Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?

Cleaning your HVAC filter about every three months is a routine procedure, but many people are quick to jump to the conclusion that their entire system needs to be cleaned as well.

Regularly, we see commercials advertising duct cleaning services. Of course, everyone wants a clean air duct, but many fail to realize that the entire duct cleaning industry is essentially a scam.

How can you be so sure?

Simply put, air ducts should never be dirty in the first place. While cleaning the ducts and ridding them of mold, dust, and other allergens that accumulate may be a good short-term solution, the same allergens are likely to return at a later time.

This is no coincidence, and should not be a regular occurrence. The reason you may find yourself with dirty, smelly ducts in the first place is because of leaks and holes in the ducts, not a routine filtration problem.

Then how do you fix the problem?

Fixing the problem with your HVAC systems is easy once you realize the redundancy in regular air duct cleaning. Here are a few options to consider.

1. Seal your existing ducts. After you undergo your very last duct cleaning, identify where the problem areas are. Where is the debris entering your air supply? By patching up small holes in your air duct, you can make a world of difference when it comes to your overall air quality.
2. Replace the air duct altogether. Sometimes patching is more trouble than it’s worth. If you have a significantly dirty or smelly air duct, then it’s no use trying to salvage. At that point, it’s best to simply start anew.
3. Consider installing a ductless heating and air conditioning system. This will eliminate the need for duct maintenance altogether. Even if you replace or repair your air duct, there may be areas in your HVAC design that inspectors may not be able to see or reach. If this is the case, there may be untapped sources of air pollutants that can easily enter your home, despite an otherwise perfect air duct system

Ductless air conditioning systems and heating systems are far more convenient and easy to maintain than others. But whether you’re interested in one of our ductless air conditioning systems, or simply want an evaluation to reveal why your air duct is the way it is, Thomas Service Company can help identify the issue and propose a solution that works well for you.