The following is a list of answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by our clients about air duct cleaning, how it works, why it’s done, and the benefits that many Tampa Bay area homeowners share with us:
What is air duct cleaning?
Air duct cleaning is a pretty specialized process done to remove the many months or years of accumulated dust, debris, and contaminants from the ductwork of your HVAC system, thus improving your indoor air quality and A/C system efficiency. House cleaners don’t do air duct cleaning, though they may clean the visible duct grilles or air returns. Air duct cleaning cleans the parts of your home’s “lungs” that you never see, but which you breathe in daily.
Indoor air can be 2-5 times, even up to 100 times, more polluted than outdoor air. Americans spend 90% of the time indoors. Poor air quality impacts everyone, but especially people with lung disease and other underlying health conditions.
— American Lung Association, “Clean Air Indoors”
Why should I have my air ducts cleaned?
Cleaning your air ducts can reduce allergens and improve your indoor air quality. Studies show that in-home air is anywhere from 2-5X, up to as much as 100X more polluted than outdoor air. Cleaning your air ducts is a great place to start improving that, and it’s often overlooked since 99 percent of your duct work is out of sight. Cleaner vents can also enhance the efficiency of HVAC system and potentially extend its lifespan.
How often should air ducts be cleaned?
Real Duct Cleaning recommends having air ducts cleaned about every 2-5 years, however there is a wide variety of things to consider in your home: For example, you should at least consider the health and cleanliness of your air ducts if you experience symptoms at home that you don’t feel elsewhere—sneezing, coughing, allergies, etc; or after a hurricane or tropical storm, or other event that might have compromised the cleanliness of your ducts.
What are the signs that my air ducts need cleaning?
Signs that you may need air duct cleaning can include excessive dust buildup, visible mold growth, pest infestations, or persistent allergies or respiratory issues.
Is air duct cleaning by Real Duct Cleaning worth the cost?
Homeowners in Tampa Bay find our services extremely beneficial, especially living in Florida where it’s hot and humid year round. Here’s how just one of our many clients said it in a 5-Star review on Google:
“NON NEGOTIABLE HOME SERVICE –
I’ve tried several duct cleaning services over the years and I never noticed a difference in my household air quality. But I did them anyway because I was sure it was needed. This company went above and beyond what I asked. The best part was that the morning after the entire house was serviced both my husband and I noticed we woke up allergy free and breathing better. I wish I would have done this years ago. Run don’t walk if you have allergies.”
How is air duct cleaning performed by Real Duct Cleaning?
Real Duct Cleaning uses specialized tools to dislodge and remove contaminants from your air ducts, oftenincluding vacuum systems that ensure debris is contained and removed effectively from your home.
Can I clean my air ducts myself?
You can do some basic cleaning, like of the air return grills and vent covers, but cleaning the ducts themselves is a more involved process that most people hire a company like ours for.
What should I look for in a professional air duct cleaning service?
- Certified technicians
- Positive reviews
- Transparent pricing
- Adherence to industry standards, such as those set by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
Are there any health benefits to air duct cleaning by Real Duct Cleaning?
There are two schools of thought on this, and we’re of the belief—simply based on what we see in ducts and what our clients tell us—that there are definite benefits to clean ducts. Can we promise anything or claim actual health benefits or cures? No, that’s out of our wheelhouse. But again, if you look at what we find in many home air ducts and base your decision off of what our clients say, there are definitely benefits. And if you call us out for duct cleaning and we don’t see that it’s warranted, we’ll be the first to tell you.
Will air duct cleaning help with odors in my home?
Definitely possible. Real Duct Cleaning can help eliminate musty or unpleasant smells caused by dust, mold, or other contaminants trapped in the ductwork. Since you and your home breathe through the air ducts,
How long does it take?
Between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the size and condition or your A/C and air ducts.
Are there any risks associated with air duct cleaning?
Bad or improper air duct cleaning can damage ductwork or HVAC systems, so we recommend hiring someone who is licensed and experienced.
What happens if I don’t clean my air ducts?
Over time, dust and debris can accumulate, leading to decreased air quality, increased allergens, and potential strain on your HVAC system.
Can air duct cleaning reduce my energy bills?
Possibly, but that’s not something we’ve specifically heard or seen as a benefit. Air ducts would have to be so clogged or dirty to place a noticeable strain on your system. Your home energy bills may not go down — but your own energy might improve if your ducts are dirty enough to affect you!
Is there a specific time of year that’s best for air duct cleaning?
Not particularly. The Spring and Fall are popular times for it, but the best “calendar” to do duct cleaning against is usually something like this:
- The age of your home—Brand-new and very old homes often need duct cleaning badly.
- Your own schedule—We can clean your ducts while your at work, or on vacation.
- Life Events—Having a baby? Let’s clean them ahead of their birth for a fresh home start.
- Severe Weather—After flooding or storms, you might need or want duct cleaning.
- Symptoms—If you of your family has allergies or other symptoms while at home, air duct cleaning is worth looking at.
Do I need to move furniture for air duct cleaning?
No. We’ll make the process as convenient as possible for you. If something needs to move, we’ll move and place it back.
Can air duct cleaning by Real Duct Cleaning help with allergies?
We believe that removing dust, mold, and other allergens from the ductwork can only be helpful.
Are there any guarantees or warranties with Real Duct Cleaning services?
100% satisfaction guaranteed!
What should I do after air duct cleaning?
Replace your air filters regularly and consider scheduling periodic inspections to maintain air quality and system performance.
