In this era of obsession with healthy living, there are all sorts of secrets out there for living a healthier lifestyle— and that goes for our homes as well as our bodies. One “secret” to home health that is often overlooked is HVAC duct cleaning, and there are a number of reasons why professional duct cleaning should be a part of your home health regimen.
Reason 1:
The most important reason to have your ducts cleaned is that cleaner ducts make your HVAC system run more efficiently. Dirty ductwork filled with contaminants wastes up to 40% of the energy your system uses for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A clean duct system doesn’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your home, conserving energy.
Reason 2:
No evidence has been found to suggest that dirty ductwork is hazardous to our health. However, some people—particularly those with allergies or asthma—may be more sensitive to contaminated airflow than the rest of us. If you or one of your family members is sensitive to the dust or dander that collects inside air ducts, having your ducts cleaned more regularly may help alleviate those symptoms.
Reason 3:
If there’s explicit, visible evidence that your ducts are being compromised by dirt or infestation, you should have a professional clean them out as soon as possible. Some situations when you should seek immediate professional cleaning services are: if you can see mold when you peer inside, if noticeable debris or dust blows out of vents, if you witness some kind of vermin or insects emerging from the ductwork, or if you observe rodent droppings or dead insects inside the duct.
Reason 4:
Any major remodeling project you undertake in your home is going to produce extra dust and debris that may find its way into your ductwork. The extra contamination generated by a construction project may be a good reason to schedule a duct cleaning earlier than usual.
Reason 5:
If you live in a home with multiple pets that shed lots of fur and dander, you may want to have your ducts cleaned more often than a home with no pets, in order to help prevent the fur and dander from building up and circulating throughout the house.
Because duct cleaning is a less frequent (every 3-5 years) or “as-needed” type of maintenance, make sure you are hiring a reputable professional that will diagnose your needs honestly.
If you’re unsure whether or not your ducts need cleaning, call Bonfe to schedule an inspection and consultation.