Why should I clean my air ducts?

  • It reduces the dust in your home which lessens housework
  • Removes pollen, mold and other potential allergens
  • Removes odors and provides healthy air for your family
  • Improves the efficiency of your HVAC system
  • Lengthens the life of your HVAC system

What types of things are found inside ductwork?

Some contaminants typically found in air ducts are mold, bacteria, dead human skin cells, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, insects, rodents and their droppings, sheetrock, wood and concrete dust, sawdust and even coffee cups and soda cans. This duct cleaning question is asked most often!

Do dust and dirt go throughout the house while you are cleaning?

No. Dirt will not blow throughout the home during the duct cleaning. Clean Air Columbia’s power vacuum trucks are so strong that any dust or dirt we remove from the ducts will be pulled out directly to our truck. There is a constant negative pressure (vacuum) maintained throughout the entire cleaning process.

How often should I get my air ducts cleaned?

The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends that homes be cleaned every 3 to 5 years. More frequent cleaning is recommended if you have experienced a problem, such as a fire, flood, mold or had construction done in the home. Also, allergy and asthma sufferers should clean their air ducts more often.

How long will it take to clean my ductwork?

All homes are a little different, but an average home typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on how the home is set up and the design of the duct system.

Are chemicals used in the cleaning process?

When necessary, we use a mild degreaser to clean exterior surfaces or inside the furnace cabinet, but on a typical cleaning no chemicals are introduced to the interior of the ductwork. When helping our restoration friends clean up mold or soot from a fire, we will use appropriate chemicals to help restore the ductwork.

I have a new home. Should I have my air ducts cleaned?

The construction process creates a lot of dust that finds its way into the air ducts. Whether it’s drywall dust, sawdust, or dust from hardwood flooring, it’s always a good idea to clean the ductwork after new construction or remodel.

How can we determine if the cleaning of our air ducts was effective?

The best way to determine if the air duct cleaning was effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. If any dust or debris can be seen, the system should not be considered cleaned. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flashlight and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor should be able to allow you better access to system components and perhaps the use of specialized inspection tools. Cleaning duct work means removing contaminants from your home including dirt, pollen and fibers, resulting in a noticeable overall reduction of dust in your home. Take a look around — Do you notice a difference? Your view is what really matters.

Is your home making you sick?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), poor indoor air quality is among the top 5 environmental risks individuals are exposed to. Fortunately there are easy ways to improve indoor air quality.
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