Ductwork does an amazing job in our homes. It makes it so the heat or coolness doesn’t stay right next to the furnace or air conditioner, and instead makes it all around the house so we’re comfortable in any room. That’s pretty spectacular. But because it’s tucked away out of sight, it can get pretty dirty in there. And you don’t want mess carried around your house along with the hot or cold air!
What kind of mess are we talking about? A lot of unpleasant things can end up in your ductwork. That’s why it’s important to have it professionally cleaned. Why? We’ll tell you all about it.
In Your Ducts
Anything that settles out of your air onto surfaces in your home is also settling in your ducts. Some of this stuff is present all year round, like pet hair and dust. Some might be more significant at specific times, like pollen and particulates from wildfire smoke. And of course, there can be germs, viruses, and mold spores.
Other things that can contaminate ducts include pests like insects and rodents and their waste. Cracks in your ductwork may cause sawdust and insulation fibers to be sucked in from between your walls. There are also substances that can develop if even a small amount of moisture is present in your ductwork. Bacteria and mold love the dark, secluded spaces of your ducts.
None of this sounds very nice! All these things can add up to bad smells, poor air quality, a dusty home, increased risk of respiratory issues like allergy symptoms and asthma attacks, and even unnecessary wear and tear on your furnace and air conditioner. Don’t ignore it! Take action, and take care of your ducts.
Duct Cleaning
Ducts don’t have to stay dirty. That mess can be thoroughly cleaned away, leaving you with fresh air all winter long, which is especially lovely when you’re spending more time cooped up inside and breathing other people’s sneezes. Can you clean your own ducts? Should you pop off a vent cover and bang a broom around in there? Definitely not!
DIY duct cleaning will stir up that mess right into your face. It will do an incomplete job at best. And it is extremely easy to damage ductwork with improvised cleaning tools. No, this is not a job for you. HVAC professionals are trained to handle the various types of ductwork with precision and gentleness, and they have specially-designed tools for getting ducts completely clean without causing damage.
When to Have Ducts Cleaned
You should definitely have your ducts cleaned if it has been a few years since it was last done, if you have mysterious respiratory symptoms, if you’re concerned about the amount of dust in your home, or if you smell anything like mildew, garbage, or pet store floating out of your vents. Professional air duct cleaning in Lubbock, TX will make all the difference!
JD’s Prompt Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning serves the Lubbock area. Contact us for all your heating maintenance and repair needs.