Can we talk? About dirt that is. If you remove one of the registers from your HVAC system, chances are you will see dirt and grime in the ductwork. The key question is does the amount of dirt mean it’s necessary to have a professional duct cleaning in your Steger, IL or Crown Point, IN home?
DUCT CLEANING NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY
Listen, Merts wants to have your business, but we also want to make sure you aren’t paying for something you don’t really need. The EPA does not make a blanket recommendation that the ducts in your home should be regularly cleaned. One reason is because some dirt is always going to be present in the ducts. For the most part it adheres to the surface of the ductwork and is not blown around the house when the air conditioner is running.
NOT THE ONLY SOURCE OF DUST & DIRT
No matter how good a housecleaner you are, dust is always going to be present. Some of it comes from outside the home and some from normal indoor activities. It’s very possible duct cleaning will reduce dust, but it certainly won’t eliminate it. The EPA says there’s no evidence a light amount of household dust poses a health risk.
WHEN IS DUCT CLEANING A GOOD IDEA?
So, you’re saying I don’t need to have a duct cleaning…EVER! Whoa, not so fast my friend. Here are some situations where a professional duct cleaning is the right choice:
- There is visible mold in your ducts. Just a few more points about mold:
- Any reputable contractor should be able to show you evidence that the mold actually exists if they say it’s in an area you can’t inspect yourself.
- There are substances that look like mold but aren’t. You may want to have a sample tested to make sure.
- When insulated ductwork gets wet or moldy it cannot be cleaned effectively. In that case duct replacement is a better choice.
- If you don’t correct the conditions that caused the mold it will likely return even after it’s removed.
- There is clear evidence the ducts are infested with rodents and/or insects.
- There is an excessive amount of dirt and dust in the ductwork and there’s evidence it’s being released into the air.
If any of those conditions exist there are reasons why it is happening. After the duct cleaning you should make sure your HVAC technician finds the cause and fixes the underlying problem. This could include a duct replacement.
MERTS WILL HELP YOU DECIDE
If you are ready for duct cleaning or just want a second opinion about how necessary it is, call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more. Our experts can also examine your HVAC ductwork to see if a partial or complete duct replacement might be the better choice for your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home. To learn more about our services be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.