The ENERGY STAR Web page you are looking for cannot be found in this location. If you typed the page address (URL) in the address bar, make sure that you spelled it correctly. Return to our home page. Use our site map to locate specific topics. Use the Search box above to locate the information you need.How often do you need to clean your ductwork? Recommendations vary, so individual circumstances and preferences should dictate the timing of this task. Every day we bring dirt and dust particles inside our homes from the great outdoors. We also generate dirt and dust indoors, depending on our daily activities. As the particles become airborne, they get drawn into our HVAC systems. (Our children may even drop toys, socks, or balls into them as well). As this continues over time, particles build up along the inner walls of the ductwork. Imagine what your furniture or floors would look like if you never dusted them. Cleaning up the accumulation of dirt, dust and debris inside your ductwork is common sense and part of good housekeeping.

Air duct cleaning is a process that removes the dirt, dust, and debris found inside the ductwork of an HVAC system. Several methods are used to clean air ducts.best air purifier for infants Contact cleaning utilizes a conventional vacuum to clean dirt, dust, and debris from inside HVAC ductwork. natural air purifier plantsThe vacuum doesn't reach everywhere within ductwork, however; fresh air focus air purifierthe area cleaned is limited by the length of the hose. Areas too far away will be inaccessible and thus not cleaned. Air sweep cleaning utilizes a larger vacuum and compressed air. The compressed air separates dirt, dust, and debris from the walls of the ductwork, and the vacuum collects these airborne particles.

This method is thorough but  time-consuming. Mechanical brush cleaning utilizes a vacuum and rotary brush. The rotary brush scrapes and loosens dirt, dust, and debris from the walls of ductwork, and the vacuum collects these airborne particles. This method is the most effective but is time-consuming. When or how often should you have your ducts cleaned? Well, that depends on who you believe. Some air duct cleaning companies suggest cleaning your ducts every two to three years. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests in their industry standard (Assessment, Cleaning, and Restoration of HVAC Systems – ACR 2006) that the air-handler should be inspected every year and ductwork every two. When these inspections show that the system has significant contamination, they recommend it be cleaned at that time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that duct cleaning is necessary only if any of these are present: Substantial visible mold growth in ductwork or other components of the HVAC system,

An infestation of rodents or insects in the HVAC system, Excessive dust and debris clogging the ductwork, or Release of particulate matter into the home from the supply side of the HVAC system. As you can tell, industry members don’t necessarily agree with one another. It’s safe to say that, at the very least, you should have your HVAC system cleaned after your home’s construction is complete; if a catastrophe occurs and water gets in the ductwork; or if you have been remodeling, creating more dust and debris than normal. Other than that, when you have your ductwork cleaned really depends on how you maintain the indoor environmental conditions of your home, the ages of the occupants, and your personal preference. Although it is possible for you to dust the supply and return air grilles and vacuum the first few feet of ductwork at each grille with your household vacuum cleaner, hiring a professional to perform a thorough cleaning of the entire HVAC system is recommended.

The cost to do so, according to Cost Helper, may be $400 – $1,000, depending on a variety of factors related to the HVAC system being cleaned. They suggest that smaller (like 1,400 square foot) homes will be on the low side of this estimate, and larger (like 3,500 square foot) homes will be on the high side of this estimate. As you look for a duct cleaner, keep in mind that some service providers may be more interested in getting into your wallet and instead of focusing on cleaning your ductwork. Finding the right service provider doesn’t start in your local newspaper advertisements: “Whole House Duct Cleaning – $59.99!” Rather, it starts by contacting the Better Business Bureau and visiting NADCA to find a NADCA member near you. Ensure that the service provider is experienced, insured, and, if relevant, licensed. Expect your service provider to perform an inspection and provide a written estimate prior to performing any services. NADCA provides a helpful checklist that is designed to help residential consumers understand what steps a duct cleaner should be taking from the beginning to the end of the duct cleaning process.

Call Us Now (888) 856-4507It Might be Time for Air Duct Cleaning When your allergies act up, it may seem like a good time to stay indoors. While this may provide you with some relief from outside issues like pollen and pollution, it’s helpful to keep in mind that approximately 25 percent of your indoor pollutants come from outside your home. Additional factors in your home can contribute to indoor pollution problems, as well. In fact, if your allergies seem to flare up frequently throughout the year, it’s possible that your home is harboring the most significant irritants. Air duct cleaning and other indoor efforts may provide some relief. Air Ducts and Indoor Air Quality If you inspect an out-of-reach shelf or fixture, you may find that there is a significant layer of dust. This same condition is probably true of the interior of your ducts. When was the last time you cleaned or dusted that fixture? What about your ducts? Duct cleaning may be helpful for removing unseen dirt and debris that may cause irritations and respiratory problems.

Start with a Duct Inspection Before your ducts are cleaned, it’s helpful to schedule a duct inspection. Leaky ducts can allow dirt, insects and even rodents to get into your home, and duct cleaning without sealing those leaks is impractical. Your HVAC contractor can use remote equipment to visually inspect the walls of your air ducts. He can also use measuring equipment to test for air pressure to evaluate the severity of leaks. Recommended leak sealing should precede any cleaning services. Can I Seal and Clean My Own Ducts? While your DIY skills may be good, it’s important to remember that the major portion of your ductwork is out of view and out of reach. Proper sealing materials must be used to ensure that your system is free of leaks. Additionally, you won’t adequately remove dirt from your ducts with common household equipment. Many imagine that a vacuum extension is enough, but the reality is that professionals use high-powered vacuums with HEPA filters to ensure that debris isn’t introduced back into your airstream.