It's not just the labor cost of hiring an HVAC professional that's a deterrent. It's knowing how often you need a service call.
If you’re the only one who understands how to work on the furnace, then you might be hesitant to contact an HVAC pro unless it’s an emergency.
HVAC professionals get a bad rap. If you’re remotely handy, then you feel that you don’t need to pay someone to do something you can do yourself.
But how much do you know about when it’s time to call a professional to service your ductwork in Thurston County? In this article, we highlight some of the tell-tale signs it’s time to call a technician.
Thurston County Air Duct Cleaning Guidelines
Professional air duct cleaning services exist for a reason. Cleaning air ducts is a technical and dirty job. Professional air duct technicians have the tools and experience that ultimately lead to spotless ducts.
With that said, you can give your ducts a light cleaning with your household tools. Here’s how:
Begin by removing and washing the vent covers. You can remove them with a screwdriver and then pass them in the dishwasher. If you do not have a dishwasher, rinse the vent covers off by hand and let them air dry before you put them back on.
Then cover the vent openings you aren’t vacuuming with a paper towel. This paper towel will act as a filter to prevent dust from blowing out of the vent while you clean them.
Third, use the brush attachment on your vacuum to tape the sides of your ductwork, knocking it loose. Insert the brush attachment into the vent and suck all the dust that the attachment will reach. Then wipe down the sides of the walls with a dry paper towel.
Repeat this step for every vent in your house.
Change the air filter in the furnace after you’ve removed some of the dust from the ducts. Then put your vent covers back on.
These are basic duct cleaning steps. If you want a thorough job, then hire an air duct cleaning technician to reach deep into the ducts and suck out all of the dirt.
Consequences of Dirty Air Ducts
All homes have dust in their ducts. An accumulation of dust, though, can lead to big problems. When you fail to have your ducts cleaned regularly, you can expect these consequences:
Compromised HVAC system
Dust will ultimately accumulate when you do not care for it. heat exchanges in your HVAC system cannot warm air efficiently. Furthermore, dirt-clogged condensing coils cannot cool air efficiently.
Restricted Air Flow
Dust can clog the blower fan and motor. When this happens, air does not circulate effectively. Thus, your HVAC system can be properly cooling or heating air, but it cannot circulate it well.
Shortened HVAC Life
The more your HVAC system has to work, the shorter its life span. If you want the HVAC system to last longer, then get rid of the dirt. Your compressors, hydro pumps, motor bearings, and burners will thank you.
Contaminated Air
Dust consists of dead skin, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, fungi, and possibly rodent feces. These things sit in your ductwork. If you do not clean the ductwork, you and your home residents ultimately breathe them in.
Dirty Home
Your home will always have dust, but you may find yourself cleaning your home more frequently if you have dirty ductwork. Having the ductwork cleaned will prevent dirt from accumulating quickly and will ultimately save you cleaning time.
How Often Should You Clean Your Air Ducts in Thurston County
If air duct cleaning benefits your home, how often should you clean your air ducts?
According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, homeowners should have their air ducts inspected once a year and cleaned as needed.
You should determine a schedule with your professional air duct inspector based on environmental factors. For example, if you have a smoker or two in your home, you will need air ducts cleaned more frequently. The same thought applies if you live on a busy road in a rural area where passing vehicles throw clouds of dust in the air regularly.
Here are a few other reasons you may want to deviate from the regular schedule and call in a duct-cleaning technician.
- Mold: when you suspect you have mold inside your ducts based on the smell of your home
- Visible dust cloud: when you see a poof of dust form from the registers or notice black debris around the register
- Signs of pests: you hear buzzing, scratching, or other suspicious sounds from the ductwork
All of these signs indicate you need a professional to inspect your ductwork and clean out the pests or dust.
Benefits of Clean Air Ducts in Thurston County
When you call in an air duct cleaning service, you end up with more than just clean ducts. You will ultimately save money and boost the health of your home occupants. Here’s how.
Save Money
Regular cleaning will save you money. Your HVAC system will run more efficiently and thus use up less energy to heat or cool your home.
As a result, you’ll see your energy bills go down. You will also save money on service calls for your HVAC system because it will not break down as quickly as when it’s constantly battling dust.
Protect Home Occupants
If your pets, children, or other home occupants have allergies, excessive dust will worsen their condition.
Furthermore, you could have other contaminants that make breathing more difficult. Pest feces and mold in your ducts can cause significant health problems.
When you have your ducts cleaned regularly, you’ll have healthier home occupants. Plus, your home will just smell better.
Thurston County Air Duct Cleaning Services
Now that you can answer the question “how often should you clean your air ducts,” you can schedule a cleaning service. You can certainly start with your own cursory cleaning, but a professional will eliminate much more contaminants than your housekeeping supplies can vanquish.
Do you need your air ducts cleaned? If so, schedule a service today with us.
Our NADCA-certified technicians provide a top-rated duct cleaning service. Our cleaning services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Give us a call so we can help you breathe easy in your own home.
