A home’s ductwork can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. These contaminants can then circulate throughout the house.
Duct cleaning companies use large vacuum collection units to suck dust out of ductwork. To do this, the technicians cut access holes in ducts near the air handler, which is at the heart of your HVAC system. Check out more at duct cleaning Coquitlam.
Air Duct Inspections
Air duct inspections help homeowners understand the condition of their home’s air ducts. During an inspection, professionals will check for excessive dust buildup that may signal blockages or clogs, signs of rodent activity, and mold growth. They will also look for loose or disconnected ducts, which can leak conditioned air and reduce efficiency.
A home inspector will usually unscrew a register vent and take a closer look at the inside of the ductwork. They will use a digital camera with a flash to get a better view. For more precise leak detection, they can use a smoke test that involves placing a lit stick of incense near the duct seams. If the smoke gets sucked in or wafts erratically, it could indicate a leak. They will also use a blower door test to create a pressure imbalance that makes leaks easier to spot. After the ducts have been cleaned, they can be sealed. Air duct cleaning can significantly improve indoor air quality and reduce allergies, sneezing and respiratory problems.
Air Duct Cleaning
Duct cleaning is the process of sweeping away accumulated dirt from inside air ducts. It is usually performed by a technician who uses specialized brushes to loosen debris and then vacuums up the dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander.
Besides reducing air flow resistance and increasing energy efficiency, duct cleaning can also help you breathe cleaner, healthier air. While there are no universal guidelines that dictate when to have your ducts cleaned, the best way to determine whether or not they need to be cleaned is by conducting regular visual inspections and looking for tell-tale environmental indicators like unexplained allergy symptoms, uneasiness, and large deposits of dust on the vents and registers.
Before duct cleaners arrive, clear a path to the air handler and plenums (usually in the attic or basement) by removing furniture from the area and clearing out any clutter that could get in their way. Make sure to give the air duct cleaners a tour of the house and point out all vents so they don’t miss any.
Air Duct Repairs
Some service providers offer chemical biocides to kill microbiological contaminants on the inside of ductwork or other equipment components. These practices have yet to be thoroughly tested and are not recommended.
Holes in ductwork must be repaired to prevent hot or cold air from escaping and increasing utility bills. Holes can also lead to duct leakage and reduce system efficiency. The cost to patch holes varies according to their location and size.
Rust in ductwork requires immediate repair to prevent the spread of corrosion and rust on other parts of the system. The cost to remove rust ranges from $150 to $500 and may include a duct cleaning.
Rodents infiltrate ducts and leave behind droppings and foul odors that must be eradicated before a duct cleaning can begin. The cost to rodent-proof ducts ranges from $450 to $2,000 and typically includes trapping and exterminating the pests as well as sealing the ducts. This is an important step, as unchecked vermin can contaminate the entire HVAC system and home.
Air Duct Replacement
Air ducts are a vital component of your HVAC system, and like any other part of your home they need to be cleaned and maintained. A professional duct cleaning service uses special tools to remove dust, mold, fungus, vermin and other contaminants from your ducts. They will also inspect ductwork for signs of damage and repair them if necessary.
Dirty ducts can circulate contaminated air throughout your home, which can lead to allergy and asthma symptoms. It is especially important for family members with respiratory conditions or auto-immune disorders to have clean ducts.
There is no universal schedule for duct cleaning, but you should have them cleaned every three to five years. You should do a visual inspection of your ductwork before scheduling an appointment. If you notice large deposits of dust on your return or supply registers, musty odors in certain rooms or a reduction in home comfort, these may be indicators that it’s time for duct cleaning.
