There is a lot of conflicting information in the world of HVAC and duct systems. While some say there is evidence to suggest that duct cleaning is an entirely baseless practice, others religiously tout the benefits that having their duct system cleaned has had on their business or home.
You may be on the fence about contacting a specialist who performs duct cleaning in Melbourne. Maybe you’ve heard conflicting information yourself and are wondering what exactly a thorough duct cleaning does, and if any of the reported benefits are true.
In this blog post, we’ll try to separate the misinformation from the facts, shed some insight on what exactly goes on during a duct clean, and detail some of the benefits and risks so you can make the most informed decision for you.
Over time, the ducts in your home or work building naturally accumulate dust. This is normal and shouldn’t be any cause for alarm. Where this becomes a problem however is when your air ducts begin to recirculate air that harbours allergens and other harmful particles.
Duct cleaning is conducted by a professional who uses specialised tools to dislodge and loosen dirt and other contaminants so they can be vacuumed out. In some cases, a duct may need to be partially cut open in order to access any debris that may be lodged behind it. This incision is then carefully resealed. The final process is the use of a powerful vacuum hose to remove all of the debris and contaminants found within the duct system.
As you can see through the process outlined, the duct cleaning process is arguably the best thing you can do to remove contaminants from your duct system and ensure it’s running at its maximum efficiency.
Some people believe the practice of duct cleaning does little to alleviate any potential health risks or improve the duct system itself. This is based on the belief that air filters typically found in air conditioning and duct units already do an adequate job of filtering particles from the air that flows through the HVAC system.
However, air filters aren’t able to catch every particle that goes through them, and this can be especially problematic depending on the use of the building or any substances and chemicals that are used and then absorbed by the duct system on a regular basis.
Another common criticism of duct cleaning is that it simply acts as a Band-Aid for much deeper issues that affect indoor air quality. While there may be some truth to this criticism, it could also be argued that getting your ducts thoroughly cleaned can actually help you in the process of elimination so you can find the source of what’s causing the issues with your indoor air.
In some rare cases, having your ducts thoroughly cleaned and inspected could result in some issues or damage occurring. For instance, if a careless technician doesn’t properly seal the vacuum hose/contaminant draining system they’re using, this could cause contaminants and dirt to be released out into the open air.
Ducts also have service holes cut into them for tool and vacuum access. Sometimes this can be left unsealed after use, which can lead to them being clogged with dust, dirt and other particles, making it more difficult for the HVAC technician to hook up their vacuum hose the next time your ducts require cleaning.
Of course, the above issues usually only occur when you hire duct cleaning companies that are either totally new to the business or unqualified and operating illegally. The best way to prevent any damage during a duct clean is to only choose licensed, experienced and reputable professionals to carry out duct cleaning in Melbourne.
With the amount of scepticism that surrounds the practice of cleaning ducts, it’s only natural that you might still be on the fence about getting your own ducts cleaned. But while duct cleaning can have some downsides when not performed properly, when it’s done correctly, it can go a long way to improving the indoor air quality of your home as well as increasing general comfort levels.
You can rest assured that the benefits of duct cleaning are very real. Regular cleaning of ducts has been shown to decrease the amount of dust build-up in buildings. A clean air delivery system also boosts the efficiency of the system itself, leading to decreased energy bills. A regular duct clean is good practice to maintain and extend the life of your HVAC system, potentially saving you thousands in the long run.
If you’re still not convinced and maybe have a few questions when it comes to your home’s duct system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mr Duct Cleaning. Call 1300 673 828 today to speak to our experts and see if getting your ducts cleaned is the right move for you.