Is cleaning your HVAC air ducts really that important? Get to know your home’s system, learn how you can improve its function yourself and know when it’s time to consult a professional for cleaning.
What is Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning is the process of clearing debris from air ducts, registers, grilles, and other components of a forced air system. the only way to effectively clean them is with a high-powered, truck-mounted vacuum and compression system. No other method guarantees a complete clean.
Cleaning Your Ducts 
Some homeowners might think they can clean ducts themselves with a vacuum cleaner and a long dust brush. Not a good idea. Cleaning air ducts is not a do-it-yourself job. Only use a certified technician who has the right tools and equipment. Air duct cleaning is performed by using a high-end brush machine with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter and vacuum.
Importance of Air Duct Cleaning
- Maintain Good Air Quality. The air passing through the ducts is the same air your family breathes each day. Left unchecked, ducts can harbor allergens like pollen and pet dander, which can re-enter your living space through the supply registers.
- Boost energy efficiency. Dust and debris restricts the flow of air to and from the components of your HVAC system.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Air Ducts?
It’s easy to take excellent care of a home heating and cooling unit but forget all about the air ducts. As long as the forced air continues to emerge from the vents, there seems to be no point in thinking about the duct system. In fact, you do need to pay some attention to the air ducts.
It’s not only about making sure the integrity of the duct system remains high. You also want to think about what has collected inside the ducts. From time to time, it pays to have a professional inspect and possibly clean them. Why does this matter? Here are a few facts about the ducts, air quality, and what can happen if you choose to not get those ducts cleaned from time to time.
Should I Attempt to Clean the Air Ducts Myself?
Can you clean the air ducts myself? There’s a good chance that you could collect all the resources needed and do the job yourself. While it would take time and a desire to learn how to do the job right, this is an option that some people choose.
Even so, it pays to ask another question: is it wise for you to clean the air ducts yourself? Many people would say no, and with good reasons.
Apart from the time and expense associated with a DIY cleaning, there’s the matter of knowing how to manage the task properly. Professionals are trained in what to look for, how to manage the cleaning professionally and without damage to the vents or the areas around them, and what it takes to inspect a duct system once the cleaning is done. In addition, a professional knows how to dispose of the contaminants in an environmentally safe manner.