Does Cleaning Air Ducts Improve Airflow? - An Expert's Perspective

Cleaning air ducts is a great way to improve air circulation and quality in your home. Dust, pet hair, dander, and even mold can accumulate in the ducts over time, blocking airflow and making it difficult to keep your home clean. Cleaning the air ducts can help to eliminate this build-up and open them up for optimal airflow. Yes, cleaning the air ducts can reduce dust in the ducts, decreasing the amount of dust that enters the house.

Most light debris sticks to ventilation walls, but some can break off and enter the house. If dust is allowed to accumulate over time, it is increasingly likely to escape through the vents. With impeccable ventilation walls, you won't have to worry about excess dust ruining your cleaning efforts for a while. With increasing concern about indoor air quality, it's easy to understand why homeowners would want to clean their ducts.

Generally, it is recommended to carry out an annual maintenance review of the air conditioning system, but it is only recommended to clean the air ducts every 3 to 5 years. All of these types of ducts include sheet metal distribution cables to help properly direct airflow to different areas of the house, balancing dampers to properly distribute airflow, sealants, straps and adhesive tape to properly secure ducts. It will not modify the layout of the duct design, increase airflow in the duct system or rebalance the duct system. If the ducts have a build-up of debris that blocks air, cleaning the ducts will eliminate this build-up and restore airflow.

Although ducts are usually round, they can be given all kinds of shapes depending on the route the ducts have to follow through the house to properly disperse and return the air conditioning. To properly address airflow problems, it is necessary to perform a flow test on the ventilation hood performed by a professional to measure the volume of air passing through the air conditioning system and a complete inspection of the ducts. For most homeowners, there is no need to clean air ducts unless there are signs of rodents or mold or if the vents are clogged due to waste. While air ducts may need to be cleaned occasionally to remove accumulated particles that impair the cost-effective operation of air conditioning systems, this should not be an ongoing problem every few years.

While it has many benefits, according to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Department of State there is no evidence that cleaning ventilation grilles and ducts improves performance. Home cleaning can also damage ductwork and require repairs that are likely to cost more than professional cleaning.

While some companies include a microbial spray as part of their duct cleaning services, this is only a temporary solution. If you have determined that there is a rodent infestation in your air ducts, you will not only need an exterminator but also a professional service to clean your air ducts.

Josie Mccorkle
Josie Mccorkle

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