Before you come up with an answer – how to clean ductwork in a house, you need to figure out what it is and whether you need it all. Getting ahead of the order, it’s safe to say that the procedure is never a waste since air ducts tend to get dirty over time. The higher the level of pollution in the air ducts, the worse quality is the air that you breathe.
Despite the number of dryer vent cleaning services in Richmond Hill, the job they do is the same. The approach to the cleaning differs; the more professional the service is – the better. So, what is air duct cleaning? The process refers to cleaning different heating and cooling systems’ elements of accumulated dirt, mildew, and other debris.
Factors Speaking in Favor of Air Ducts Cleaning
It’s challenging to predict when you need to clean the ducts or not. There are some key points to decide to make up your mind.
Check for HVAC Filters
Not all houses come equipped with HVAC filters. In case you inspect yours and don’t find any of those. You may need to hire a professional to carry out the operation.
Reconsider Personal Intrusion
It’s natural to wonder how to clean ductwork to do the task yourself. However, the operation is a complex one and requires good training and expertise to complete. Otherwise, you may do yourself and the household more harm than good. Besides, professional tools are required to access all the areas.
Watch Out For Pests and Mildew
According to EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), a little dust buildup is okay, and no duct cleaning is necessary. However, things change when there’s mildew or pest infestation insight.
Hiring the Professional Service
Air duct cleaning is not cheap, and you need to realize that. Unless you are willing to spend at least $500 on the cleaning just to be on the safe side, you need to carry out a little investigation. Start with the duct registers and grills. Do you see the initial color, or are they dark with dust? If the latter is the case, a cleaning service should be called.
If you think the outer register and grill inspection are not enough, you can go as far as to take the covers and wipe the sides with a damp cloth. Should the fabric come out dirty, your ductwork needs cleaning.
How Do You Keep the Ductwork Clean?
After the professional has cleaned and paid for the services, it might seem like a good idea to keep things that way longer. So, there are some practical tips to implement into the routine. Add some more filters to the hot supply registers. Seal the gaps between the duct and the wall. You can use regular caulk for this purpose.
Carry Out Regular Furnace Cleaning
It may not seem like much. However, even simple steps can save you a fortune and keep the ductwork cleaner longer. All in all, not all air ducts require professional interference and cleaning. However, if you spot issues such as infestation or mildew, you shouldn’t hesitate to call an expert!