In Illinois, we spend a lot of time inside – are your indoor spaces as clean and comfortable as they can be? There’s a lot that goes into maintaining a clean indoor space. One section of the house that’s commonly overlooked is the section containing the air ducts.
Air ducts are the tubes that connect the HVAC system with the air vents that run throughout the house. There is a lot of debate regarding how frequently homeowners should have their air ducts cleaned. Some people schedule check-ups and maintenance annually; others do not think it’s necessary. This article will explore three truths and three myths pertaining to air duct cleaning, giving you the information you need to make the right choice for your home or business.
Truth #1: Air Filters Alone Can’t Keep Indoor Air Clean
A number of studies have found that indoor air can be 2-5 times more toxic than outdoor air. Air filters can remove a lot of pollutants, but there is still a large amount of debris left behind. Air filters help, but they are not enough on their own. The only way to get rid of this debris is to have your air ducts cleaned.
Myth #1: Air Ducts Don’t Get Dirty
The average home accumulates 40 pounds of dust each year. A significant portion of that dust ends up getting stuck in the air ducts. Additionally, air ducts are commonly filled with dirt and pollen. In some instances, there have been insects and rodents lodged in air ducts.
Truth #2: Dirty Ducts Can Lead To Sinus Problems
The dust and pollen that builds up in air ducts can lead to sinus problems for people with allergies. Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to problems stemmed by poor air quality. If you or someone else in the house has had trouble breathing, consider having your air ducts inspected.
Myth #2: Chemicals Are Required To Clean Air Ducts
Chemicals can be used to clean air ducts, but they’re not the only method. The majority of HVAC companies have alternative methods for cleaning ducts. People that do not want to have their ducts cleaned with chemicals can usually request a non-chemical cleaning.
Truth #3: Untreated Air Ducts Can Lead To AC Problems
Air ducts that are not maintained can cause problems for your air conditioning system. Mold, dust, and dirt can find their way into your HVAC unit and cause it to malfunction. In some cases, the build-up will cause HVAC units to run longer than they should, resulting in high bills, overheating or blowouts. To avoid this problem, homeowners should schedule regular check-ups and maintenance on their air ducts.
Myth #3: Only Houses With Dehumidifying AC Need Duct Cleaning
Dehumidifiers can cause excess water build-up which increases the chance of unwanted bacteria. Moisture does lead to bacteria, but all air conditioning units release water. Often, it will get backed up and turn into mold. For this reason, all AC units need cleaning, not just dehumidifiers.
Schedule An Air Duct Maintenance Inspection
Overall, it’s easy to understand that keeping clean air ducts is essential for maintaining high-quality air inside your home. An HVAC system is only as strong as its weakest link, and air ducts filled with dust and mold will certainly bring down performance.
Are you looking to have your air ducts cleaned in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Berwyn, Des Plaines, Evanston, Mount Prospect, Grayslake, Mundelein, Libertyville, Oak Park, Palatine, Wheaton, Naperville, Waukegan, Schaumburg, Skokie, or a surrounding Illinois area?
McMahon services has a team of skilled technicians that can inspect, clean, and maintain your ducts today. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today..