3 Ways to Keep Your Air Ducts Cleaner for Longer
Circulating heated or cooled air throughout your home, the air ducts in your HVAC system are a vital component that should never be overlooked or neglected. Failure to keep your air ducts clean could easily (and quickly) result in dust, pollen and other pollutants and particles building up inside the ducts, and not only does this put a strain on the whole system and force it to work harder (resulting in higher energy bills than expected), but it can have a negative impact on your mental and physical wellbeing, too.
To keep your air ducts cleaner for longer, here are 3 simple tips to follow:
- Dust and vacuum frequently
Most dust, dander and other particulates are virtually impossible to avoid, and will always accumulate in your HVAC ducts to a certain degree. However, by following a regular routine of dusting and vacuuming, you can do your best to minimize what gets drawn into the vents and forces your HVAC system to work on overdrive while circulating allergens throughout your home.
Keep all indoor spaces as clean as possible to promote healthy air quality and allow your HVAC system to work efficiently.
- Change air filters on a regular basis
Neglecting to change the air filters on HVAC systems is something that many homeowners are guilty of, but if they repeatedly fail to do so, the filters will inevitably become clogged and dirty. When this happens, the filters will need to be replaced, and ideally, this should be done every 3 to 4 months. If you share your home with pets or there is a lot of dust in the area however, the filters may need to be changed more often.
If you see a layer of dust and debris on your filters, then they will need to be replaced, and checking them regularly is the best way to prevent them from becoming clogged in the first instance.
- Have your air ducts professionally cleaned
How often you have this done depends upon your home and who you share it with, but the average home can get away with their ducts cleaned every 3 to 5 years. During duct cleaning, the air ducts are sealed and subjected to negative pressure, before a brush-like mechanical device is used by the duct technician to dislodge dust and any other particles present there.
Working much like a vacuum, the negative pressure draws out the particles and deposits them into the trash. If your ducts are particularly dirty, sealant may also be applied to the seams and joints and they may be sanitized to prevent odors caused by mold and bacteria. Keeping your air ducts clean and working efficiently is simple, and if you’ve had your HVAC system for more than 3 years without it being professionally cleaned and inspected, now is as good a time as any to get this done.
