When To Clean Your Air Ducts
Oftentimes, the task of cleaning the air ducts that carry cool or warm air into rooms is way down on your list of things to do.
It is also possible that you don't even know that it needs cleaning.
Since the air ducts are placed inconspicuously, usually along the ceiling or in between walls, maintaining its cleanliness becomes tricky hence nobody wants to even think about it or nobody thinks that it needs to be done.
Don't worry you don't have to do it yourself.
There are professionals who provide duct cleaning services.
There are no exact guidelines as to when to clean air ducts but before you call the air duct cleaning crew, here are some tips to bear in mind: You don't have to have them cleaned everyday or even every week, that would be too tedious and bottom line unnecessary.
Builders recommend periodically cleaning them.
Pointers to consider in determining frequency would be based on the number of people living in your home or office, the presence of pets, your environment - do you live in a very dusty or dirty environment, and more importantly, are there any members of the household with health issues especially respiratory problems? If you have the insulated type of air ducts and they get wet or moldy, then they definitely need cleaning.
If the damage is too much, replacing the insulation may even be required.
Insect and vermin infestation is also a good sign to call the local duct cleaners.
A clogged air duct possibly caused by excessive dust or debris also warrants clearing and/or cleaning.
It is also important that the grills and vents where air is released be free of dusts, molds, or any substance that may have accumulated there.
It is more or less easy to clean up the ducts.
Try to remove the air duct cover or the vents using the right tool.
Most vents are secured with screws.
If you can reach the air filters, remove them as well.
Rinse them thoroughly and clean the inner part of the duct work.
Wipe the surrounding areas on the wall and ceiling.
Vacuum the vents and air ducts as far as you can reach.
If the air filters are beyond cleaning, it would be best to replace them.
You can also maintain the flow of clean air in you room, house or office by changing the air filter every now and then.
Duct work cleaning by professionals is not always needed.
Maintaining a clean environment in homes and offices is one of the easiest ways to avoid needing their services.
The usual cleaning and vacuuming will do more good than having someone clean the ducts every so often.
But if anybody or a number of people at home or at the office experience inexplicable allergic signs or symptoms or if you smell a musty odor, then you may need the specialists to take over.
Make sure that the service provider you choose will do their job efficiently because if not done properly, the problem will only persist or reoccur.
So whether you clean or have them cleaned, it is good to know when to clean your ducts.