Air Duct Cleaning Services: Is It Worth It?

Air ducts collect dirt, dust, and mould. It’s true; these pollutants can enter your home. Not to mention, the HVAC in your home will have to work harder. In contrast, you may not need to think about cleaning your air ducts as often as you think. In fact, you would need more than just a dusty home to warrant air duct cleaning services.

Yet, there are times it is valid. Do you know where to look?

This month, we will help you recognize issues and how to prevent them. Plus, we can help you choose a good company. It’s essential to know how to spot scams. Many companies will make false claims and overcharge. Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to air duct cleaning.

Air Duct Cleaning 101

If you started thinking about air duct cleaning services because you got a call from someone, think again. You probably don’t need your air ducts cleaned. However, have them inspected if:

There is visible mould growth. If you can see mould growing inside your air ducts or HVAC unit, that is a red flag. But, make sure. Often, other substances mimic the look of mould.

You hear an animal in your ductwork. Unfortunately, it’s a common thing. Pesky animals can work their way into our homes. It’s a homeowner’s nightmare. But, besides the noise, it’s not good for your health. Rodents and insects leave harmful debris behind.

In this case, cleaning your ductwork is the right choice. That way, you can rest easy knowing the quality of your air is not affected.

Lastly, you may need air duct cleaning services if you have excessive dust/debris. But, this is not common. Generally speaking, all you need is regular cleaning. It is normal for registers to collect dust. This does not mean you have heavy debris.

On the other hand, you can easily clean them yourself. Just take off the register, clean, and put back. It’s as simple as that.

In short, don’t fall for every claim you hear. But, if you face one of the issues above, check-in with your local HVAC company. At ATN Mechanical, we can help you find the problem. More importantly, we will fix it. Stay away from quick fixes! If you do not create a solution, the problem will keep reoccurring.

Duct Cleaning Services Scams & How to Avoid Them

There are many reputable companies out there. But, if you don’t know what to look for, you could get caught in a scam—in turn, leaving you with a hefty bill. Therefore, we have come up with a checklist. Use this guide to help you make a decision you won’t regret.

Choose a “Full Service” Company

Air duct cleaning services should include your heating and cooling systems.

Check References & Certifications

If a company does a good job, people will talk about it. Look online or ask around. Don’t settle for the first company you see. Research! Research! And more research!

Ask for an Estimate

Never accept a verbal estimate. Reputable companies will usually provide a free quote. As a rule, find three or more before making your final choice.

Avoid Sealants & Sprays

Above all, never use chemicals in your ductwork. The chemicals will do more harm to your health. If they try and convince you, it’s never a good sign.

Avoid Tempting Gimmicks

To conclude, one of the biggest red flags are marketing gimmicks. To illustrate, if you are told it will only cost $99 for your whole home, it’s a scam. Proper HVAC duct cleaning will cost upwards of $500. Don’t be fooled. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

As we mentioned, we are here to assist you. In other words, ask us for a recommendation.

Air Pollution Prevention

The best way to avoid a hefty bill from air duct cleaning services is through prevention. As always, maintenance is key. In order to keep dust from entering your system follow these rules:

• Clean your home often. If you can, it’s best to vacuum. By removing the dust, you eliminate the risk of it going into your vents.
• If you find a water leak, repair it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, ask for help. You want to be sure it’s done correctly.
• Control the moisture in your home. If moisture is present in the home, it’s likely it’s present in the ducts. For more information on moisture control check out the Benefits of Air Humidifiers.
• Change air filters regularly. Depending on your home, the time varies. However, just look for visible signs of dirt. Additionally, use a filter with high efficiency. Not sure what to choose? Give us a call. We would be happy to recommend something for you.
• Seal registers and vents during renovations. If you are working on your home, this is a vital step.
• Clean cooling coils and drain pans. Don’t worry, we can do it for you. During your next service call, ask your HVAC technician to do it for you. No need to make a separate call.

Equally important, if you have recently moved into a new home it’s important to have your HVAC units checked for sizing. If they are too big, they will shut on and off frequently. As a result, you have poor moisture removal. Poor moisture equals huge problems.

Summary

Knowledge about air duct cleaning services is still in its early stages. Therefore, the EPA recommends only doing it when necessary. If you don’t have excessive debris, rodents or mould than leave it be. All you need is a regular cleaning schedule.

Commit to a maintenance schedule and you’re set. If you keep your HVAC running efficiently you minimize risk. And if you have any questions, you’re not in this alone. Ask us at your next service call.

Most importantly, never fall for a quote that doesn’t seem right. Companies will try and use scare tactics but remember our checklist. Use our guide to help you decide. There is a good chance you may not need air duct cleaning services at all.

During these uncertain times, we are here for you. We remain open to keep you and your family comfortable. And we take the health of our staff, clients, and community seriously.

On that note, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to hearing from you soon.