Before you make a decision if you should get your air ducts cleaned, you require knowing a little about how they work and why they collect dirt. You can simply tell the difference between return and supply ducting by going down to your basement and inspecting the sheet metal ducting typically found hanging from the floor joists on the ceiling. The return duct is typically a large rectangle that is attached to the bottom of your heating system, while the supply duct comes out the top of the furnace. The supply duct is usually made up of a large "trunk" duct on the ceiling, along with smaller metal ducts that branch off into each heated room. You'll find them often covered by a metal grate on the floor or the wall.
There isn't a lot of evidence to support the need to have your air ducts cleaned. Try checking information from the EPA at their official website epa.gov .
"Air Ducts need to be cleaned at least once a year. Some people clean them twice a year to be safe, or at the beginning of every season if you're really on top of things."
You may consider having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should occasionally be cleaned. While the debate about the value of periodic duct cleaning continues, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly.
There is no set answer, as whether air ducts need to be cleaned depends on the use of heat, the air purity of the house, and the condition of the heater. However, it is best to clean your ducts out at least once a year.
Air ducts do not need to be cleaned on a regular basis. The only time the epa recommends they be maintained is when needed such as mold or excessive debris.
HOW TO KNOW IT'S TIME TO CLEAN YOUR DUCTSMost people spend at least 90% of their time indoors.Making sure that your air ducts are clean will make a difference in the health of your family. Pollutants in Building MaterialsThere are pollutants that are found in building materials that most people do not know about. Some of the common pollutants found are mold and pollen. There are pollutants that are mostly found in a household setting such as pesticides, paint, drain cleaner, and floor polish. These items rise in the air and end up polluting your air ducts. This problem is not only common at home, but many public buildings.How Do You Know When to Clean the Ducts?Every household is different. Some people use certain chemicals on a daily basis such as floor polish, while others may use it once a month. If somebody in your household has allergy issues or asthma, and it becomes more severe symptoms, it is best to check the ducts. To check the ducts yourself, you would need gloves, goggles, a flashlight, and a filtration mask to protect you. If there is visible dirt and mold found, it is best to have them cleaned. Another good indication your ducts need a good cleaning is huge amounts of dust particles visible in the air.Who Should Clean Your Ducts?One question most homeowners have is can I clean the ducts myself? The answer is yes and no. If you inspect the ducts and find a minimal amount of dust, you can attempt to clean it out yourself. You can use an old rag or extended duster. Remember to wear your protective gear. Another option is to have it professionally cleaned. When choosing a company, check their record and get customer reviews if possible. If you follow these tips, you will have success getting your ducts clean and you and your family will have a healthy environment to enjoy.
If you use a company that does the job thoroughly, you only need the ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. If you have a home remodel project with a lot of dust, you may want them cleaned sooner. Air ducts should be cleaned every 2 or 3 years if you can afford it. If you are someone who has a lot of allergies to dust then you might want to consider it sooner. Believe it or not, it is possible to do some of the cleaning youself. Just remove the screens and put your vacuum hose in as far as you can. In addition to that, make sure you always have a clean filter for your furnace.
Know whether to fix or replace. Understand the efficiency math. Check the ducts. Lower your heating needs.
If they look dirty hahaha der.
they should be replaced when they either have holes in them or are comming apart. also if you upgrade your furnace you may need big duct work. also they should be cleaned every couple years
yes i agree have it checked by some one who knows what there doing fireplaces are know for clogging do to ash and sot and the chimney may need to be cleaned
Try signing on with Thoro-Clean Cleaning Service 1016 Ossabaw Court, Augusta, GA - (706) 592-0148