Duct Cleaning FAQs

Yes, professionally cleaned and deodorized ductwork can reduce mold, fungi, pollen, bacteria, and dust particles. These contaminants are known to trigger allergies, asthma and other health problems. By reducing the contaminants in the ductwork, you are allowing the air that circulates throughout your home to be cleaner, and therefore healthier.

The best way to determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. If any dust or debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system should not be considered cleaned. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flashlight and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor should be able to allow you better access to system components and perhaps the use of specialized inspection tools.

NADCA, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, recommends to have your air ducts cleaned every three to five years. An individual may want to consider more frequent cleanings under these listed circumstances:

• Residents with allergies or asthma
• Smokers in the household
• Pet dander and hair
• Water/ smoke contamination to the home
• After home renovations or remodeling
• Prior to the occupancy of a newly constructed home (construction debris)
• Purchasing an existing home

The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ source removal methods of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home.

Antimicrobial chemicals are applied by some companies to the interior surface of the air ducts to treat microbial contamination such as fungi (mold), viruses or bacteria. Before any antimicrobial chemicals are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. It is critical that any antimicrobial treatment used in your system be registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency specifically for use in HVAC systems. The use of antimicrobial chemicals is an additional service that is not part of a typical air duct cleaning project

Having the air ducts cleaned can significantly improve the health of the air in your home or office. Once the ducts are clean of debris, you should notice:

• Increased air flow
• Even temperatures from room to room
• Lower utility bills
• Improved indoor air quality
• Reduced allergy triggers
• Reduced frequency of house cleaning

No, our high powered vacuum trucks create a negative air pressure throughout the system, removing all dust and debris directly outside to the truck.

This varies depending on the size of the home and the layout of the ductwork. An average size home can take between three and five hours with two trained technicians.