The Truth About Air Duct Cleaning

What’s the secret to clean and fresh indoor air quality? Duct cleaning! A proven cure for allergic symptoms? Or a gimmicky tactic for contractors to take your hard-earned money?

Today, so many companies are marketing themselves as professional duct cleaners. Others are marketing products that claim to improve indoor air quality. Chances are you've received a coupon advertising duct cleaning services.

So, what exactly are duct cleaning services? And what benefits do they bring to your home? This guide will uncover the truth behind "duct cleaning" and explore the many benefits you can gain by hiring a professional duct cleaner.

What Is Duct Cleaning?

Duct cleaning involves cleaning various parts and components of your heating and cooling system to remove dirt and other pollutants. Along with cleaning the air ducts, a professional duct cleaning company will also clean the:

• Fan motor and housing
• Drip pans
• Heating and cooling coils
• Heat exchangers
• Grilles and diffusers
• Supply and return ducts

The primary goal of duct cleaning is to remove dirt, pollen, germs, debris, dander, and other contaminants that can make indoor air unsafe to breathe.

Why Air Ducts Get Dirty

Most homeowners often wonder why they must clean their duct systems in the first place. The truth is that air ducts accumulate tons of dust every year just from everyday living. Outdoor air is mostly impure and full of contaminants. Some of these contaminants include:

• Chemicals
• Dander
• Smoke
• Dust
• Pesticides
• Pollen
• Mold
• Viruses
• Pathogens

Nevertheless, dust is the most common contaminant in the air entering your home. While some of it settles on the floor, the rest lands on your furniture, appliances, and other possessions. Some of these particles can enter your respiratory system and subject you to health conditions, such as:

• Allergies. Excess dust and other irritants from the air ducts can trigger allergies. Cleaning the air ducts can help to remove allergens responsible for this.
• Cold and Flu. As mentioned, air from the outside can sometimes be contaminated by viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) and pathogens. When these pathogens find their way into your home through the duct system, they can cause serious health issues.

Although you can install an air purifier to trap and even kill pathogens, these devices aren't 100% effective. That's why it's recommended to have your duct system cleaned regularly, especially if you keep pets or have children with allergies.

The Truth About Air Duct Cleaning

Koala Duct Cleaning regularly performs duct cleaning for our clients when situations warrant. In our line of duties, we've heard several widespread rumors and half-baked truths about duct cleaning that have been making the rounds.

In this section, we'll demystify the truth behind duct cleaning and highlight the rumors that shouldn't be construed as facts.

1. Duct Cleaning Improves Air Flow

Duct cleaning does indeed improve indoor air quality, and it helps circulate the air throughout your HVAC system. If you're currently experiencing airflow issues, that could result from a major buildup of dander, mold, and other debris stuck in your ductwork.

Duct cleaning removes debris and pollutants that may have accumulated in your system over time. It might help increase the airflow, change the layout of your duct design or seal breaches in your duct system.

After inspection, the technician may suggest solutions such as:

• Enlarging some or all of the duct system runs
• Adding an airflow balancing damper
• A complete duct system overhaul

2. Air Ducts Should Be Cleaned Every 3 to 5 Years

The NADCA recommends cleaning your duct system every three to five years. If you have pets or family members with allergies, you should have your ducts cleaned more frequently.

Also, if you notice problems such as foul odor coming out of your ducts, an abnormal amount of dust in your house, or some rooms getting warmer than others, you should contact a Koala Duct Cleaning professional. Some of these are signs of contaminated ducts, and the longer you wait, the more the problems will compound.

3. Duct Cleaning Is Good for Your Health

As mentioned, the duct system traps dust and foreign particles such as germs, pollen, and chemical substances that can put your health at risk. Some of these pollutants can trigger allergies and cause respiratory complications.

Cleaning the duct system removes these contaminants once and for all. The result is clean air, free of pollutants which is actually good for your health.

Why It Is Important to Clean Your Air Duct

Now that we've uncovered some truths about duct cleaning and explained why air ducts get dirty let us look at the advantages of cleaning the duct system.

1. Improved Indoor Air Quality

As mentioned, cleaning your air duct will automatically improve the quality of air in your home. Doing so eliminates dangerous contaminants that can lead to constant sneezing, coughing, allergies, and other respiratory illnesses.

2. Energy Savings

Cleaning your air ducts can lead to significant savings in energy bills.

Debris and other contaminants cause the system to work harder than normal. This consumes more energy, leading to higher energy bills. Cleaning the ductwork allows the system to operate more efficiently, leading to low energy consumption and savings in energy bills.

3. Reduces Allergens

Circulating air contains pollutants such as dust, dander, and pollen that can trigger allergies. When you constantly clean the air duct, you can ensure that you eliminate these allergens from your house's circulating air once and for all.

4. It can Enhance the Unit's Lifespan

When your system constantly strains due to the presence of contaminants, wear and tear can ensue, leading to constant breakdowns. Rather than settling for periodic emergency repairs or even replacing the entire unit when the motor and compressor fail, you can get your duct cleaned by a professional.

Talk to a Koala Duct Cleaning Professional Today

Now that you know the importance of cleaning your air ducts, what's next? Consult one of our duct cleaning professionals to take care of your heating and cooling system.

At Koala Duct Cleaning, we give your ducts a deep clean, so you can breathe easily. We have a team of professionals who specialize in air duct and dryer vent cleaning to improve the quality of air in your residential or commercial building.

Contact us today to get an instant quote, or call us to talk to one of our air duct cleaners.