It’s been around fifty years since the majority of new homes started to be constructed with ductwork for central air conditioning. Some homes that age still have that original ductwork! Even when ductwork isn’t half a century old, it can be a little mysterious. You can’t see inside of it, and even the outsides of the ducts are usually tucked in out-of-the-way places you don’t look at very often. How can you tell what’s going on in your ductwork? With a little help from a professional AC maintenance check, you can get a clear view and a fresh start.
What are the key benefits of professional air duct cleaning services?
Professional air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality by removing dust, mold spores, pet dander, and allergens, helping reduce allergy symptoms. It boosts HVAC efficiency and lowers energy bills by restoring airflow, prevents unpleasant odors and fire hazards caused by dust buildup, and prolongs HVAC system lifespan.
What Is Air Duct Cleaning and How Does It Work?
It would be a terrible idea to reach into a vent and start whacking around with a broom or scrub brush. Trained, qualified technicians can inspect your ducts, determine which tools and cleaning techniques are safest for the type of ductwork your home has, and thoroughly remove any mess they find in there. If you did it yourself, it would be far too easy to cause damage, and ductwork with cracks and holes can cause all kinds of problems, especially inefficient cooling and heating.
Signs It’s Time to Schedule a Duct Cleaning
If you’ve never had a professional take a look at your ducts, it’s a good idea regardless. But there are certain situations when you should absolutely schedule duct cleaning.
- Excess Dust: If the air blowing out of your ducts is particularly full of dust, a cleaning could resolve your problem. Excess dust can also be caused when air from places like your attic, full of particles like insulation fibers, is pulled into the ducts through cracks or holes. While your technician is cleaning your ducts, they can check for damaged areas as well. This inspection can also help identify potential causes of inefficiency, such as ice forming on AC coils, which may stem from poor airflow.
- Mold: If you smell mildew but don’t see mold, it’s lurking somewhere out of sight, and that somewhere just might be your ducts. If moisture pools in there, it makes an ideal environment for mold growth.
- Pests: If you suspect that some uninvited houseguests have visited your ductwork, it’s definitely time for duct cleaning in Hibbing, MN. If you have pests, there may be signs such as dead bugs or rodent droppings that you can see if you peer in the vents, sounds coming from your ducts, and unpleasant smells that might remind you of a trash can, a litter box, or a hamster cage in dire need of cleaning.
- Illness: If you or a family member has an increase in or onset of respiratory symptoms, allergic reactions, or asthma attacks, it’s possible that something in your ductwork such as mold or pollen is contributing. If your system is older or showing signs of poor performance, it may be worth considering efficient AC replacement options alongside duct maintenance.
How to Choose a Trusted Duct Cleaning Professional
Not every company who is willing to clean your ducts is equally qualified. It’s important to choose a company you can rely on. At Mesaba Heating & Air, we’ve been providing quality service to homeowners for over three decades, and we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built. Safety and customer satisfaction are our highest priorities, and our technicians are highly trained and properly insured.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is duct cleaning and why is it important?
Answer: Duct cleaning is a professional service where trained technicians inspect and safely remove dust, debris, mold, or pest residue from your home’s HVAC ductwork. It clears hidden buildup that you can’t clean with household tools, improving air quality, airflow efficiency, and HVAC system performance.
Question: When should I schedule a duct cleaning appointment?
Answer: You should consider duct cleaning if you notice excess dust from vents, musty or moldy smells, signs of rodents or insects, or worsening allergy or respiratory symptoms. It’s especially important if you’ve never had ducts professionally inspected before.
Question: What benefits can I expect from professional duct cleaning?
Answer: You can expect improved indoor air quality with fewer airborne allergens, better HVAC efficiency and airflow, reduced dust settling in your home, elimination of lingering odors, and less strain on your system, helping its components last longer.
Question: Why hire professionals instead of attempting DIY cleaning?
Answer: DIY duct cleaning risks stirring up more dust and spreading irritants like pollen or mold spores, potentially worsening air quality. Professional technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to minimize dust dispersal and ensure thorough, safe cleaning.
Question: What should I look for in a reputable duct cleaning service?
Answer: Look for experienced, insured technicians who offer upfront estimates and thorough inspections. They should follow industry standards (for example, NADCA certification) and aim to deliver lasting solutions rather than quick, incomplete fixes.
Reach out to Mesaba Heating & Air Conditioning today. Service to you is success to us!