Why Air Duct Cleaning Is Important

Just like your lungs are an important connection to the rest of your respiratory system, your home’s ductwork, or air ducts, are importantly connected to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. For your HVAC system—and your lungs—to perform at peak level, the numerous airways need to be open and clear. All in the name of breathing properly.

The Importance of Every Breath Your HVAC System Takes

Essentially, the air in your Arlington home is carried to and from your lungs back to the HVAC system. Air ducts are the paths traveled by the air, meaning it’s optimum for the traveling air to be as clean as possible, because the air can pick up any particles or debris in the ducts and carry it straight to you. 

Having clear air ducts can contribute to good indoor air quality (IAQ), which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states is a prime concern in relation to pollutants these days. The EPA is referring to the air quality around buildings and structures, more specifically as it pertains to the comfort and health of their occupants.

The health effects from indoor air pollutants can show up soon after you are exposed or even years later. While the scientific community recognizes common indoor air quality pollutants can have harmful consequences, it can’t pinpoint how long of an exposure or what concentrations are necessary for specific health problems. 

Add to the mix that different people react very differently to these exposures. With all this uncertainty, it’s a better scenario to avoid the pollutants altogether as much as possible.

When to Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned

You should consider having your air ducts cleaned if you notice any or all of the following situations in your Arlington home: 

• There is substantial mold visible on the hard surfaces of your ducts (inside and/or outside) and other HVAC system components.

• Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust, debris, or particles, in the case of a remodeling job.

• Rodents and/or insects are infesting the ducts.

In addition to these circumstances, if you or someone living in your Virginia home suffers from allergies, asthma, or chronic illnesses, or you have pets or smokers in your home, having your ducts cleaned may help improve your home’s indoor air quality, thereby helping anyone with these issues. 

The rule of thumb from the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), the leading nonprofit association of companies engaged in the inspection, cleaning, and restoration of HVAC systems, is if your air ducts look dirty, they probably are. 

Although there’s no concrete scientific data that air duct cleaning improves indoor air quality, the EPA does recommend having your ductwork cleaned if you fall under any of the reasons cited above. And many people who do have their ducts cleaned swear by the difference, especially those suffering from allergies.

Our professionals at Arlington Heating & Air Conditioning are expertly trained to clean your Virginia home’s ducts, so your HVAC system can breathe properly and optimally. Of course, this can be of prime benefit to you, too, no matter your health.

What’s Involved in Air Duct Cleaning?

The standards set forth by the NADCA, which all duct experts ought to follow, recommend the entire HVAC system should be cleaned during the duct cleaning process. This includes the air ducts, equipment, registers, grills, plus installing a new air filter.

There are two parts to the duct cleaning itself: breaking the contaminants loose, and then collecting the contaminants. Our air duct professionals will use brushes and similar tools to break any particles and debris free of the HVAC system. 

They will follow up by sweeping in with their hoses and suction. Feel free to ask if you can have an inside-the-ducts look before and after the job, because you might be amazed by the difference.

Arlington Heating & Air Conditioning Knows Air Ducts Inside and Out

Having your air ducts professionally cleaned can give you peace of mind, cleaner air to breathe, and help your HVAC system work more efficiently by removing the dust and debris that builds up in your home’s ductwork. 

Call Arlington Heating & Air Conditioning at 703-671-2288 or request service online to discuss how our skilled professionals can assist you and your Arlington, VA home. We promise to make your ugly duct-lings beautiful.