Did you know that your home's air ducts are a breeding ground for dust, dirt, and other pollutants? Over time, these contaminants can build up and create a number of problems, including:

• Reduced airflow,
• Possible increased energy costs,
• Poor indoor air quality,
• Health problems, such as allergies and asthma.

Duct cleaning is the process of removing these contaminants from your air ducts. It can help to improve your home's indoor air quality, reduce your energy costs, and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system. EPA

Pathogens can flourish in dirty ducts

A variety of bacteria and molds can grow in uncleaned ducts under the right conditions (moisture, temperature). CDC Some of the most common types include:

• Pseudomonas,
• Aspergillus,
• Penicillium,
• Proteobacteria,
• Cyanobacteria,
• Actinobacteria.

These bacteria and molds can cause a number of health problems, including:

• Allergies,
• Asthma,
• Respiratory infections,
• Sinus infections,
• Ear infections,
• Skin infections,

With nasty bugs like these, it’s simply smart to have your ducts cleaned by a professional. This will help to remove bacteria and molds, improving the air quality in your home and lessening your risk of disease and allergic reactions. NIH CDC NIH

Here are some tips you can do between duct cleanings to help prevent bacteria and mold growth in your ducts:

• Change your air filters regularly.
• Keep your home clean and free of dust.
• If you have pets, vacuum, and shampoo their bedding regularly.
• Install a dehumidifier in your home.
• Seal any cracks or holes in your ductwork.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your ducts clean and free of bacteria and mold, which will improve the air quality in your home.

How Often Should You Get Your Ducts Cleaned?

While there is no one-size-fits-all, The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) suggests cleaning as needed, such as after home renovations, before occupying a new home, or if residents experience unexplained symptoms of poor air quality NADCA.

If you don’t know when or if the ducts in your home have ever been cleaned, it’s probably smart to have them cleaned now so you are sure they are OK.

The frequency with which you need to have your ducts cleaned depends on a number of factors, including:

• The type of HVAC system you have,
• The age of your home,
• The level of dust and dirt in your home,
• The presence of pets.

If you have a high-efficiency HVAC system or if you live in an area with a lot of dust and dirt, you may need to have your ducts cleaned more often. You should consider having your ducts inspected every 5 years as a rule of thumb.

What are the benefits of having my ducts cleaned?

There are a number of benefits to having your ducts cleaned, including:

• Improved indoor air quality,
• Reduced energy costs,
• Reduced risk of health problems,
• Increased comfort.

How do you choose a duct cleaning company?

Duct cleaning is not a scam and is important to your health and in-home environment. However, there are some unscrupulous companies that may try to take advantage of homeowners by charging exorbitant prices for duct cleaning services, useless addons, etc. FTC.

Here are some tips to help you avoid duct cleaning scams:

• Get quotes from several companies.

• Ask about the company's experience, certifications, and qualifications.
• Make sure the company uses a vacuum system that will not release dust and dirt into the air. Ask them for the details of their cleaning methods.
• Check social media and other sites for user ratings and comments. You’ll quickly see who to trust and who to avoid.
• Check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the company.

So, what are you waiting for?

Duct cleaning is an important part of maintaining your home's indoor air quality. By having your ducts cleaned regularly, you can improve the quality of the air you breathe, reduce your energy costs, and improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

If you are considering having your ducts cleaned, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable company. By following these tips, you can ensure that your ducts are cleaned properly and that you are getting the most out of your investment.