1. What is Duct Cleaning?

Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilled and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensate drip pans, fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing.

2. Are there any health benefits that come from HVAC cleaning?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria and very small particles of dust and debris. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.

3. Will duct cleaning reduce our home energy bills?

Research by the U.S. EPA has demonstrated that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, and generally operate more efficiently than dirty systems.

4. How should a residential HVAC system be cleaned?

The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ source removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home.

5. How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?

Frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, one of which is preference of the homeowner. Some things to consider that may lead the homeowner to consider more frequent cleanings: Smokers in the household Pets that shed lots of hair and dander Residents who suffer from allergies or asthma who might benefit from the reduction of indoor air pollution

6. What criteria should I use in selecting a contractor?

Ask contractors to come to your home and perform a system inspection and give you a quotation. To narrow down your pool of potential contractors, use the following pre-qualifications: See if the company is listed with the Better Business Bureau and is in good standing. Make sure the company is going to clean and visually inspect all of the air ducts and related system components. Ask if the company has the right equipment to perform the job, and if the company has completed jobs in homes similar to yours. Get references from your neighbors if possible.

7. How long should it take to clean a typical residential system?

There are a variety of factors that could affect the time needed to clean the ductwork, including type of home, accessibility of the ductwork, and number of workers on the project. A typical 3 or 4 bedrooms home will require 4 to 6 hours for cleaning.