Is Duct Cleaning Really Necessary?

byAlma Abell

Home owners who have forced air heating and cooling systems will also have duct-work in their homes, and this is something that they need to look after. For instance, they need to be cleaned regularly, which is something that many people don’t think about, because the ducts aren’t something they look at regularly. Basically, duct work acts as a filter. Air moves through it, and dust particles stay in the ducts. After a while, the dust and debris will start to build up, and will cause the air to work harder, and end up pushing dirt into the airstream. The longer this goes on, the less the duct-work actually filters the air, which can lead to many problems, including health issues.

There are many benefits of duct cleaning. For one thing, it is going to greatly improve the air quality in the home. When air quality is poor, it can cause breathing issues, which can eventually lead to serious health problems, including asthma. It is especially important to have clean ducts if there is anyone in the home who suffers from allergies, as symptoms can get worse. Other benefits of having clean ducts include:

* Limiting mold growth -; When ducts are dirty, mold can build up, and this is extremely dangerous for those living in the home. This mold can’t be seen, as it is inside the ducts, so many people don’t even realize that they have mold.

* Removal of vermin -; Mice, insects, and other small animals try to get inside during the colder months, and they often get into duct work. If they die, the smell they leave behind can get pretty horrible, and the decomposition can get into the air, causing health problems for residents. When cleaning is done, these creatures are found and removed from the ducts.

* Save Energy -; When air isn’t flowing freely, the heating and cooling system must work harder. This means that it will take more energy, costing more money. When the ducts are clean, home owners usually find that their energy bills go down a bit.