You spend a fair amount of time at home. You get a few solid hours of breathing in while you sleep, at the very least. Home should be the place where you feels safe and comfortable, not the place where you feel sick, sneezy, and have trouble breathing.

Did you know that the quality of air in your home is largely determined by what’s inside your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system? The first step to getting cleaner air in your home and helping you breathe easier is getting that system cleaned out from top to bottom and ducts to vents.

What types of contaminants are lurking in my air ducts?

A wide variety of irritants and allergens can end up in your air ducts. Here are a few:

1. Mold or mildew. These damp air contaminants can often start in the air ducts before making their way into the rest of your home.
2. All sorts of allergens. Any particle that can float around outside and cause unpleasant allergic reactions can also make its way into your home and into your air ducts. Once these allergens are in the ducts, they can be continually circulated throughout your home.
3. Dust. Dust is everywhere in your home, gradually building up, no matter how much you sweep and vacuum. It builds up in your air ducts just like on your end tables. When dust gets stirred up (in this case, by the air conditioning or heating coming on), people in the home might start sneezing. If it’s been a few years since the air ducts were cleaned, this dust buildup could even choke up the air filter and keep the air from circulating properly.
4. Bacteria. These microscopic creatures can transmit illness from one person to another, so having them hanging out and multiplying in your air ducts can be dangerous to your family’s health.

How are air ducts cleaned?

Professional air duct cleaning technicians can clean your HVAC system in a variety of ways. One of the best ways is the negative air method, where high-power vacuums, air whips, and air compressors pull out and trap any contaminants in the system. It’s important to make sure that your technician cleans both the supply side and the return side for a complete clean.

What are the benefits of getting air ducts cleaned?

For those with respiratory issues or allergies, the benefits of having their air ducts cleaned are fairly apparent and the results can be immediately noticeable. However, it is a good idea for all homes and businesses to have air ducts cleaned regularly, whether or not allergies are a concern.

Having ducts cleaned improved airflow, which can help the heating system and air conditioning systems to work more efficiently to keep your home comfortable. This also reduces monthly energy bills for many homeowners.

Most experts recommend getting your air ducts cleaned every 2-3 years. If it’s time for you to get your home’s ducts cleaned, call Coit Cleaning and Restoration to schedule an appointment with a technician for a free quote.