Why Clean Your Ducts?

Clean air ducts

Because your furnace, air conditioning, air ducts and you need it.

Your HVAC system carries dust, pet dander, human hair and skin particles, floating bacteria and a whole world of microscopic debris as it works. All of these particles get built up in your furnace, ducts, and air conditioning coils. Over time, that can create a whole host of issues like increasing your bills and potentially damaging your property.

Why proper HVAC cleaning matters

Dirt and lint in the furnace motor can cause it to run harder and potentially overheat. Your air conditioning coils can get plugged up with dirt, lint, cooking oils, smoke particles, hair, dead skin, construction debris, drywall dust, sawdust, nails, kids toys, food from the kitchen vents, and more. You would be amazed at what you can find in an HVAC system.

All of these things slow down your airflow and cause your system to run longer and harder, forcing up your bills. This will also cause key components to wear out prematurely and give you more expensive grief that could be avoided. Also if your Dryer vent is clogged with lint and this blockage isn’t cleared, hot air won't be able to escape and it could create a fatal hazard in your home such as a fire. That’s not something you should worry about when running your dryer overnight.

How often should I have my furnace, air conditioning or air ducts system cleaned? 

Always have your furnace cleaned when you buy a new or used home. Then every 2-3 years after that. Dryer vents should be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.

It's important to note that your system will still need regular maintenance, such as monthly filter changes and, if it's an old furnace, the furnace motor might need a few drops of oil and a new fan belt. If you have a humidifier in your ducting, it will need constant cleaning and attention for it to work without causing additional problems

 Frequently Asked Questions for hiring a professional HVAC cleaner

 

+ What type of equipment do you use?

QUADCA certified cleaners will use the "Negative Air method " (AKA the "Push-Pull” Method). Make sure that whatever company you hire uses a large truck-mounted power vac Truck with large 8”-10” vacuum hoses or a high-powered portable duct vacuum with the same hoses. They should also be using a high-powered compressor capable of a minimum of 175 PSI at 18 CFM. Power Vac trucks will park outside and run the large hoses into your home, while the portable duct vacuums will come inside and run close to the furnace.

+ What are the approved QUADCA cleaning procedures?

QUADCA members use the “push-pull method” of duct cleaning. This means that they will use negative air pressure to pull dust and debris back to the furnace while using other tools (such as a blowgun or agitation tools) to push the debris at the same time. This process allows for a professional and complete duct cleaning job that won’t miss larger items stuck in your ducts.

+ Why should I clean my HVAC System?

The HVAC system includes your heating, air conditioning, ventilation and ductwork. It is like the lungs of your home. Changing the filter when it is dirty is a good start but, given enough time, dust and other debris will build up in your ducts over the years. Pet hair, dander and construction debris are commonly found circulating through your system. We recommend cleaning your ducts to reduce the chances of your furnace being overworked, as well as reducing the number of contaminants in the air you breathe.

+ How often should I get my ducts cleaned?

It is recommended that you clean your ducts every 2-3 years. Depending on how many pets you have, you may want to clean them more often. If you have had any major construction work done in your house, drywall dust and other debris may have found their way into your ducts. If you have kids, then chances are you have a few surprises that may be blocking airflow as well.

+ What will help me avoid shady duct cleaners and scams?

In the duct cleaning industry, there is a well-known phrase we use when describing duct cleaners who scam customers. We call them “blow-and-go’s”. They often bait customers with extremely low pricing, show up with the wrong equipment and blow around your ducts to make it look like they did something important and then add hidden charges before they leave. One way you can avoid this is to ask how long it will take for them to clean your ducts. If they answer that it will be a one-man job that only takes half an hour, you can be sure they are not doing a proper job and are not worth wasting the time or money to have them show up. An average house should take 2-4 hours to properly clean.

+ There isn't a QUADCA member in my area. What do you suggest I do?

Taking the steps above will help you find a qualified duct cleaner. We also suggest you let us know you are looking for someone who is QUADCA approved in your area. This will help us find a professional duct cleaner to go through the QUADCA certification process that is in your area.