Routine Air Duct Cleaning is a Must-Do for Every Homeowner

The air ducts in your home are responsible for transporting hot or cold air to various rooms.  As long as they are doing their job properly, you will probably pay little attention to them.  However, it is important for homeowners to have their air ducts cleaned periodically.

One of the main reasons you need to get them cleaned is because it can benefit your health.  There are many different types of contaminants which can reside in your air ducts.  Bacteria and viruses especially like places that are warm and moist.  Your air ducts provide the perfect residence for them.

While they are in the air ducts they will be capable of surviving much longer than normal thanks to the conditions.  Mold can be a huge health concern too.  Along with the hot and cold air, these contaminants will be transported to all the rooms in your home. 

Besides these more serious contaminants there can be other problems in the ductwork such as dust mites and other allergens.  If someone in your home has a health condition like asthma, these substances will give them plenty of trouble.  Allergens such as pollen can even be trapped in the air ducts and can cause problems throughout the year even after spring has long gone.

You should also know that rodents and smaller insects can be found in your ductwork too.  Sometimes these rodents will even die inside the ducts.  You would undoubtedly be able to tell when this happens since you could smell it in every room of your home although you may not figure out where it is coming from easily.

If you do not have your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis the ducts may become clogged.  When this happens your equipment will start working harder to compensate for the problem.  With this reduced efficiency you will find yourself paying higher energy bills every month.

Having your air ducts cleaned will also help protect the equipment.  If it starts working harder it will be more likely to fail.  You do not want to know how much it can cost to have your thermostat or motor repaired or replaced.

There are certain places of your air ducts you can inspect yourself.  However, it is much better to call a professional in to inspect them thoroughly.  Make sure you hire a company with plenty of experience and a nice reputation.  It is also important for them to clean the ducts using methods which will not you or your family.