What is Duct Cleaning? The Basics of Having Your Air Ducts Cleaned

Bad air ducts are among the leading causes of HVAC problems homeowners encounter. In the following, we’ll discuss how air duct cleaning can resolve these issues in your home. We will discuss what it is, when your air ducts should be cleaned, why it’s essential, the cost of air duct cleaning, and more. As always, your friends at Five Star Home Services have all your indoor air quality needs and HVAC covered in one place! 

What is Air Duct Cleaning? 

Air duct cleaning is the process of eliminating dust, mold, and other contaminants that accumulate over time in the air ducts of a building. These ducts are part of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system and circulate air throughout a building or home. When left uncleaned, these particles can be re-circulated into the indoor air, potentially causing health issues for occupants. Therefore, regular air duct cleaning is essential to maintain good indoor air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system.  

Cleaning the air ducts involves removing all accumulated debris, dust, and other contaminants from the system. This is typically done using specialized tools and equipment to dislodge and vacuum out pollutants. The professionals who provide this service are trained to safely and effectively clean every component of your HVAC system, including the air ducts. 

One of the main benefits of cleaning your air ducts is improving the air quality you breathe. Over time, dust, allergens, and other particles can build up in the air ducts and constantly circulate throughout your home or building. This can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues for occupants, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.  

When Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

Air ducts should be cleaned under certain circumstances. If you notice a visible mold growth inside your ducts or on other heating and cooling system components, it’s time to get it cleaned. Similarly, if your ducts are infested with vermin like rodents or insects, or they’re clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris released into the home from your supply registers, a thorough cleaning is necessary. Additionally, it’s suggested to consider air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years, after renovations, moving into a new home, or after a flood or fire. 

When to Consider Air Duct Cleaning? 

Air ducts should be cleaned under certain circumstances. These circumstances may include visible mold growth inside your ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system. If you notice mold growth, it’s essential to get it cleaned immediately as it can cause health issues for you and your family. 

Another reason air duct cleaning is necessary is if your ducts are infested with vermin like rodents or insects. Such infestations can damage the ducts and release harmful particles into the air, leading to health problems. 

Clogged air ducts are another common reason for getting them cleaned. Excessive dust and debris accumulating in the ducts can be released into the home through the supply registers, affecting the air quality and leading to issues with the HVAC system. 

Apart from these reasons, it’s generally recommended to consider air duct cleaning every 3-5 years as a preventive measure. This is especially important after renovations, moving into a new home, or after a flood or fire. These events can introduce a lot of dust and debris into your air ducts, making it necessary to clean them thoroughly. 

Regular air duct cleaning helps maintain good air quality in your home and improves your HVAC system’s efficiency. It can also extend the lifespan of your system, saving you money on repairs and replacements. Overall, it’s essential to be aware of these circumstances that may warrant air duct cleaning and take the necessary steps to ensure clean and healthy air in your home. So, watch for any mold growth or infestations, and schedule a professional air duct cleaning whenever necessary.

Why Is Air Duct Cleaning Important?

Air duct cleaning is essential for maintaining the efficiency of your HVAC system and improving indoor air quality. Over time, dust, allergens, and other pollutants can accumulate in the duct system, causing it to work harder to heat or cool your space, leading to higher energy bills and potential system damage. Additionally, unclean air ducts can circulate contaminants throughout your living or working environment, affecting the health of inhabitants. Hence, regular air duct cleaning is an important preventive measure for ensuring optimal system performance and a healthier environment. 

The EPA reports that indoor air pollution is often two to five times higher than outdoor levels. In some cases, these levels can exceed 100 times outdoor levels. If you or someone in your home suffers from allergies or has breathing problems, they may not even know the air inside their homes could be contributing to their discomfort. 

Aside from cleaner and healthier air, our cleanings can help improve airflow and remove smells associated with cooking, pets, and mold. They can also help your HVAC equipment last longer since it won’t have to work as hard due to a dirty air system constricting airflow. 

How Much Does Duct Cleaning Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay up to $1,100 to have your ductwork cleaned in your home.  

These prices, nevertheless, are generally based on homes up to 3,600 square feet in size. For anything larger, you should give us a call. We partner with Stanley Steemer to clean our air ducts. The normal retail cost for our service is around $899. Nevertheless, we run promotions at certain times of the year for $699. 

Regardless of the time of year, we can provide more accurate pricing for your specific home. Within that range, prices vary based on the size of the house, additional cleaning steps, and any disinfectants that could be added. 

Why Choose Five Star Home Services to Clean Your Air Ducts?

You might be wondering — what does Five Star Home Services do that other contractors don’t? This is a good question; the answer is simple: We do more. At Five Star Home Services, we believe it’s better to do a job right the first time, every single time. We focus on three areas: training, process, and tools. 

We use state-of-the-art tools, ranging from forward and reverse-blowing agitation rods to air whip cleaning systems. Depending on the size of the house and the scope of the air duct system, the entire process can take two to four hours. 

What Are the Next Steps?

By now, you should better understand what to expect from a professional air duct cleaning service. If you’re looking for more information, check out some other articles in our resource center on our website. If you want to have your air ducts cleaned and live in Columbus, Dayton, or Cincinnati, Ohio, and surrounding communities, call us to schedule your duct cleaning today.