Out of sight, out of mind—right? The inside walls of your air ducts are hidden for the most part. But once your ductwork gets dirty, it can make your home less comfy. Accumulated debris in your air ducts circulates every time your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment cycles.
Duct cleaning ensures healthy indoor air quality. It removes the presence of:
- Dust
- Mold
- Airborne allergens
- Pest dropping
Contaminants like pollen, dander, and mold can trigger allergies and asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Duct cleaning is a great way to remove them when paired with routine maintenance and regular HVAC filter changes.
Advanced Heating & Cooling is pleased to promote healthy air for our neighbors in Washington. Call our Bremerton, WA, office with questions about heating, cooling, or IAQ—your comfort is our priority.
How Often Do I Need My Ducts Cleaned?
You can prevent your ducts from getting dirty by having them professionally cleaned once every two years. It’s also a good idea to get them cleaned more regularly if they’ve been contaminated by the following:
- Flooding or Plumbing Leaks
Has your Bremerton, WA, home been affected by flooding due to inclement weather or a burst pipe? Let Advanced Heating & Cooling join your cleanup crew. We’ll clear out any mildew or mold growth in your ducts that may have happened as a result.
- Cigarette smoke
The tar from tobacco smoke leaves residue on just about every surface it comes into contact with—walls, carpeting, furniture, and more. Ducts are no exception.
- Indoor construction
Construction crews wear masks and cover furniture for a good reason. Indoor excavation produces many byproducts that are harmful to inhale, including the dust from wood, silica, and drywall. Duct cleaning is vital to prevent this powder from being recirculated throughout your home.
How Do I Know If I Have Dirty Ducts?
Take a quick look at your vents—how clean do they look? If they are noticeably dusty, what you see is likely only the tip of the iceberg.
Another telltale sign is respiratory symptoms, especially if household members have allergies or asthma. This can be an indicator of poor IAQ.
Symptoms include:
- Runny or itchy nose
- Coughing or sneezing
- Clogged sinuses
How Does Duct Cleaning Work?
We use powerful machines that work by using suction and compressed air to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the air ducts.
The process starts by accessing the ductwork through openings in the ducts or the indoor unit. The vacuum hose is then inserted into the ductwork, creating a seal to prevent air leakage. The vacuum then creates a negative pressure that pulls debris and dust toward the machine.
At the same time, compressed air is blown into the ductwork to agitate and loosen any dirt and debris that is stuck to the walls of the ducts. The compressed air is forced through a hose and nozzle, which can be directed to specific areas of
the ductwork. The high-pressure air loosens the dirt, making it easier for the vacuum to suction it out.
As the vacuum continues to operate, it pulls the dirt and debris out of the ducts and into a large filter bag. This bag can then be removed and disposed of safely, ensuring that the contaminants do not re-enter the building's air supply.
The benefits of using gas-powered duct vacuums with an air compressor to clean ductwork are numerous. Firstly, it helps to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants from the air supply. This is especially important for people with respiratory issues or allergies. Secondly, cleaning ductwork helps to improve the efficiency of the HVAC system by removing any blockages that can impede airflow. This can result in energy savings and lower utility bills. Finally, regular duct cleaning can help to prolong the lifespan of the HVAC system by reducing wear and tear on the components.
If you are interested in having your ductwork cleaned, consider contacting Advanced Heating & Cooling. Our gas-powered duct vacuums with an air compressor are effective at removing dirt and debris from your air ducts, improving indoor air quality and HVAC system efficiency.
Additionally, if you sign up for our Advanced Comfort Club, you can save 15% on your duct cleaning service. Call us at (360) 415-9335 to schedule an appointment today.
How to Protect Your Indoor Air Quality
Duct cleaning is great—but it’s also essential to have a maintenance plan. Seasonal checkups for your HVAC equipment have many advantages:
- It keeps your equipment running at peak efficiency, reducing utility bills.
- It extends the lifespan of your HVAC system.
- It reduces the number and frequency of repairs.
Your specialist will perform critical maintenance tasks that help preserve IAQ, including:
- Changing your HVAC filter
- Cleaning your AC, furnace, or heat-pump
- Checking for refrigerant leaks
- Inspecting for carbon monoxide (CO) leak risks (i.e. cracked heat exchanger)
Our Advanced Comfort Club helps you stay on top of HVAC maintenance—we’ll notify you when you’re due for service. You’ll also get plenty of rewards, like priority service and discounts. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Need a Reliable HVAC Contractor? Call Today.
Advanced Heating & Cooling provides heating and cooling services to homes in Bremerton, WA, and the surrounding areas. We specialize in installing, repairing, replacing, and maintaining HVAC systems. Call us today at (360) 415-9335 or request service online.