on their own to improve their air quality and energy efficiency. A dirty filter will allow more dust and dirt to enter the system and force the unit to work overtime to push air through. Different factors might contribute to the speed at which a filter gets grimy, such as the general cleaning habits of your family (vacuuming, dusting, etc.) and whether or not animals are raised in the home. Filters can be changed easily during routine inspections or whenever a buildup of dust is noticed.
Reducing the moisture in your cooling system and house is the most effective way to combat mold and spore growth in your ducts. If you notice any leaks in your home or AC system, they should be remedied as soon as possible. When your unit is being inspected for any purpose, always ask the professional to clean and empty your drain pans and cooling coils. These two parts of the HVAC system can lead to excess moisture buildup over time.
Can I Clean the Air Ducts Myself?
Duct cleaning by a non-professional is often not worth the risk. If done improperly, your ducts might become more susceptible to leaks or other structural damage. If the issue is ever big enough to warrant a complete cleaning, a professional should be utilized to ensure the process will not need to be repeated until the far future.
At Ocean Air, we don’t just sell HVAC units and patch up mechanical problems. We partner with you to proactively service and maintain your air conditioning system, ensuring that minor issues do not become major repairs. This approach results in your unit lasting longer and operating as efficiently as possible – while saving you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars over the life of the system. Call today to learn more about Ocean Air’s “shared ownership” approach to keeping your home cool and dry.