If you are in West Boylston, MA, or the surrounding area and are concerned about your indoor air quality, you should not overlook the importance of having your air ducts cleaned. Homeowners often forget about this vital component of improving their indoor air quality when it can be more cost-effective than other potential solutions. Before you opt for an expensive indoor air quality improvement solution, it is worth looking into having your air ducts cleaned.
Signs That You May Need Your Air Ducts Cleaned
You may be taking steps in your household to improve your indoor air quality already. This might include things like regular cleaning, dusting, keeping your home well-ventilated, and running a portable air purifier. If you are finding limited to no improvement from these methods, there is a good chance that the problem lies within your air ducts.
Some major signs that you may need to have your air ducts cleaned include:
- Unpleasant and musty odors
- Visible mold growth
- Regularly clogged air filters
- Unexplained allergy flare-ups
- Frequent illness
- Poor or inconsistent airflow
- Pest infestation in air ducts
- Unusual noises in ducts
- Unexplained increase in energy bill
The Benefits of Having Your Air Ducts Cleaned
Having your air ducts cleaned comes with a slew of benefits related to air quality, some of which may be obvious, while others may be surprising to you.
Improved Overall IAQ
Having your air ducts regularly cleaned has been shown to significantly improve indoor air quality. The air in your home can be extremely contaminated by things like pet dander, volatile organic compounds, and dust. These contaminants get pulled into your HVAC system and accumulate over time. They wind up re-entering your living space and can trigger respiratory issues such as asthma, along with exacerbating allergy symptoms. Having your ductwork professionally cleaned does a great deal towards removing these harmful particles and protecting the health of you and your family.
Odor Elimination
There are a lot of unpleasant odors that can occur in a household. Some examples would be smoke from tobacco, paint fumes, and particularly pungent food. These odors can get trapped in your ductwork and then get cycled repeatedly throughout the home. There is also the possibility of bacteria or mold growing in your ductwork, which can lead to an unwanted stench. Duct cleaning helps to promote a much cleaner and healthier surface in your ducts. Aside from our team cleaning your ducts, we also have different sanitizing products that can be safely used to remove bacteria and other germs.
Keeping a Home Cleaner
Dust particles will accumulate in your ducts regardless of how often you change your filters and how clean your house is. As soon as you turn your system back on, these particles are then redistributed throughout your home. They wind up settling on the floor, couches, bedding, and other areas of the home. If you find that your house is staying unusually dusty no matter how much you clean, having your air ducts professionally serviced can help with ongoing maintenance.
The Process of Professional Air Duct Cleaning
Now that you are familiar with the number of ways that having your air ducts professionally cleaned can help with your indoor air quality, you might be wondering what is involved in the process.
Duct Inspection
Before cleaning the ducts, our technician is going to want to perform a thorough inspection. This way, we can make a proper determination of just how extensive the accumulated buildup is. It also allows us to see if your central air ducts require cleaning as well. Doing an inspection also allows our team to see if there are any other issues in your ducts, such as leaks, that also require attention.
Negative Pressure Vacuuming
When your ducts are ready to be cleaned, your technician will use a powerful air duct cleaning method known as negative pressure vacuuming. This method is the most effective way to remove contaminants from ductwork. This powerful vacuum utilizes negative air pressure to pull air from the duct system while drawing in contaminants such as dust and debris.
When utilizing a negative-pressure vacuum, your technician will need to cut a hole in the duct. They will then insert a vacuum hose and seal the area tight. To maximize effectiveness, they will also seal the registers. Once all the work is complete, the vacuum is turned on, negative pressure is achieved, and your ducts are cleaned.
Mold and Mildew Removal
If your technician finds that there is mold or mildew present in your ductwork, they will take a step beyond negative pressure vacuuming. In cases like these, they will use specialized tools and EPA-approved cleaners to get rid of the mold and prevent it from coming back. You may need to work with a specialized mold remediation company if the growth is extensive.
Dust Agitation
If you have dust that has settled, professional and powerful instruments can be used, such as air-whipping tools and a revolving brush. This equipment helps to stir movement in settled dust and aid in its removal.
Cleaning the Rest of the System
After these steps are taken to clean your air ducts, it’s important for our team to then check the rest of your HVAC system for contaminants or issues. This includes the evaporator coil, air blower motor, drain pan, and other parts of your system.
Tidying Up
Once the process is complete, you can count on a true professional to clean up after themselves, leaving your home as clean as they found it. This is also the time for your technician to answer any questions you may have and to provide advice on how to do your part to help keep your air ducts clean ahead of your next appointment. We will work with you to develop an ongoing schedule for your duct cleanings, so your indoor air quality remains healthy and comfortable at all times.
Your Massachusetts Air Duct Cleaning Team
Homeowners in West Boylston, Falmouth, and other nearby areas, trust DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling with their air duct cleaning needs. That is because we are a family-owned and operated business that is well known for providing the community with exemplary service. Our customers know that, when they come to us, they are getting work performed to the highest standards. We provide you with the kind of care we would want in our own homes. We take great pride in this dedication to quality.
Not only do we provide air duct solutions, but a full range of heating, cooling, and plumbing services as well. This includes new equipment installation, emergency repairs, routine maintenance, and more. We also offer plumbing services, including water heater repair, drain cleaning, camera inspections, sewer service, water treatment, gas service, and more. We also offer excavation, dryer vent cleaning, commercial air conditioning service, and sump pump assistance.
If you would like to hear about any of the services DeWolfe Plumbing, Heating & Cooling can provide for you and your family, give us a call today or fill out our online form.