Air ducts supply your HVAC system with indoor air to heat/cool and filter it. They serve to move air throughout the home and deliver air directly from the air conditioner or heating system to each room via metal venting components. As a leading HVAC contractor, we understand the importance of air duct cleaning. For good reasons, you should regularly clean the supply, intake, and return ducts; some cleaning tasks require a regular vacuum cleaner and brush, but more sophisticated blowers and cleaning equipment may be needed to get deep into your ducts.
Air ducts have an inherent tendency to accumulate dust and dirt. Over time, this can have a profound impact on your home, health, and safety. Here are a few reasons why you should never neglect this kind of maintenance.
Potentially Better/Improved Indoor Air Quality
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has never proven that duct cleaning prevents health problems or dust accumulation. However, experts agree that indoor air pollution is a problem with a wide range of potential impacts. There are numerous contaminants beyond dirt and dust, including pollen, pet dander, and a variety of other allergens. Mold, bacteria, and even waste products from rodents and insects can be present in air ducts and threaten indoor air quality. They can even introduce unpleasant odors into your home.
Compounding the problem is that airborne particulates can be recirculated through the HVAC system five to seven times per day, providing the opportunity for debris to build up continuously.1 Cleaning and sanitizing your air ducts can eliminate the buildup and improve air quality. Although most ducts need to be cleaned only every few years, consider more frequent service if you have increased allergies or asthma, pets, or notice mold growth or are renovating/remodeling your home. More frequent cleanings may also be required if anyone at home smokes cigarettes/cigars.
Improved HVAC System Operating Efficiency
Clogged air ducts reduce efficiency because they can restrict air circulation. This can limit air flow and prevent rooms from heating and cooling effectively. The contaminants in the ductwork can even make their way into the HVAC unit, resulting in dirty heating/cooling coils, motors, and other components. This can result in an overall decrease in system performance, causing not only problems with temperature control but also energy efficiency as the thermostat tries to maintain the proper settings, increasing the cost of running your A/C.
Extends the Lifespan of Your HVAC System
Air duct cleaning and HVAC maintenance in general has been proven to increase operating life and reduce the number of repairs and breakdowns. One reason is that clogs and debris buildups can cause excess mechanical strain. When the system works harder, components can wear out faster, potentially leading to premature failures. But you can take proactive measures to improve both sanitation and operating conditions such that your HVAC system can last much longer.
Contact Cardinal Plumbing
Cardinal Plumbing is trusted throughout Northern Virginia for professional HVAC installation and repair services. We are also committed to improving the air quality in every household, whether through air duct cleaning or installing our whole house air purifiers. During the coronavirus pandemic, we’re taking steps to ensure the safety of our employees and customers by using hand sanitizer, disinfecting equipment, and following social distancing guidelines. To schedule an indoor air quality assessment or air duct cleaning by a qualified technician, call us today at 703-721-8888.