Funk, Mold, Money: 3 Good Reasons To Get Your Ductwork Cleaned
When the comfort of your home relies on a circulatory system of malfunctioning duct-work, monthly bills can quickly climb out of control. There are an array of differing opinions on whether or not getting you ducts cleaned is beneficial as it pertains to air quality. Despite this, there are three reasons to definitely get your ducts cleaned:
Smell
The recent purchase of a prior inhabited home may leave behind some righteous odors. If the tenants before you smoked or owned many pets, having your duct work cleaned can alleviate the smell in your home. Additionally, it is not uncommon to find biological materials, such as small animal carcasses or feces, in the duct work of an older home that may leave a lingering stench.
Mold
The presence of a sour smell coming from your ducts can be an indicator of the presence of mold. Mold has higher propensity of growth in warmer climates and indicates that your duct work may be getting old, is improperly sealed, and/or needs replacement. Many people site allergies as a reason to have their ducts cleaned. It is possible that the allergies stem from the presence of mold in an improperly sealed system. A routine cleaning or inspection can help catch and minimize the effects of any mold that may be present.
Money
Many home owners have different manners of caring for their living space. It may be one's practice of routinely replacing filters and keeping the necessary parts of the HVAC system in proper working order, while the other may go decades never knowing the location of the filter. This is just one instance in which your system can become cluttered with debris, dust, pet hair, and various objects like toys and bottle caps. A cluttered system will have to work harder to produce the same air flow and will drive up home environment costs significantly.
If you are considering having your ducts cleaned, it is important to be aware that states do not require licensing for duct cleaners. To find a reputable business, contact the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) to find a member in your locale. The Indoor Environments Division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sees no need to having the ducts cleaned routinely unless the presence of mold, excessive buildup, or insect infestation is an issue. However, NADCA recommends having your ducts cleaned every three to five years but depends heavily on the homeowner and the environment. Contact a contractor in your area, like Capital Heating & Cooling, to get started.
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