When was the last time you decided to clean the air ducts in your house? It will not be surprising if it was a long time ago. Air duct cleaning is tedious and something homeowners often forget to take care of. However, it’s due to this very reason that your utility bills start to rise and many health issues start cropping up unexpectedly. Since the air ducts are responsible for air circulation, if these are not cleaned properly, they can affect functionality, causing an increase in your energy costs.
Clean air ducts are also more energy efficient. The EPA suggests that clean coils in heating and cooling systems improve air circulation. This would save you from large scale expenses in the future and also, by not wasting energy you are saving quite a few bucks. Here are a few tips to make your cleaning project a successful one:
1. Assessment for mold
Mold is often found in areas where there is a lot of moisture and little ventilation. Thus, the inside of air ducts is the best place for them to grow and possibly the worst news for the homeowner. It would release mold spores into the air inside the rooms whenever air passes through the air ducts.
Look for mold inside the hard places in the air duct cooling and heating systems. To make sure that it is mold, you can take a sample and get it tested from a lab. If you find mold in the insulation of the air ducts, replace the moldy insulation and save yourself the hassle of a big expense.
2. Debris inside air ducts
It is common for air ducts to have accumulated debris and clogs over a course of time. Usually, rodents and other insects are a cause of this. In extreme cases, these particles are noticeable as they get released into the air of the rooms. The matter could be decayed organic remains. These can cause a serious health risk and waste of energy by restricting the function of your cooling and heating systems. Hence, these should be cleaned immediately to avoid wasting any more energy and money.
3. Hire a professional
Air duct cleaning can be a huge and tiring job. It is always best to hire professionals because they know exactly what to look for and where. If the professional says there is mold inside the ducts, be sure you ask for a laboratory examination before you proceed with the removal. Hiring a professional to do the job for you will not only save both hassle and money in the long run.
4. Choose the right professional
The best recommendations are from customers who are satisfied from their clean air ducts, so keep an eye out for satisfied customers. You should always ask for an estimate before hiring someone. Ask them about a detailed description of their services and make sure you are getting your money’s worth. The money you spend getting your air ducts cleaned would be nothing compared to the energy efficiency you are getting and the health benefits.
Usually, the cleaning gets finished in 3 to 5 hours, maybe longer if your house is large. Air duct cleaning will not only improve the health of you and your family but it also helps save money by improving the efficiency of your energy systems.
A home warranty with American Home Shield assures you’ll have a plan if something should go wrong with your air ducts system. Not only will you be protected, but our certified service professionals will be one less part of the process to worry about.
Post Author: andyc.
