Duct Cleaning

What you should know about Residential Duct Cleaning

Why do Air Ducts need cleaning and how often?

Your HVAC system and air ducts should be cleaned for the same reason that your home needs cleaning. Suppose that your home had not been cleaned for three to five years? Most homeowners keep very clean homes and cannot believe what is commonly found in HVAC systems. Even new homes have air ducts which are filled with construction debris. It is recommended that an HVAC system is cleaned every three to five years.

Are there health benefits from HVAC system cleaning?

A five-year study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) showed that indoor air pollutant levels exceed outdoor levels by 200 to 500 percent. Many hazardous contaminants such as mold spores, fungi, bacteria, pollen, animal dander, etc. have potential to affect your health.
Harmful contaminants are pulled into air ducts where warmth, darkness and humidity create a breeding ground for these contaminants. Your HVAC system will continue to disperse the contaminants back into the air that you breathe. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered the first step to improve indoor air quality.

Will air duct cleaning result in lower energy bills?

Research conducted by the EPA has shown that removal of debris buildup inside HVAC systems can improve air flow up to 20% or more. This means that your systems should not have to run as long to do the job it was intended to do, which will decrease energy bills.

How long should it take to clean a residential system?

Several factors affect the time needed to clean a residential HAVC system. These factors include the type of home. Accessibility of ductwork, number of systems and amount of ductwork circulating the air in your home. Average size homes require three to four hours for two technicians. Our technicians will stay as long as necessary to thoroughly clean the entire system or systems.

How should a residential HVAC system be cleaned, and what kind of equipment should be used?

The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to use a vacuum system strong enough to remove all harmful debris that has accumulated. The most powerful are truck-mounted vacuum systems which place your ductwork under negative pressure of up to 10,000 cubic feet of air per minute. While the vacuum draws the air through your system, various devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge debris. These devices include whips, brushes and “skipper balls,” most of which are powered by compressed air of up to 200 psi. Our technicians are trained to select the proper tool designed for your particular type of ductwork.

What is the normal price I should expect to pay for a professional air duct cleaning service?

The EPA says, “Duct cleaning services typically, but not always range in cost from $450 to $1000 per heating and/or cooling systems depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climatic region and level of contamination.”

What are sanitizers and why would they be needed?

Sanitizers are anti-microbial chemicals applied to the interior surface of air ducts and are designed to control microbial contamination. Before sanitizers are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned. It is critical that any anti-microbial treatment used be EPA registered for use in HVAC systems. It should be noted that there are no EPA-registered anti-microbial products for use on porous system surfaces, such as fiberglass surfaces.

Why is Dryer Vent cleaning important?

Did you know that 70% of dryer vent fires were caused by a failure to clean the vent system? Over time lint deposits build up in the vent. If those deposits are not removed you run the risk of fire. If you notice loads that once took 30 minutes are now taking substantially longer, you may be in need of a cleaning. We recommend having your dryer vent cleaned at least every 18-24 months, but you know your family’s laundry needs best.

Why should consumers beware of so-called “Duct Cleaners”?

Consumers should beware of “blow and go” companies who use scare tactics and bait you with cheap prices for “whole house duct cleaning”. Most of these types of companies send one person with no more than a shop vac. Before you agree to let these people into your home, we suggest you call them back and ask the following questions:

1. What is your procedure and what kind of equipment doo you use to clean my ductwork?
2. How long do you estimate that it will take to properly clean my ductwork?
3. Will your price change once you arrive at my home?

You can feel confident that Hansen Duct and Dryer vent cleaning is done to the highest standards at a fair price. Call us today to schedule your cleaning! 847-669-5000

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