When it comes to the routine maintenance of a house, air duct cleaning usually does not make it to the top of the list of priorities. Reasons for that can be varying, e.g., owners simply do not consider it worth their investment, or they are suspicious of the time duration it takes to complete. However, studies show that indoor air quality can be reduced as much as 2 to 5 times that of the outdoor air.
A large part of that quality deterioration comes from the chronically polluted air duct system of the home. The good news is that it can be cleaned to start functioning normally, and it does not even take as much time as many people seem to believe. The average time for air duct cleaning is 2 to 5 hours, depending on the size and type of the property.
Why is Air Duct Cleaning Necessary?
Apart from contributing to indoor air pollution, dirty air ducts also take a toll on your home’s energy efficiency. The system runs smoothly as long as the ducts and vents are clean. When they get clogged with debris, the system has to work harder to perform its function. This significantly raises the monthly energy bills associated with your HVAC system.
If left unattended, this increased strain on your home’s air conditioner and furnace can also seriously damage them. It is recommended to thoroughly clean the air ducts in your building every three to five years.
How Long Does Duct Cleaning Take?
An average cleaning operation can take 2-5 hours, depending on the factors discussed below:
Your Home’s Size
Larger home systems take more time to be cleaned, such as a multistory residence or a commercial property. On the other hand, small homes (under or around 1000 sq ft) can be handled closer to that 2-hour mark.
Number of Outlets
The number of ducts and vents is directly proportional to the amount of time needed for the project. Each of the outlets has to be cleaned separately, which takes time. Hence, small homes with fewer vents take less time to be cleaned compared to buildings with complex airways. If the building has ducts in the attic or basement, it adds more time to the operation.
The Level of Contamination
Ducts that have been ignored for a long time often accumulate thick layers of dust and debris that take time to be cleared off. Conditions like mold infestation and the presence of other contaminants can demand added protocols and effort, further increasing the time needed for a thorough cleanup.
A routine maintenance procedure, which only involves dealing with the trapped dust, usually takes much less time.
Reach and Accessibility
The time required for HVAC duct cleaning heavily depends on the ease of access to your air outlets. If they are hidden in places like the attic, the workers will have to put extra effort and specialised tools to reach them. This will, in turn, consume more time than usual.
The Cleaning Method
The average time for air duct cleaning depends heavily on the method adopted by the professionals you hire. There are three widely used methods today, namely:
- Brush cleaning
- Air whipping
- Vacuum cleaning
Premium service providers like Steamrite often combine high-pressure vacuum cleaning with other suitable methods. Brush cleaning consumes the most amount of time, particularly when dealing with heavy layers of dust. Air whipping does the job quickly, but it requires consistent vacuuming to prevent the debris from spreading around the house.
The Workers’ Experience
Seasoned professionals are able to finish the job quicker than the newbies. Make sure you hire a provider that employs experienced technicians to do it right and do it quickly for you.
Stepwise Process of Quick Duct Cleaning for Homes
Here is a detailed walkthrough of what professionals do when you schedule an appointment for a quick duct cleaning:
Step 1. Initial Inspection and Tools Setup
The work normally commences with the basic inspection of your ductwork and HVAC system. Technicians check the state of duct dirtiness and identify problem areas. They will also bring in their equipment and set up the workplace.
Step 2. Preparing The Vacuum System
Then they attach a powerful truck-mounted or portable vacuum system to generate a high negative air pressure within the ducts. This is useful in removing dust and debris without letting it bounce off into the house. This is done with vents and registers covered in order to maximize suction.
Step 3. Removal of Dust and Debris
The greater part of the air duct cleaning service duration is spent here. Dust and other accumulation in the ducts are loosened using special brushes or compressed air whips. Everything is then vacuumed out to a containment unit located outside.
Step 4. Treatment of Vents, Registers, and Other Components
The ducts themselves are not the only components that the process is limited to. Depending on the service package you avail, the vent covers, registers, and even parts such as the blower motor or evaporator coil are also cleaned by technicians. This measure is to make sure that dust does not blow back into the system after cleaning the ducts.
Step 4. Add-On Procedures or Final Sanitization
Additional services, such as sanitization or mold treatment, are also preferred by some of the homeowners. These steps entail the use of EPA approved materials to kill bacteria or stop the growth of mold, but they are optional and increase the process time some more.
Step 5. Final Inspection and Walk Through
Lastly, the technicians will demonstrate to you what they have done. Cameras are used by some companies to provide you with a before-and-after view in the ducts. They will also handle queries and ensure that the system is working efficiently before they pack up their equipment.
Average Cost of Duct Cleaning
According to the data shared by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners in America pay an average of $450 to $1000 per cleaning operation. The exact cost depends on the same factors that impact the time duration of the procedure, i.e., System size and complexity, level of contamination, etc.
Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Major benefits of getting your HVAC cleaned and maintained on a periodic basis are:
- Improved indoor air quality by the removal of dust and pollutants.
- More efficient running of the system, lowering energy and utility bills.
- Reduced strain extends the lifespan of your heating and cooling equipment.
- It effectively contains the amount of dust and debris settling on furniture and other surfaces.
- It can help allergy and asthma patients with their symptoms by removing antigens from the environment.
- It prevents mold from growing in the ducts, which is a valuable investment for both your health and your home.
Conclusion
Many people overlook the importance of air duct cleaning in their homes for a sustained healthy environment for themselves and their families. It does not take longer than 2 to 5 hours for a thorough cleanup, which is usually needed only after three to five years of operation. If you are unsure of who to get assistance from, look no further than the expert cleaners at Steamrite, who know how to do the job quickly and do it right.
FAQs
What is the time duration for vent decontamination?
Experts take somewhere from two to five hours to finish it, depending on their size and complexity.
How often should vents be maintained?
Steamrite recommends that you go for a professional clearance every three to five years, depending on the exposure. One might consider an immediate appointment if they are not sure of the last treatment’s timeframe or suspect heavy pollution.
What happens if I don’t clean my ventilation channels?
Chronically contaminated channels are a major contributor to the heavy pollution within American homes. They result in an increase in the debris and other allergens in your home’s environment from two to five times compared to the outside.
