Your home’s air ducts play a key role in ensuring that every room in the house is the same temperature. In addition, they can also play a key role in determining your home’s overall indoor air quality. If the ducts are dirty, the air that you breathe will likely be dirty. However, it’s generally best to allow professionals to clean them out. Here’s why.
Ducts Can Be Difficult To Access
It’s not uncommon for air ducts to be difficult or impossible to access without having to bend or contort your body. In some cases, it may be necessary to cut away at drywall or other materials that cover them. If you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t have the specialized tools to complete this job in a safe, timely and proper manner.
However, the team at Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning in Oceanside, CA does have the tools and experience needed to clean air ducts in a timely and safe manner. Ultimately, you will improve your home’s indoor air quality without putting yourself, your family or your home at risk of injury or damage.
Certain Materials Are Health Hazards
Another issue to consider is that some of the material that builds up inside of an air duct can be hazardous to breathe in or otherwise interact with. For instance, if ducts are full of mold, the mold can easily get into your lungs and cause breathing or other problems, even for those who are relatively healthy. Mold can get into your airways even if you wear a mask or other protective gear.
There is also a chance that you’ll encounter rodents or their feces while cleaning an air duct. The dust created by the feces can also be a health hazard if you breathe even a small amount of it. Furthermore, it must be collected and disposed of properly so that you don’t send trace amounts of that dust throughout your house.
Depending on how long it has been since you have last had your home’s air ducts cleaned, you might also have a significant dust or dirt buildup. If you have allergies or asthma, you shouldn’t attempt to clean your ducts even if you have specialized gear.
How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned?
Ideally, you’ll have your air ducts cleaned every couple of years for the best results. However, you shouldn’t lose sleep if you haven’t had this done in the last 24 to 36 months. Instead, you should make it a priority to contact our team as quickly as possible to schedule a service.
It’s also possible that you’ll need to have air ducts cleaned more often depending on your environment. For instance, if you have pets, there is going to be more material being thrown into the air. The same is also true if you have trees, plants or flowers that throw pollen into the air as it can make its way into your house.
Prevent Damage to Air Ducts
Another great reason to call a professional to clean your air ducts is that a technician may be able to ascertain a duct’s condition. If a duct is showing signs of damage, it is important to have it repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. Damage could occur because of a pest or rodent infestation or because too much material has built up inside of it. Over time, the weight of that material can cause a duct to sag or come loose from others in its vicinity.
Consider Having Your Ducts Sealed
In addition to cleaning your home’s air ducts, it may also be worthwhile to consider having them sealed. This may reduce the need to have them cleaned as often in the future, and it can also minimize the risk of sagging or other issues that can lead to air loss. In addition to maximizing system efficiency, you may also improve indoor air quality and reap the benefits that come with it.
If you are in need of duct cleaning or other indoor air quality services, call the team at Thompson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning today! We can also install a new furnace, repair an air conditioner or clean a kitchen or sink drain. Our team can also help with a bathroom remodel or put in a new water filtration system.
