Air duct cleaning is the thorough cleaning of the components of a forced-air heating and cooling system, including the supply and return ducts, registers, diffusers, coils, condensate drain pan, fan motor, and cabinetry.
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Why air duct cleaning matters
Dust, pet hair, and debris build up in air ducts and get blown around every time the heat or AC kicks on, which is tough on anyone with allergies or breathing problems and can make indoor air feel stale. Dirty ducts also make an HVAC system work harder, raising energy bills and wearing the system out faster.
- Fresher indoor air
- Eases allergies
- Better breathing
- Saves energy
- Longer HVAC life
- No musty smells
- Even air flow
- Less dusting
- Healthier for kids
- Peace of mind
Quick facts about air duct cleaning
Pets and smokers are among the leading causes of poor indoor air quality. If your home has a smoker or a pet, have your air ducts cleaned and inspected for mold at least every 3 to 4 years; with multiple pets or smokers, consider going sooner. If you are sneezing, coughing, or have respiratory problems, you may want to shorten the interval between cleanings.
Home inspectors do not check for air quality: their job is a visual inspection of the property. If you have just purchased a home or condo, consider getting the air ducts cleaned shortly after moving in.
What is air duct cleaning?
Duct cleaning refers to cleaning the components of forced-air heating and cooling systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans, fan motor and housing, and the air handling unit housing.
If not properly installed, maintained, and operated, these components can become contaminated with dust, pollen, or other debris. Where moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth increases, and spores can be released into the home’s living space, which may cause allergic reactions or other symptoms. Bactronix cleans every component of the system: skipping one can recontaminate the whole system and negate the benefit of the cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I get my air ducts cleaned?
Because they get dirty. The average homeowner does not have the tools to effectively clean a modern duct system. Beyond normal dust and dirt buildup, several factors increase the need for cleaning: moving into an existing home and wanting to remove the biological footprint of previous occupants, having pets, noticing excessive dust on floors and furnishings, having allergies, asthma, COPD, or an autoimmune disorder, musty odors, cigarette or cigar smoke, cooking odors, mold in the home, a recent fire or water loss, having a new furnace installed, or a newly constructed or renovated home with drywall dust or construction debris inside the ducts.
Are there health benefits to HVAC system cleaning?
HVAC systems collect mold, fungi, bacteria, and fine dust particles that can affect overall health. People with allergies and asthma, along with young children and the elderly, tend to be more sensitive to these contaminants. Removing them from the HVAC system and home is one part of an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.
What are some other benefits of having my air ducts cleaned?
Improved indoor air quality, reduced household dust so your home and furnishings stay cleaner longer, fewer allergy triggers from mold, bacteria, and dust mites, fewer odors from pets, smoke, or must, better airflow and efficiency, and a healthier indoor environment overall.
How often should residential HVAC systems be cleaned?
NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaning Association, recommends cleaning ductwork every 3 to 5 years, though the right frequency depends on several factors: moving into an existing home, a smoker in the household, pets that shed heavily, excessive dust, residents with allergies, asthma, or COPD, an extensive renovation, mold in the home, a new furnace installation, or a recent water or fire loss.
How long should a professional air duct cleaning take?
It depends on the number of systems, the size of the home, and how much debris is in the system, but the average single-furnace home takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, roughly a half day plus or minus. Bactronix typically completes two single-furnace homes per day per truck.
Does duct cleaning include bathroom exhaust fan cleaning?
Bath exhaust fan cleaning is available as an add-on to a duct cleaning project.
What are the signs my ducts need cleaning?
Excessive dust on furnishings, musty or stale odors when the HVAC system runs, inconsistent airflow from vents, allergy-type symptoms or respiratory issues while in the home, and a rise in heating and cooling bills.
Should I use a deodorizer on my ducts after cleaning?
Yes. Once cleaned, ducts are treated with an eco-responsible, EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant and deodorizer. Disinfecting is just as important as the cleaning itself.