Having the air ducts cleaned regularly is an essential aspect of home maintenance that many house owners overlook. Many people believe that leaving their air ducts uncleaned is not a problem since the system filter should be doing all the work. In reality, even though air filters work efficiently to remove most allergen particles from the air, they cannot remove all of them. Consequently, contaminants end up gathering in your air ducts.
Cleaning your air ducts removes all these allergens from the system. This simple maintenance act can dramatically freshen up the air in your home immediately. Plus, it helps lower your energy bills and reduce the risk of airborne pollutants. The efficiency of your heating and cooling systems gets a nice boost, and the cleaning also adds years to your HVAC system's lifespan.
At Hippo Carpet Cleaning of Queens, we understand how important this service is for homeowners in Queens, NY. That's why we've put together this article to highlight 10 reasons you should have your air ducts cleaned regularly.
Dirty air ducts pose serious risks to your family's health, especially if you have any members who suffer from allergies or respiratory issues. Allergens, including dust, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, often accumulate in the air ducts. They cause allergy symptoms and exacerbate health problems like asthma and eczema.
Mold growth in air ducts is also extremely hazardous, as some mold species contain spores that are toxic to both humans and pets. In addition to causing symptoms like skin discomfort, a persistently runny nose, teary eyes, and continuous sneezing, these spores can pose even more serious threats. They can potentially compromise the immune system, disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in our gut, and elevate the risk of developing lung diseases. Clearly, their impacts go beyond mere nuisances and enter the realm of substantial health risks.
Bacteria can also build up inside air ducts if they are not cleaned properly. For example, a strain of bacteria called Legionella can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever. The bacteria thrive in HVAC systems with warm and moist conditions. If contaminated air ducts are not cleaned, the bacteria can spread throughout the property and infect people who come into contact.
Did you know that your home's air quality can be five times worse than the air outside? Research has shown that having your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis can drastically improve indoor air quality by minimizing airborne particulates and allergens circulating throughout your home.
Many people wonder why their air conditioning and heating systems are not working as effectively or efficiently as before. Poor indoor air circulation is often the culprit. The air ducts are responsible for circulating the air throughout your home, and if they become clogged with dust and dirt, the blockage obstructs or completely cuts off the free flow of air. This may cause an imbalance in temperature levels, causing the thermostats to overwork and malfunction.
When your air ducts are clogged, your HVAC system is forced to work at maximum capacity to circulate air in your home. As a result, you may find a spike in your utility bills. It can also wear down faster and need replacing earlier than normal.
Cleaning your air ducts regularly can help your HVAC system run more efficiently, resulting in savings on energy costs over time and on costly repairs and maintenance.
Mold eats any organic material, including wood, paper, drywall, and insulation. If you don't regularly clean your air ducts, you may find mold in your HVAC system components and your home's walls and ceilings. If the infestation causes extensive damage, you will be forced to call professionals to handle the cleanup and intensive repair. In these situations, the whole HVAC system may require replacement.
In the worst-case scenario, there is so much mold damage that the foundation structure can no longer be repaired and will need to be demolished. In this situation, your property will be condemned and no longer livable. Regularly cleaning out your air ducts prevents mold from growing and causing damage to your home.
When dust gathers and creates a large surface area, they become a huge fire hazard. During dry seasons, all it takes is an electrical spark for the dust to catch fire and spread quickly. Regularly cleaning your air ducts can prevent this problem and keep you, your family, and your home safe.
Pets are a beloved part of many families. They offer us companionship and love, but they come with a baggage of allergens, dander, and sometimes even parasites. By having your air ducts cleaned regularly, you can remove the pet hair and dander that may have built up in the system and keep your family safe from potential allergic reactions or illnesses.
Additionally, cleaning your ducts will preserve the life of your HVAC system. Pet dander and fur are notorious for blocking the air ducts, reducing airflow efficiency, and increasing wear and tear on the system. Regularly cleaning out your air ducts helps prevent these costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Insects love places that are dark and warm, like air ducts. If you don't regularly clean your air ducts, these pests may begin building nests inside them. When larger animals, such as rats, squirrels, and birds, find their way into the system, it creates a major mess. Having your air ducts cleaned regularly will help keep these pests out and prevent germs, parasites, and diseases from spreading throughout your home.
Prevention is always lower cost than repair. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your air ducts help prevent costly repairs due to corrosion, rust, or other malfunctioning parts. Regularly cleaning the system allows you to keep the vents and the HVAC system running efficiently and safely for longer without spending a fortune on repair costs or even complete replacement.
In addition, professionals can often catch small issues in your system and your home's structure before they become bigger, costlier problems. Water leaks, mold, and other issues can be spotted early on while they are still easy to fix. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair costs, thanks to regular air duct cleaning.
Regular air duct cleaning helps reduce allergy symptoms by removing the allergens that can build up in the system over time. It is especially helpful for those with allergies or asthma, as these pollutants are removed from the air before they have a chance to cause an attack. Cleaning your air ducts regularly will help you breathe easier and stay healthy all year long. Adding UV filters to the system also helps to kill off bacteria that weaken the immune system and cause illnesses.
When air ducts are clogged with dirt and debris, the motor must constantly run to maintain the same temperature. This overcompensation causes excessive strain on the system. When trapped heat from the system cannot escape, it can cause a system to overheat, resulting in motor damage or electrical shortage. Regularly cleaning the air ducts helps to reduce strain on your HVAC system, allowing it to run more efficiently and last longer.
The HVAC system aims to maintain a comfortable indoor environment for your family by filtering out allergens and dust particles. But without proper maintenance, the air ducts become clogged with dirt and allergen particles, making the indoor air quality even worse. Fortunately, our team at Hippo Carpet Cleaning of Queens can help clean your air ducts and provide you with safer, cleaner air.
We'll thoroughly inspect your ductwork and use specialized tools to clean the interior walls and remove any debris that could be causing problems. We also take extra steps by applying biocides to prevent microbial growth inside the system. All our cleaning products are bio-friendly and safe for you, your family, and your pets. With our help, your HVAC system will run more efficiently and last longer.
Let us help keep your air ducts in top shape! Our experienced professionals can answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision about keeping your air ducts clean. Don't wait until it's too late - get ahead of the problem and call our team today at 718-535-7916.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you maintain a healthy indoor environment.