Take a deep breath. How does your indoor air feel? Clean and fresh? If not, when was the last time you had your air ducts cleaned? Chances are, it’s been longer than you realize. Your HVAC system works tirelessly to keep your living spaces comfortable, but in doing so, it accumulates unhealthy contaminants which circulate throughout your home. Specifically, dust, allergens, and pollutants find their way into the unseen corners of your air ducts, creating a hidden haven for potential health hazards. This is why you should get your air ducts cleaned regularly. Find out exactly how often in this article.
How Often to Clean Your Air Ducts
The frequency of air duct cleaning depends on various factors, but a general guideline is to pay attention to signs that your HVAC system may not be operating efficiently. If you notice unusual odours, reduced airflow, or suspect an obstruction, you should consider cleaning your air ducts.
Residential Properties
For apartments and houses, a typical timeframe between cleanings is approximately 2-4 years. This allows for the accumulation of dust, allergens, and contaminants to reach a point where it may impact the system’s efficiency and indoor air quality.
Commercial Properties
For commercial properties, particularly those with larger HVAC systems, it’s recommended to inspect and potentially clean the air ducts annually. In office buildings, educational premises, malls, and other commercial establishments, a cleaning schedule of every three to four years is recommended. This aligns with the need to maintain optimal air quality in spaces with higher foot traffic and potentially more significant dust and pollutant exposure.
As Needed
Ultimately, you should stay vigilant and responsive to any indicators of reduced HVAC efficiency or compromised air quality, adjusting the cleaning frequency accordingly. Regular inspections and cleaning, as needed, contribute to a healthier indoor environment and sustained system performance.
Why Clean Your Air Ducts?
Aside from maintaining a clean and healthy home environment, there are several other reasons to have your air ducts cleaned, potentially more frequently.
1. Moving into a New Home
If you’re moving into a new home, cleaning the air ducts should be a top priority. Unknown contaminants may exist in the ductwork, and the cleaning cost is a small investment compared to the overall expenses associated with the new home and potential health costs.
2. Hairy Pets in the House
If you have furry companions leaving trails of hair and dander, it’s essential to have your air ducts cleaned. Accumulated pet hair and dander can compromise the efficiency of your air duct system.
3. Allergic or Asthmatic Residents
For households with residents suffering from allergies or asthma, cleaning air ducts is crucial. Removing potential triggers from the ductwork helps create a healthier indoor environment, reducing the risk of reactions and respiratory issues.
4. Home Damage (Fire, Water, etc.)
In the aftermath of significant home damage, whether from fire, water, or other sources, we recommend you have your ducts cleaned. Even if the ducts weren’t directly affected, particles from the damaged areas and the restoration process can circulate through the system.
5. Post-Restoration or Renovation
After any part of your home undergoes restoration or renovation, an air duct cleaning is a wise move. It helps eliminate debris and dust that may have accumulated during the construction process, ensuring a clean and healthy living space.
6. Indoor Smoking
If someone smokes in your home, it’s crucial to clean the air ducts. Smoking indoors introduces harmful particles into the air, posing health risks, especially for children. Regular air duct cleaning can mitigate the impact of indoor smoking on air quality.
Schedule Duct Cleaning with Team Harding
It’s simple: clean air ducts are essential to a healthy life. Regular cleaning, or as prompted by signs of reduced performance or lingering odours, is essential to ensure a healthy living or working environment. Fortunately, Team Harding is here to assist you in this vital maintenance task. With our expertise and commitment to quality service, scheduling a duct cleaning with Team Harding is a proactive step towards cleaner, fresher air and optimal HVAC performance.
Contact Team Harding to schedule your air duct cleaning and experience the difference firsthand.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
