Top 5 Air Duct Cleaning FAQs for Homeowners

Duct cleaning is something that many homeowners put off, but it can have serious implications for your family's health.

Everyone wants their home to be clean, pollutants-free, and energy-efficient. What many don't know is that the duct system has a role to play in all of these. Regular duct cleaning can remove dirt, allergens, and other pollutants that circulate in the air, making it clean and safe to breathe.

These contaminants, alongside bigger debris, can clog the HVAC system causing it to work harder to maintain optimal temperatures in the house, leading to higher energy bills.

However, cleaning the air ducts increases the efficiency of your HVAC system, which in turn, leads to lower energy consumption and low energy bills. As such, it's important to ensure your heating and cooling system is cleaned regularly.

But how often should you clean your duct system? And how do you determine if the cleaning was effective? Most importantly, should you hire a professional like Koala Duct Cleaning to do the cleaning work? We'll answer all these questions and more in this article.

How Do I Know I Need Duct Cleaning?

The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning your duct system every three to five years.

However, professional duct cleaners recommend cleaning your duct system at least once in two years or as soon as you notice problems. Homes with pets or family members with allergies should have their air ducts cleaned more frequently than the average.

But how do you know it's time to call a duct cleaning company? Here are some tell-tale signs that your ducts may need to be cleaned or sanitized.

  • Mold near vents
  • Some rooms getting cooler/warmer than others
  • Dusty or dirty air coming out of the vents
  • Abnormal amount of dust on your furniture even after dusting
  • Persistent cold or unexplained allergic reactions in children
  • Recent vermin infestation
  • Recent water leaks or moisture that may have entered your ductwork
  • Foul or musty-smelling air coming out of your ducts

If you don't have these problems but want to be proactive, scheduling air duct cleaning once every two years is recommended.

Are There Health Benefits of Cleaning Your Air Ducts?

HVAC systems collect a variety of contaminants, such as pollen, allergens, pet dander, germs, and dust particles, that can potentially impact our health.

These contaminants can trigger allergic reactions and lead to other respiratory conditions. As such, removing these pollutants from your home can help improve indoor air quality and protect us from disease-causing microorganisms.

How Do I Choose the Right Duct Cleaning Company?

At Koala Duct Cleaning, you won’t find a better service experience anywhere else. Here’s why.

  • We work efficiently – Cleaning is done fast, efficiently, and as expected
  • We arrive on time – Expect us at your door on time
  • We provide honest service – Get real guidance about how to maximize your air quality
  • We are licensed and Insured – Enjoy extra peace of mind about your decision by choosing Koala Duct Cleaning

How Much Does the Service Cost?

According to the EPA, duct cleaning services typically cost between $450 and $1,000, depending on the services offered, the degree of contamination, and the size of the system to be cleaned.

While the cost of duct cleaning varies from company to company, it should fall in this range. Homeowners should be wary of contractors that make sweeping claims about the health benefits associated with their cleaning services to raise the price.

Homeowners should also beware of the "blow and go" duct cleaning companies that charge below the average but offer poor duct cleaning services. Such companies may also persuade the homeowner to pay for other unneeded services in the name of duct cleaning.

How Do I Determine if Cleaning Was Effective?

The best way to determine whether duct cleaning was effective is to visually inspect the system before and after cleaning.

If dust particles and debris are still visible after the process is completed, the system shouldn't be considered clean. The primary goal of cleaning the air ducts is to remove dust particles and debris that accumulate and clog the system.

So, if you can still see dirt particles after cleaning is done, the cleaning company may not have done comprehensive work. A professional air duct cleaning company should also give you access to system components to gauge the quality of work done.

Is It Necessary to Hire a Professional?

Due to the cost aspect, it can be tempting to DIY duct cleaning.

However, there are many benefits to hiring a professional.

Hiring an experienced professional ensures clean and healthy air in your home and gives you peace of mind knowing the work was done correctly.

Moreover, duct cleaning companies use specialized equipment to inspect and clean even the hardest-to-reach areas of your duct system.

Additionally, a professional Koala Duct Cleaner will not only focus on the cleaning part but also check other components of your HVAC system to ensure it's operating optimally. That's why it's always a good idea to leave the duct cleaning work to the experts.

What's Next?

If you're looking to schedule a duct cleaning service, Koala Duct Cleaning is your best servicing partner.

We perform professional air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, and insulation services. Get in touch with us today and set up an appointment for air duct cleaning. Our professional technicians will answer all your questions and professionally clean your duct system to improve the quality of air in your home.