What are the health benefits of HVAC system cleaning?

Study by the U.S. EPA has revealed that HVAC system cleaning may allow systems to operate better and more efficiently by eliminating particles from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, powerful systems are less likely to fail, have a longer life span, and generally function more efficiently than dirty systems.

The best way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to use source removal methods of cleaning. This calls for a specialist to place the system under negative pressure, by using a specialized, highly effective vacuum. While the vacuum pulls air through the system, devices are placed into the ducts to dislodge any particles that could be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris may then go down the ducts to the vacuum, which eliminates it from the system and the home.

Usually, HVAC systems should be inspected for cleaning every six months. Frequency of cleaning depends upon a number of factors. Some of the things that often leads a property owner to consider more frequent cleaning include:

• • People smoking in the house
• • Pets that lose high amounts of dander and hair.
• • Water contamination or damage to the home or HVAC system.
• • Residents with asthma or allergies who might really benefit from a reduction in the amount of indoor air pollutants in the home’s HVAC system.
• • Home renovations or remodeling.
• • Prior to occupancy of a new house.

You are unable to completely prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt on your home’s heating, ventilation and AC system, however that doesn't mean that you shouldn’t take the appropriate steps to keep it clean. The air ducts and the coils in your home’s system can be covered with dirt, dust, pet dander and insects which will reduce the efficiency of your system, and also raise energy expenses for you. Broken or unclean fins on the condenser could also have a high price. Based on numerous reports, HVAC systems that are not well kept can raise your household power fees by 20% annually, and may lead to equipment malfunction. You'll also have higher and more frequent repair bills to pay, and that's why our recommendation is that you have your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems cleaned on a regular basis.

Consumers should become aware of “blow-and-go” air duct cleaning companies. These businesses usually charge a small fee and do a poor job of cleaning the HVAC unit. These companies could also use “bait-and-switch” methods by convincing the consumer into unnecessary services.
Additionally, you can imagine, that with today fuel prices, workers salaries, it is simply impossible to charge $49 or even $79 for coming to the customer house and cleaning whole house vents. The minimum price for air vents cleaning should be $99.

It takes more time and longer than usually to dry load of clothes, in particular heavy items, such as towels and jeans.
Dryer itself feels hotter than usual.
Clothing is hot and still damp at the end of the cycle.
Airflow in the vent seems low. Outdoor flapper on vent hood doesn’t open when dryer is on.
There is no lint on the lint screen. Exhaust system is clogged.

A dirty or badly installed vent can be really serious fire hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that dryers are associated with 15600 fires every year.
Annual cleaning will lower the amount of time it takes to dry a load. You will save money and time.
If your dryer vent is clogged with lint, bird nest or other debris your drying cycle will increase and can lead to your dryer to overheat.

Most Dryer Vents should be cleaned at least once a year. Some dryer ducts require more attention.
It all depends on many factors:

How the dryer is being used
How old is the dryer
If you have pets that shed hair
If your dryer vent is long and/or has several turns in it.
If your dryer vent exit point is on the roof or/and most of the vent length is in vertical position.

Most residential dryer vents can be cleaned within an hour. Excessive lint buildup and the other obstructions can take longer to clean.