When it comes to maintaining a clean and healthy home that’s free of contaminants, many homeowners will often overlook the health, maintenance and condition of their duct system. Conducting regular duct cleaning is critical for keeping your ducts clean and free from contamination, which in turn ensures that the air circulating in your home remains of a high quality and free from any pollutants. This article will go over the common causes of duct contamination, the warning signs of contamination, and how duct cleaning can alleviate these issues.
Causes of Contamination
When not regularly maintained or cleaned, duct systems can become contaminated with a variety of particles and irritants, including dust, debris, mould and bacteria. These contaminants typically enter through vents or tears in the ducts themselves and are usually brought into the home by occupants or pets. If a house is poorly ventilated or lacks sufficient open space, this can also exacerbate the degree to which pollutants and contaminants build up within the duct system.
Warning Signs of Contamination
It’s important to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate your duct system is contaminated and begin the process of decontaminating your ducts through duct cleaning as soon as possible. Odours that seem to emit throughout the home without an obvious source, visible mould growth in certain parts of the home and excessive dust accumulation in spite of regular cleaning are all signs that your system may need to be professionally cleaned. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s best to contact a professional right away for an assessment.
The Importance of Regular Duct Cleaning
Regular cleaning and maintenance of ducted systems is essential for preventing contamination. To keep your ducts clean, it’s important to regularly vacuum out any dust or debris that may have accumulated inside them. You should also check for any visible signs of mould growth or musty odours that could indicate a problem with your ducts.
While you can attempt duct cleaning and maintenance on your own, for a thorough and effective cleaning of your duct system, it’s best to hire a professional who specialises in duct cleaning. Professional cleaners will have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure that all contaminants are removed from your system. They can also identify anything within your ductwork that could become a bigger issue in the future and stop it at the source, saving you time, money and stress in the long term.
DIY Cleaning Tips
Although it’s always best practice to hire a professional service for a thorough duct cleaning, there are some basic tips you can follow to attempt to clean your ducts yourself. First, it’s important to turn off the HVAC system before cleaning to avoid blowing debris throughout the house. You can use a brush or vacuum attachment to remove visible debris and dust from the ducts. If you have access to one, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum or a specialised duct cleaning machine will be more effective at removing any remaining debris. You can also use a basic disinfectant or sanitiser to clean the ducts themselves, which will also prevent mould growth. Lastly, check for any signs of wear and tear or leaks in the ducts. If you notice these signs of damage, it’s best to consult with a duct cleaning professional as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the duct system.
