The Unlikely Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

If you’re a home or apartment owner, chances are you’ve heard of the “so called” importance of air duct cleaning. There are endless articles on the subject that consistently contradict each other, making it hard for residents to find an answer to the simple question: “Do I really need to get my air ducts cleaned?”. 

The truth is...it depends. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there is little evidence to suggest that ventilation cleaning will help prevent any sort of health problem. So the notion that your local air duct cleaning service will reduce the symptoms of an underlying respiratory illness are slim.

That does not mean however that a visit from the cleaner is not useful. In fact, dryer vent cleaning and other related services may be incredibly beneficial, just not for the reasons you might expect. Below are the most important reasons why you should consider hiring a duct cleaning service.

Fire Prevention

The first and probably most significant reason is to ensure you and your family are not in jeopardy of a house fire. Studies suggest that upwards of 15,000 U.S. house fires are caused by lint and other debris that become clogged in airways. The highly flammable lint often gets lodged in corners and turns in the ductwork and can easily ignite. 

This is especially problematic within dryers where excess lint buildup is common. If your clothes are consistently covered in lint, or you notice your dryer working harder than normal, it may be time for an inspection. 

Mold Growth

Because ventilation systems are often dark and damp inside, they become the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. While dust and particles may not have a significant effect on our health, mold and bacteria that continue to grow within the ductwork could be a problem.

If you begin to notice mold outgrowth on the exterior portions of your airways, it’s time to get an inspection. Oftentimes, a crack or split in the ductwork is the reason why mold and other bacteria could be growing on the outside.

Rodents/Insects

Another thing to be cautious of are rodents and insects looking to build nests inside your vent system. During the winter months especially, vermin will often be attracted to heating systems to escape the cold. 

Not only do rodents like mice, rats, and squirrels leave droppings that get swept through the air ducts, they can also wreak havoc on your ventilation system by chewing electrical wires.

It’s important to always find a HVAC company that will seal all your ducts to prevent this from happening, like this air duct cleaning in Stamford.

Energy Efficiency

Duct cleaning can also be used as a way to become more energy efficient in your home. Dust, droppings, lint, and other debris increase friction and make it difficult for air to navigate through the ductwork. Consequently, your HVAC system will often work harder and require more energy to pull the air through the ductwork because of all the obstacles. 

A service like air duct cleaning Las Cruces will ensure your vents are cleaned thoroughly and provide a frictionless transport of air throughout the lungs of your home. 

Conclusion

We realize it can be hard to determine the importance of hiring an air duct cleaning service. There is a lot of misinformation on the effects of duct cleaning and whether it is advantageous for homeowners and apartment owners alike.

Hopefully this article cleared up some of the misconceptions surrounding vent cleaning and how it can be beneficial to your home and family.