Frequently Asked Questions
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- How do I know if I need my air ducts cleaned? or How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
- How should the duct cleaning be performed?
- What is the difference between a truck mount and portable equipment? Which is better?
- How long does it take?
- What should I expect to pay for a proper air duct cleaning?
- Do you have to cut into my ductwork?
- Is it a messy process?
- Is it loud or noisy?
- An additional note about household pets.
- Should I have my ductwork sanitized?
How do I know if I need my air ducts cleaned? or How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Do
you know if the air ducts in your home have ever been cleaned? If not,
it may be good to have it done. Even with new homes, there is often construction
debris in the ductwork, and fine particles like drywall dust can affect
your furnace and its performance. One way to check whether or not the ducts
in your home have been cleaned is to look on or near your furnace for a
sheet metal panel (approximately 9" x 9" or larger). This may
have been where a vacuum hose was attached during an air duct cleaning.
Another thing to check is your return ductwork. Your return or intake
pulls air back to the furnace, therefore, this ductwork is usually the
dirtiest. Your return is also usually larger, and easier to visually inspect
than your supply ducts. You can remove the grill, and look inside with
a flashlight. Do you see a heavy coating of debris? If so, you probably
want to have it removed.
Other reasons people decide to have their air ducts cleaned include: visible
evidence of mold growth in the ventilation system or on registers; infestation
of rodents or insects; installation of a new furnace or air conditioning
unit; home improvements that have caused debris from sanding and cutting;
pets that shed large amounts of hair; odors from cigarette smokers; allergy
or asthma sufferers in the home.
It is difficult to say how often a cleaning should be performed. It is really dependent on the lifestyle and preference of the homeowner. Once the air ducts in a home have been thoroughly cleaned, proper maintenance of your filter and furnace will help keep the overall system clean. It is certainly not necessary annual maintenance, but some people are very fastidious about making it a regular part of their housekeeping every few years.
How should the duct cleaning be performed?
This diagram can give you an idea of how a ventilating system in a home
is set up. There are many variations, but this may help you have a better
idea of what you are talking about with a prospective duct cleaning company.
- Upright Indoor System
w/gas furnace. - *Type (e.g., heat pump, gas, electric), size, position
and location of system components will vary. - Components of a Typical*
Residential Heating and Cooling System
Methods of cleaning can vary widely. The term for proper cleaning techniques is "Source Removal." Generally, a specialized vacuum collection device is attached to the system, and special tools are used to dislodge debris inside the ductwork and push it to the vacuum. Some means of agitation should be used inside the ductwork to ensure debris is loosened from the walls of the ductwork. Any access cuts should be closed according to industry standards, and the service technician should verify that your system is operational before departure.
What is the difference between a truck mount and portable equipment? Which is better?
First, bear in mind, equipment does not clean your ductwork … people do. The technique and procedure used for the cleaning is far more important than the type of equipment used. Most types of equipment are capable of effectively cleaning your ductwork as long as proper procedures are followed. That being said, here is a basic explanation of the different types of equipment commonly used for air duct cleaning:
- Truck Mount: A truck mounted vacuum is run from a large truck. A hose is run from the truck into the house so material is drawn outside.
- Gas Portable: Portable gas vacuums generally use a large bag to collect and contain the debris during the cleaning. They can be maneuvered close to the home for easy access while still exhausting outdoors.
- Electric Portable: Portable electric vacuums are special HEPA filtered collection devices that can be used indoors. The vacuum can be set up near the furnace or other connection point so very little suction is lost. These vacuums are also ideal for homes or buildings presenting difficult access, or for high-rise apartments and condominiums.
How long does it take?
This question could yield different answers from different air duct cleaners.
One man working alone may take longer to complete the cleaning than two
technicians working together. A company with a truck vacuum may have a
quicker set up time than a company with portable equipment. However, the
most important variable is your unique home. Homes with the air handler
unit in the attic or a crawlspace may take longer because of difficult
access. A home with 35 vents will usually take longer to clean than a home
with 15 vents. A home with more than one furnace may take several hours
or the better part of a day, whereas a single furnace home may take only
two or three hours with well-trained technicians and the right equipment.
You should ask how long it will take.
What should I expect to pay for a proper air duct cleaning?
Beware of companies offering whole-house specials for one low price. Air
duct cleaning is not a regulated industry so it is very easy for people
to get into business using substandard equipment, and inexperienced laborers
and/or subcontractors. These types of companies (blow-n-goes, as they have
come to be known in the trade) may use subcontractors so they do not have
to be responsible for any insurance, worker's compensation or any problems
encountered or caused on your project. They offer very attractive prices,
and then schedule as many jobs in one day as possible. Other factors that
can affect price might be type of equipment, location of company (those
with a commercial place of business are generally more expensive), insurance,
certifications, etc. An average single furnace home may vary from $400
to $700 depending on a variety of factors, and larger homes may reach upward
of $1000 or more.
Do you have to cut into my ductwork?
Usually, yes. Think of it this way ... if you want to paint a room, you
have to go inside the room to do it. If you want to clean ductwork properly,
you have to be able to access the inside of it to do that. Cutting an access
hole to attach the vacuum hose then working everything to that one connection
point is more efficient than going from vent to vent with the vacuum hose.
That method will not get all the debris, and may stir up irritants that
could come back into your home when the system is turned back on. Any access
opening made in your ductwork should be sealed in a manner that returns
the ductwork to the same or better condition. Some types of duct systems
cannot be cleaned from the furnace so the technician must attach the vacuum
to a vent opening. Specific procedures are used during this method of cleaning,
which involve zoning off certain parts of the ductwork in order to clean
all sections. Your air duct cleaning service provider can explain more
about this to you.
Is it a messy process?
As a "cleaning" company, it is the job of your technician(s) to leave your home in as good as or better condition than when they arrived. Extra care should be taken based on varying weather conditions. Drop clothes may be used if hoses need to be laid on carpeting. Any large collection vacuum used inside your home should have appropriate filtration so as not to allow debris back into your indoor air. Certainly, there may be some debris that falls loose when a vent cover is removed, or when dust is disturbed on the top of exposed ductwork. But your service technicians should take the time for a "general clean up" upon completion of the duct cleaning.
Is it loud or noisy?
Even though much of the equipment is usually outdoors, the motors of the
vacuum and compressor may be heard quite clearly. You probably don't want
to schedule your cleaning while the baby is taking a nap, and you might
even want to take the baby for a stroll during the louder parts of the
procedure. You may want to give special consideration to small children
or pets affected by loud noises.
An additional note about household pets:
Most companies have procedures to accommodate your pets during the cleaning. Technicians may clean one room first so you can place your pets in that room for the remainder of the cleaning. Or you may want to put your pet in his/her crate or outside during the cleaning. Cats seem particularly stressed by the hissing noise of a compressor air line. Additionally, the technicians may have their vacuum hose running in to the house from outdoors, which would present an opportunity for your pet to escape. It is important to consider what you want to do with your pet during the cleaning.
Should I have my ductwork sanitized?
This is an issue of debate. It is not uncommon for mold, fungus or bacteria
to be present in ductwork. It is a dark, confined space, and moisture can
be present, which may create an ideal breeding ground. However, most spores
can be removed with a thorough cleaning. It is also important to evaluate
why mold or other contamination is present. Is the condensation from the
furnace not draining properly? Is a build up of moisture contributing to
the problem? Is the humidifier in need of maintenance? Is insulation in
the ductwork degrading or holding moisture? The cause of the problem should
be identified, or the mold will likely return.
Applying a sanitizer is not part of a routine air duct cleaning. If your
technician advises it, then have him/her show you why they think it is
necessary. Some sanitizers require occupants not be present during the
application, and for a period of time after it has been applied. Any chemical
has what is called an MSDS, a Material Safety Data Sheet. It gives detailed
information about the chemical, precautions, risk of exposure and how to
handle varying levels of exposure. You can always ask for a copy of the
MSDS. Only certain chemicals are registered by the EPA specifically for
use in non-porous ductwork (sheet metal). If mold or moisture is present
in porous ductwork, such as fiberglass or insulated ductwork, it should
be removed and replaced.
You should ask questions of your potential service provider. You may want to ask for references, proof of insurance and if any special licensing is required in your state. This is an investment in the maintenance and improvement of your home. Our members have agreed to a certain standard and quality of work, and have made a commitment to serve their customers in a professional manner. We feel that you can be confident a DCN member will provide you with the level of service you desire. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if we can provide further assistance or information.
