5 Things Duct Cleaning Can Remove

Posted on: 5 July 2023

Depending on the situation, duct cleaning may be an infrequent task or you may need to have it done on a regular schedule. Know when duct cleaning can solve a problem so you can schedule accordingly.

1. Dust Buildup

For those that are constantly battling dust in the home, the culprit may be the air ducts. This is especially likely if you live in a dry, dusty climate or if your home is near a dirt road. The dust that accumulates in the ducts will then get blown out into your home each time the HVAC system cycles on. Having the ducts cleaned annually won't eliminate the dust coming in from outside sources, but it will prevent it from recirculating through the home constantly.

2. Pollen & Allergens

For those with allergies to dust mites, pollen, and other small allergens that can collect in a duct system, cleaning out the ducts periodically can be part of the solution. The best time to clean ducts for allergies is just after the worst of the pollen season for your area, which is typically late spring to midsummer. Combining annual duct cleaning with the use of a HEPA filter on your HVAC system may help reduce or even eliminate indoor allergies. 

3. Pet Hair

Your dog or cat may be your best friend, but they produce a lot of shed fur and dander that can collect inside your duct system. The sheer volume that can collect can irritate even those that have no known pet allergies, so keeping the duct work clean should be a priority. Depending on how much your pet sheds and how quickly it builds up in the ducts, you may need to schedule cleaning every year or two in order to keep the problem from becoming severe.

4. Construction Debris

Having work done on your home, whether it's a quick room remodel or putting on a whole addition, can result in a lot of dust and debris in the air. Drywall work is especially dusty, and the powder often collects in the duct system. This can blow out for months, causing air quality and breathing issues in the home. It's a good idea to schedule a duct cleaning following any home construction work so you can avoid this problem.

5. Foul Odors

If you smell foul odors each time your HVAC system cycles on, the issue could be with mold or bacteria growing in the duct system. Odors can range from musty mildew smells to a sour-sweet sweaty sock odor caused by moisture and bacteria. Odors may also originate from environmental concerns, such as soot from wildfire smoke or a small kitchen fire.

Contact a duct cleaning service to learn more about the process.  

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