Heating ducts play a crucial role in keeping your residence comfortable. Many property owners don’t think much about having these ducts cleaned. However, dust, debris, and other particles that accumulate during regular use can lead to indoor air quality issues and equipment problems.
You should plan heating duct cleaning every three to five years under normal usage conditions. There are times when it’s necessary to schedule these cleanings more often.
Signs Pointing to an Immediate Need
The three-to-five-year recommendation for cleaning heating ducts is only a baseline suggestion. There are certain signs that indicate you may need to contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning to clean the ducts sooner.
- Visible dust or debris around vents
- Increased allergy symptoms
- Unexplained odors
- Inconsistent temperatures
- Increased energy bills
- Pest infestations
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to contact our professionals for an inspection.
Circumstances Leading to More Frequent Cleanings
Even in the absence of signs that indicate that heating duct cleaning is necessary, there are certain situations that require more frequent duct cleanings.
New Constructions and Renovations
Dust and other particles are airborne during construction and renovation projects. These can settle in the ductwork and spread around the building when you turn on the HVAC system. Unless the ductwork installation occurs after the construction is complete, you’ll likely need to have the heating ducts cleaned before you turn on the HVAC.
Allergies or Respiratory Issues
If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, the ducts will likely need frequent cleaning. In some cases, this is as often as once or twice per year.
Indoor Smoking
Tobacco smoke can linger in the air and infiltrate ductwork. Smoking leaves a film on walls and surfaces in your home, including ductwork. Without frequent duct cleaning, unpleasant odors can occur. Poor indoor air quality is also likely.
Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew can spread quickly, so removing spores from your residence is crucial. This includes cleaning your ducts, as spores can spread throughout the building instead of being confined only to the affected area.
Pets in the Home
Pet hair and dander can accumulate throughout the home, including inside ducts. This buildup contains allergens and reduces the efficiency of your HVAC system. Cleaning the ducts may need to happen frequently.
Fire or Natural Disaster
A fire means there may be smoke damage in your home. When soot and particles from the fire settle in the ductwork, they can be spread around the entire building through the ducts, even if the fire was contained in one area.
Other Considerations Regarding Duct Cleaning
Cleaning the heating ducts in your home or commercial building is a job that’s best left to professionals. The National Air Duct Cleaning Association has strict industry standards that must be followed to ensure duct condition doesn’t negatively impact indoor air quality.
Attempting to clean heating ducts yourself can lead to catastrophic damage to your HVAC system, which may void the warranty. Additionally, this project is dangerous without proper training. Properly cleaning heating ducts requires specialized equipment, including rotary brushes and high-powered vacuums.
Our trained professionals inspect your ductwork to determine if there are any areas that require special attention, such as damaged areas that may need replacement. During the cleaning, we turn off the HVAC system and protect your belongings. Once the ducts are clean, our professionals restart the unit to verify proper functionality.
Contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning for Air Duct Cleaning
Our team of professionals at Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning is here to assist Spokane, WA, area homeowners and business owners with all their heating services along with all cooling needs, including duct cleaning. Our sheet metal fabrication service makes it easy to replace damaged ducts, so you can count on having a fully working system as soon as possible.
We also handle installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of HVAC, plumbing, and air quality systems. Water heater services, toilet repair and replacement, and full plumbing remodels are a sampling of plumbing projects we work on.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your Spokane home or business.
