When Do My Ducts Need Cleaning?

Getting the ducts cleaned isn't exactly at the top of most people's priority list

, even if they have had a recent reminder of the benefits. There are few things to keep in mind when considering if and often you should get your ducts cleaned.

To start, how easy is it to breathe deeply in your home? If you have absolutely no problems breathing indoors then you either have good air or are used to it. A more accurate gauge is if you notice just how fresh air smells/feels when you walk outside then it's time to address your indoor air concerns. Having your ducts cleaned will affect the air qulaity in your home, and will most likely be felt by those who have breathing troubles. While some point to the fact that there are no conclusive studies demonstrating the effectiveness of duct cleaning this has more to do with the nature of the businesses performing it, as opposed to proof that it doesn't work. As small, local businesses there aren't many duct cleaners inclined to sponsor a study.

Cats and dogs in the home are the next concern. Animals shed skin at a rate roughly double that of humans, and they shed a lot of hair too. There are a lot of potential allergens coming of Fido, and it's getting into your air supply. Pet dander is actually one of the main allergens there is, and keeping it out of you ducts is key for good indoor air quality. Nevermind the fact that you don't want your house to smell like dog fur, do you? You may love your pets dearly but are you sure you want your home to smell like them? Maybe you want that But your guests will feel differently.

And just how many people live in your home? Humans have the same effect on air quality as animals - the more there are, the dirtier the air is . Skin cells are the biggest single factor in dust, and if there are a lot of people in the home, there will be a lot of skin in the ducts. But also, people have the habit of dropping things down the ducts as well, be it garbage, grit from their shoes, or the odd wrapper or piece of food. It's just straight math - the more people (and pets) the more stuff in the ducts.

You must also factor in how damp your basement is. Many a new homeowner has called us because they tore up the carpet or drywall to find black mould setting up shop in their home. And while new walls and floors can be comfortably handled by even moderately skilled handymen special equipment and skill are needed to cleanse the ducts. We advise people to have their ducts cleaned regardless, as there doesn't need to be a visible mould infestaiton for it to potentially threaten your health.

There are a few other majors points to think about too - if you've done some work on your house recently, if you've put in a new furnace, if you smoke indside, if your cold air vents are on the floor, and others too.

What it comes down is living in a clean house. Nowadays most people don't think their home is clean unless it is clean in its' entirety, and for that to be true the ducts have to be clean as well. At what intervals you have your duct cleaned will depend on the issues raised above, but if you have never had it done you should start right away.

The short answer to the question "Do my ducts need cleaning?" is yes, though the frequency is up to you.

by: Paul Duschene

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