Ductwork is the unseen network of pipes that funnel conditioned air from heating and cooling units, distributing it throughout your home. The ducts running through your house are vital elements in the HVAC system that control your home’s temperature.
Your ducts can become contaminated with harmful particulates that will spread throughout the home. Breaks in the seals along the ductwork labyrinth will make HVAC system units work harder and less effectively and increase your monthly energy bills. Duct sealing and cleaning involves inspecting, repairing, and cleaning the network of ducts that distribute conditioned air from your HVAC system throughout your home.
Air Duct Cleaning
Air ducts need clear, clean passageways to deliver the conditioned air created by air conditioning and heating units. Although air duct cleaning expenses can be high, dirty ducts affect the efficiency and effectiveness of HVAC systems, and ducts should be inspected and thoroughly cleaned every two to five years.
Dust or debris clogging air ducts indicates that your duct system requires a good cleaning. Other indicators include evidence of insects, rodents, or droppings inside the duct system or visible mold, dust, or other debris inside your HVAC system or ductwork.
Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn’t formally endorse the duct cleaning process as a cure for health issues, anecdotal evidence indicates it can significantly improve home air quality.
Even if your ducts appear clean from the outside, they can accumulate dust, dander, mold spores, and other allergens over time. Regularly cleaning your ducts removes these contaminants, improves indoor air quality, and allows your HVAC system to work more efficiently.
Look for a reputable duct cleaning company that uses specialized, high-powered equipment like vacuum trucks and compressed air tools. They should clean all system parts, including registers, the blower, the plenum, and duct boots. The EPA recommends asking for references from past clients.
Below, we’ll dive into what you need to know about cleaning air ducts when you’re researching service providers.
Air Duct Sealing
If ducts are improperly connected or develop leaks over time, it can result in significant amounts of conditioned air meant to cool or heat your home being lost to unconditioned areas such as attic spaces or wall cavities. Leaky air ducts force HVAC units to work harder, making them less effective, and may result in some rooms not getting cooled or heated at the same rate and temperatures as the rest of the house.
A wide range of ductwork sealing products, like aeroseal, is available today for DIY projects. But sealing ducts is a bigger job than it seems and is often best left to the professionals.
Conditions that may make your air ducts work less efficiently, resulting in higher operational and energy costs include:
- Airflow restricted by bends, pinches, or folds in the ductwork
- Disconnected or poorly installed ducts
- Improperly sealed duct registers and grills
- Leakages or torn ducts
Benefits of having air ducts inspected for leaks and sealed up include:
- Added comfort with quicker temperature adjustments
- Safer, healthier air
- Savings on monthly utility bills
Look for HVAC companies that use advanced diagnostic tools to locate duct leaks. They may use smoke pens that emit nontoxic smoke into the ducts to identify leaks visually. Thermal imaging cameras can also detect temperature differences that indicate airflow problems. After finding leaks, technicians can seal them with mastic, metal tape, or aerosol duct sealant.
Duct Insulation
The ductwork that runs through an attic, crawlspace, or basement requires additional insulation, enabling conditioned air to travel through the system without gaining or losing heat in unconditioned spaces. Duct insulation will keep hot or cold air moving without wasting energy in areas where temperature control is unnecessary.
HVAC system filters prevent only so much dust from moving through the system and dirtying up your ductwork. Pollutants spread through dirty or leaky air ducts can harm your family’s air, sometimes leading to allergic reactions. Regular inspection, cleaning, and ductwork sealing will help keep your air conditioner and furnace running smoothly. It will also free your home from dust, mold, pollen, and other harmful debris that ducts can collect.
If your ducts are improperly insulated or lack insulation, have an HVAC technician install fiberglass duct wrap or duct board insulation. This will help moderate air temperatures as air passes through unconditioned spaces, keeping your home comfortable and reducing energy costs. Proper insulation installation requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Ductwork and Indoor Air Quality
Your home’s air duct system is vital in maintaining good indoor air quality. Leaks or tears in ductwork can draw in contaminants such as dust and pollen. Poor insulation allows condensation to form inside the ducts, creating conditions ripe for mold growth.
Signs of poor indoor air quality caused by ductwork issues include increased dust or odors when the HVAC system turns on, household members suffering from respiratory problems or frequent headaches, or visible mold growth on vents or registers.
Clean, tightly sealed, and well-insulated ducts ensure your heating and cooling system can provide a steady supply of fresh, filtered air. If family members are sensitive to extremely fine airborne particles or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), consider installing a whole-house air purifier or upgrading to a high-efficiency filter.
HVAC System Maintenance
Ductwork is just one component of your home’s HVAC system. Proper maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment is also essential. Replacing air filters every one to three months removes particulates. Have a technician regularly tune up your furnace, AC unit, and heat pump. They will check refrigerant levels, lubricate parts, inspect igniters and thermostats, and ensure all components work correctly. Annual maintenance improves safety, efficiency, and the lifespan of your equipment.
If you choose to clean your ducts, schedule the service right before your yearly HVAC maintenance. That way, your heating and cooling equipment won’t re-contaminate freshly cleaned ducts. Some companies offer bundled deals on duct cleaning and HVAC maintenance.
So, Is Duct Cleaning Really Necessary?
While the EPA doesn’t consider duct cleaning vital for healthy air, many HVAC companies recommend doing it every two to five years. Cleaning is worthwhile if your ducts visibly circulate significant dust and allergens throughout your home. Even if you see no dirt, it still removes microscopic particles.
Compare the benefits of clean ducts against professional cleaning costs, which can top $500. Thorough DIY cleaning is challenging to do correctly. Decide if cleaner ducts will improve indoor air and HVAC efficiency enough to justify the expense. Your HVAC contractor can advise you based on your home’s needs.
If duct cleaning isn’t right for your system, you may benefit from alternatives to cleaning air ducts.
FAQs About Ductwork
How often should I have my ducts cleaned?
Most experts recommend professional HVAC duct cleaning every two to five years. Signs your ducts need cleaning include excessive dust, visible dirt and debris, musty odors from vents, and household members with respiratory issues.
Should I seal my ducts myself?
DIY duct sealing is possible but challenging. Specialized tools accurately detect leaks. Professionals have the training to find and seal duct leakages for improved efficiency to better heat and cool your living space.
What should duct cleaning cost?
The average price for air duct cleaning ranges from $270 to $1,000, depending on your home’s size and duct system extent. Be wary of lowball quotes that may indicate shoddy work.
When should I replace my ductwork?
Replacements may be necessary if ducts are beyond repair or riddled with persistent leaks. Ducts older than 15 to 20 years may need replacing due to wear and tear.
Should I insulate my ducts?
If ducts in unconditioned spaces lack insulation, properly insulating them can improve HVAC efficiency by 5% to 15% and decent energy savings. Get quotes from HVAC companies who offer professional duct insulation.
What are signs that my ducts need to be cleaned?
Your ducts may need cleaning if you there is visible dust/debris blowing from vents, musty odors when your HVAC kicks on, and household members experiencing increased allergies or respiratory issues.
