It’s time to talk about cleaning…duct cleaning that is. Should you have the HVAC ductwork in your Illinois or Northwest Indiana home professionally cleaned? Merts Heating & Air Conditioning says yes, especially if members of the household suffer from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
Choose your service provider carefully
There can be some debate about HOW beneficial duct cleaning is, but what’s clear is it certainly doesn’t hurt, as long as it’s done properly. This is why you choose only reputable contractors to perform the service. If proper procedures aren’t followed, duct cleaning can actually cause more indoor air problems. A problem with the vacuum collection system is it can release more dust, dirt, and other contaminants than if you did nothing. Additionally, poorly trained, or careless workers can damage your ducts, increasing your heating and air conditioning costs.
Reasons to consider duct cleaning
To be clear, there is always going to be some dust & dirt in your ductwork. The question is whether it rises to the level of requiring a professional cleaning. Some factors to consider:
- There is visible mold growth inside the ducts, especially on hard surfaces like sheet metal.
- Ducts have or show signs of infestation by rodents and/or insects.
- There is clear visual evidence of excessive dust and debris inside the ducts.
- You can actually see dust and dirt blowing out of the register during heating or cooling.
Cases like these indicate a professional duct cleaning is in order.
Address the causes
In each of those situations there are almost always underlying issues causing these extreme problems. Make sure your contractor addresses those issues before or after the actual duct cleaning. If they don’t, chances are the same problems will reappear in the future.
How it works
Duct cleaning methods can vary, but established industry standards usually include using specialized tools to loosen dirt and other debris in ducts. A high-powered vacuum then sucks the debris out of the ductwork. Some contractors may also apply chemicals and sealants to kill microorganisms and prevent dust from being released into the air. You will need to do the research and decide if you are comfortable with using those treatments in your home.
Always ready to help
If you have any more questions about the duct cleaning services available from Merts Heating & Air Conditioning, don’t hesitate to call. We’ve been delivering quality and honesty since 1952. There’s always more great information available through our social media accounts. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.