Your air ducts are responsible for transporting the heated and cooled air from your HVAC system to all areas of your home. On average, there are about 30 to 40 pounds of dust created annually, depending on the size of your home and the indoor activities this number can go up or down. Air ducts are usually located in places like the ceiling, floor, and outer walls, which are mostly out of sight, making it easy not to notice when they are dirty or clogged with dust. 

An average home needs to have its ducts cleaned every 2-3 years, if you haven’t had your ducts cleaned in 3+ years it is time you begin to look into your options. Here are some of the important things to know before hiring a duct cleaning company to clean out your ducts.

Look into the cleaning company’s reviews and past experience

It is important to check out references and read reviews about the duct cleaning company you want to hire. Many homeowners have reported falling into the hands of unprofessional duct cleaning companies that could not deliver on the services promised. One of the ways to avoid falling victim to these subpar duct cleaning companies is by asking for referrals from friends and family. Chances are if they are happy with the company that cleans their ducts, you will be satisfied as well. 

Clean out the areas around your ducts

After contacting your duct cleaning company and scheduling a cleaning date, the next thing to do is clean out the space around your ducts well before their arrival. Remove all household items including furniture, appliances, plants, and anything else that can be damaged or get in the way. Not only will it reduce the chances of damage, but it will save time in completing your cleaning. 

Keep pets and children away

When ducts are being cleaned out, there are likely to be dust particles in the air around the indoor space which may be harmful to pets, children, and even adults, especially if they have dust allergies. You can have separate rooms cleaned out for your pets to stay and give the children face masks to use or have them stay away from the areas being cleaned.

Poor cleaning can cause more problems

This is also one of the reasons why it’s important to always check the customer reviews of the duct cleaning company. Inexperienced cleaners with substandard cleaning equipment can cause damage to your air ducts, leading to expensive repairs and possibly extra dust entering your home.

Be ready to ask questions

It is acceptable for you to ask as many questions as necessary about the cleaning process to ensure you are comfortable before hiring a duct cleaning company. On the cleaning day, you should also ask for clarifications if there is anything that seems out of place or unusual. After the cleaning is done, ensure you inspect the ducts and other work completed.

When ducts are dirty, it can cause your HVAC system to work harder and be less efficient, thereby increasing your energy bills and decreasing the air quality in the home. Ensuring your ducts are cleaned every 2 – 3 years will ensure proper functionality without obstruction and clean air circulating your home.