Every year, homeowners start asking themselves, “do I really need a duct cleaning?” It seems that our homes require endless maintenance, and so the health and cleanliness of our ducts often slips off our radar, because we just don’t see them that often.
But even though we don't spend much time looking at them, your ducts are an absolutely critical part of your health and the health of your home. Here's everything you need to know about duct cleanings for homes in Brampton.
What is a Duct Cleaning?
Your HVAC system uses a combination of ducts to cycle air throughout your home. But the air in your home carries all sorts of particles which can eventually collect in your ducts. Over time, enough animal dander, dust, mould spores, and other airborne elements can build up inside your ductwork that the HVAC system can actually re-distribute them, lowering the air quality of your home.
An air duct cleaning is a service designed to keep your vents free of debris and ensure your HVAC system is performing efficiently.
Although we call it a duct cleaning, a good, professional duct cleaning includes more than just your air ducts.
When you schedule a duct cleaning, the technicians performing the service for you should also inspect and clean the:
- Coils
- Air cleaner
- Air filter
- Drain pan
- Heat registers
- Heat exchanger
- Blower motor
- Air plenum
- Grills
Why Do My Ducts Need to be Cleaned?
First of all, household objects have a mysterious way of ending up inside ductwork. Any HVAC technician could tell you stories of finding toys, pet food, construction supplies, and other, more bizarre items inside residential air ducts.
These lost items can cause blockages, which restricts airflow. As a result, some rooms of your home may have little to no air circulation. On top of that, blockages impact the energy efficiency of your HVAC system. Investing in regular duct cleanings could save you money in the long run.
There are also health effects to consider. The Canadian Government has found that homes exhibited lower levels of surface dust and airborne microorganisms after a duct cleaning. For individuals with allergies, asthma, or delicate immune systems, regular air duct cleanings could make a noticeable impact on their day-to-day health.
How Long Does a Duct Cleaning Take & What Does It Cost?
Every home is different, as are the circumstances around a duct cleaning. If you have not had a duct cleaning in several years, it may take longer. On average, most duct cleanings last around 4 to 6 hours with two technicians. Larger properties will probably require more time, while small properties will likely need less.
The cost of the cleaning will vary depending on the property and the service provider. Some HVAC companies offer free assessments. We’d recommend having your ducts assessed before scheduling a cleaning so you know what to expect.
How Does Brampton’s Climate Affect my Ducts?
Although it can get quite cold in Brampton and the GTA, we live in a relatively humid climate. Even in our least humid month, we average at about 75% humidity. In the summer months, the heat and humidity combine to make an ultimate breeding ground for mould and mildew within your ductwork.
Because Brampton homes may be at a slightly higher risk of developing mould, you may want to schedule your duct cleanings more frequently.
When Do I Need a Duct Cleaning?
The American Environmental Protection Agency recommends inspecting your own air ducts to look for signs of vermin (like rats) or mould. If you see any indication of this sort of problem, you should have your ducts cleaned as soon as possible.
We also recommend having your ducts cleaned every 5 years. This prevents debris from building up and potentially causing blockages or other problems.
Remember to Maintain the Parts of Your Home You Can’t See
It’s easy to forget about your ductwork when it’s working properly. However, by scheduling regular air duct cleanings, you can keep air circulating properly, ensure the energy efficiency of your HVAC system, and prevent allergens from accumulating in your home.
Duct cleanings every 5 years may help make your home a healthier and more enjoyable place to be.
