Commonly Asked Questions About A Duct Cleaning Service | Frisco, TX
Do you spend time thinking about what is actually inside your air ducts? For most people, the answer to this question is likely to be no. However, you can’t ignore the importance that a duct cleaning service holds if you’d like to maintain a clean Frisco, TX home. Today, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding duct cleaning, why it’s so important, if it’s safe, and when it’s necessary.
Q1: What’s the difference between duct cleaning and duct sanitizing?
Cleaning your home’s air ducts typically involves removing dirt, debris and allergens from all areas of the ductwork. This is done using specialized tools, such as high-powered vacuums, to remove the contaminants.
Duct sanitization will typically occur after the initial duct cleaning service, and is used to help kill off any bacteria and mold that may have taken up residence. It can be used as preventative maintenance too, to ensure that you and your family’s health is not compromised by any allergens that could build up in your system.
Q2: How do you clean and sanitize air ducts?
There are many ways to clean and disinfect your air ducts. However, hiring a professional company to do the job is the best option. While you can do certain tasks, such as removing and washing vent covers and air filters, professional HVAC technicians have the experience and tools to clean and disinfect your air vents thoroughly during a scheduled duct cleaning service, even the places you can’t reach or didn’t know existed.
HVAC technicians will cover up any cracks or openings in your system to help increase airflow. Then, they will use a powerful vacuum to get rid of the majority of the dirt and dust. Special brushes and nozzle attachments may then be applied to clean hard-to-reach or stubborn areas.
After your duct system has been cleaned, it can be professionally sanitized if desired. The technician will then disinfect your air ducts using an antimicrobial cleaner designed to kill mold and bacteria, as well as remove any unpleasant odors.
Your technician might use multiple tools or antimicrobial cleaners during the duct cleaning service, depending on the level of cleaning required.
Q3: How often should you clean air ducts?
Experts recommend that your air ducts are cleaned and disinfected at least once every two to three years. This will make sure that your indoor air is free from harmful contaminants and is of the highest quality possible. However, you can clean your Frisco, TX property’s ducts as often as once every six months, if it’s needed.
There are multiple scenarios in which your air ducts may need to be cleaned more frequently. For example, if you have pets or allergies, your house is prone to dust, or there has been recent construction work, you might need to book a duct cleaning service sooner. These are some reasons you might want to schedule a more frequent cleaning:
- You have just moved into a pre-owned or new house
- Your home has been recently remodeled
- There is an unpleasant odor coming from your ducts
- Your HVAC is not providing consistent airflow
- You are paying more for heating and cooling than expected
- Your vents are contaminated with mold or mildew
- Your home gets dusty very quickly
- You have a lot of pets that regularly shed.
Q4: Is air duct sanitizing and cleaning safe?
Safely cleaning all aspects of your home’s ductwork can be tricky for the average homeowner. Fear not: you can use a professional duct cleaning service to ensure all ductwork is in the best possible condition. Reputable HVAC technicians will only use EPA-approved disinfectants designed for HVAC systems, so there’s no need to worry about whether cleaning products are safe to apply. Trusted HVAC technicians will come with all safety equipment necessary to spotlessly clean your home’s ductwork. Drop cloths, PPE, and other equipment may be used to protect your home from damage during the process.
Plus, professional technicians have the training, qualifications and experience to get the job done safely and quickly, minimizing disruption. If you have safety concerns about the duct cleaning service, talk the process through with the technician first.
Q5: What is the best way to find out if I need a service?
Firstly, take note of your HVAC’s existing symptoms to determine if you might benefit from a thorough cleaning. If you see dirt, debris or dust either on vents, ductwork, or other components, it is an indication that a cleaning is needed. Take a closer look at your vents to see if they are expelling a puff of dust when the HVAC unit kicks into action.
Inspect the air filters to see if they are clogged. They can become clogged quicker than you realize. Plus, they should be replaced every three months at a minimum. If you find yourself replacing filters more often, then it could be time for a thorough duct cleaning service.
Another indicator that your home’s ductwork could benefit from a professional inspection or cleaning is if you can smell something unwanted coming from your ducts. This could range from a musty smell to something more alarming and unpleasant, e.g., rodent droppings or dead critters. A professional technician can help isolate and remove the smell.
Airflow can be restricted by dust, debris, pet dander and dirt. Filthy air ducts can make it difficult for consistent air circulation, resulting in uneven heating and cooling. Not great in winter when you need the whole home to be warm, or in summer when you want the whole house to be cool!
Lastly, unexpected rattling, squeaking or other noises coming from your air ducts can indicate the need for professional cleaning. If you’ve lived in your home for a while, you will have a sense for what sounds normal and what does not. Anything unexpected should be investigated.
Q6: How do I know if a service was effective or not?
After you’ve received a duct cleaning service, a reputable HVAC company in Frisco, TX will have no trouble offering a visual inspection to confirm that the process has been successful. Any remaining dust or debris should be identified and removed, then your ductwork should be inspected once more. Typically, a checklist is followed to make sure that everything is in working order before the technician leaves.
Once the technician has left, you are free to reap the benefits of a clean HVAC system. Any niggling issues, such as unexpected noises, unpleasant smells, or other indicators we previously mentioned that suggest your ductwork requires a duct cleaning service, should have disappeared. Check the air filters, listen out for any odd sounds the next time you use your HVAC system to heat or cool your home, and keep your eyes and ears peeled for any symptoms you experienced previously. Hopefully, all is as it should be, and everything is now operating optimally.
Q7: What is the average time it takes to clean an air duct?
Many factors affect how long it will take a technician to clean all the ductwork in your home. Your home’s size and the layout of the ductwork are two key factors that affect the time required for completion. A thorough duct cleaning service will typically take between 3-5 hours. However, this is not set in stone.
Q8: How much does air duct cleaning cost?
As with the time it takes to complete a service, the cost for cleaning ductwork is dependent on multiple factors. Firstly, the number of vents can affect the cost; there are many contractors out there who will charge by the vent, others will charge based on square foot, and some will charge a flat rate.
Secondly, the dimensions and layout of your Frisco, TX home, will play a part in the price quote. If vents are in hard-to-reach areas or ducts are difficult to access, this can increase the cost of the duct cleaning service. The larger the home, the more expensive the service will be, since there’s more ground to cover during the service and it will take more of the technician’s time and expertise.
Thirdly, the type of ductwork present can change the price of a service. A home with fiberglass ductwork will need to be treated differently to a home with foam duct boards fitted. Each duct type requires a different cleaning method, equipment and cleaning products. It’s important for a technician to inspect your system before agreeing on a price, otherwise prices may change when the true nature of the duct cleaning service required is revealed.
Q9: What health benefits are associated with clean air ducts?
Air ducts can contain harmful microorganisms and contaminants, alongside dust and other less harmful objects. These contaminants include bacteria, pollen and mildew, as well as pet dander, mold spores and other potentially toxic substances. Many of these airborne particles are especially disruptive to people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions. However, healthy living is possible with the help of regular air duct cleaning. Without this service, unhealthy air will continue to circulate in your home.
Even if there are no respiratory issues or chronic allergies suffered by members of your household, a duct cleaning service can make breathing easier. Ingesting dust, alone, may lead to sneezing, coughing, and congestion.
Q10: How can I tell if the duct cleaning company I have chosen is right?
When it comes to who is right for you, you’ll need to take the company’s duct cleaning experience into account. Consider their technicians’ experience in the cleaning industry, check whether they are members of NADCA, and be sure to check what qualifications they have. There are very specific requirements regarding HVAC services that need to be adhered to. A company or contractor with lesser experience in Frisco, TX may be unaware of what’s required during a duct cleaning service in your neighborhood.
Asking people at the company about their history in duct cleaning is a great way to find out more about their experience. Also, check the About Us section of any company website to see if they display how many years they’ve been in business, whether their founding members are still operating, and see if they seem truly qualified.
Before you hire a duct cleaning company, it is equally important to research their reputation. Find out more about the company’s past work and whether they satisfied their customers. It’s no good hiring a company with a 10-year history, if the reviewers often tell you that technicians will turn up late to your duct cleaning service. Online reviews are a great way to find out about a company’s reputation. However, negative Google reviews should not always be taken as a sign of weakness. Look at other platforms like the Better Business Bureau to check their rating and complaints history.
To find out if a cleaning company really is right for you, it’s also important to learn about the cleaning processes they use. Are their cleaning products EPA-compliant? Do they provide their own PPE? How will they protect your home? Do they bring their own equipment? These are just some questions you might want a potential cleaning company to answer before hiring them for a duct cleaning service in Frisco, TX.
At its most fundamental level, air duct cleaning is a process that’s intended to protect you and your family from harmful contaminants. Therefore, you should ensure that your chosen cleaning company will not introduce harmful chemicals or biocides. Check that all cleaners are EPA-compliant.
You should check that the company uses high-quality equipment. Lower budget equipment can be far less effective at clearing out dust and debris, so the duct cleaning service may take longer to get a professional finish. Other equipment to avoid may depend on your specific circumstances. If your property has flex-ducts, for example, then bristle brushes should be avoided.
If you have more questions or would like to book an air duct cleaning service in Frisco, TX, call us at One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating of Dallas.