When you live in Florida, most homeowners rely on their home’s comfortable indoor temperature to escape from the oppressive heat and humidity. However, if your air conditioning system relies on ductwork to distribute cold air (and most central systems in Florida do), your ductwork plays a pivotal role in that air distribution.
Not only that, but neglected ductwork can contribute to low indoor air quality (IAQ). Just like AC maintenance, regular duct cleaning is an essential service in Florida, not an optional one. Let’s go over why scheduling this service is so important for both IAQ and AC efficiency and when you should schedule air duct cleaning.
What’s Lurking In My Home’s Ductwork?
Many homeowners are surprised by the types of things that can be found in ductwork. Contaminants from both inside and outside your home can make their way into ductwork. Here are some things that are commonly found in air ducts:
- Dust and dust mites
- Pet and human dander
- Pollen and fungal spores
- Mold spores and mildew
- Rodents, insects, and their feces
When these things are allowed to take up residence in your ductwork, a vicious redistribution cycle occurs when your AC system runs to cool your home. Essentially, it can spread these contaminants throughout your home, along with the cooled air.
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
As we mentioned above, air duct cleaning offers many benefits. These include:
- Increased System Performance: Studies have shown that a layer of dust that is only 1/16” of an inch thick can reduce the system’s blower efficiency by up to 20%. Getting your ducts cleaned will boost your system’s performance, reduce overall wear and tear on the system, and help reduce utility costs.
- Better Indoor Air Quality: Removing all the contaminants from air ducts results in increased indoor air quality. You may find that allergy symptoms are reduced and sleep quality will improve. Not only that, your home will just smell better.
How Often Should Air Duct Cleaning Be Scheduled?
The recommendation is every 3 years. You may want to schedule this service more frequently when:
- You live in an area with a lot of outdoor pollution
- You have a lot of pets or family members
- You have family members who suffer from allergies, asthma, and respiratory illnesses
- You see dirty discharges on the ceiling near the vents
Can I Clean My Air Ducts Myself?
Air duct cleaning isn’t something that should be undertaken by homeowners. Ducts are extremely difficult to clean without the proper tools and experience because they aren’t easy to access. Although you could reach the vents and into some areas of ductwork, professional equipment is required to thoroughly clean the spaces between the air handler and vents.
We have access to tools and equipment specifically designed for cleaning air ducts. High-powered vacuum systems that seal to protect your indoor air from contamination as it is removed and advanced cleaning devices make it easy for us to reach those tough spots and ensure the entire duct system is thoroughly cleaned.
Contact Bayonet Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule air duct cleaning in Tampa, FL today!
