What to Know About Your New, Older Home and Air Duct Cleaning
Admin • November 14, 2020
Are you a first-time homeowner who just bought an older house? Before you move furniture, pets, or your family into the new home, take a look at what you need to know about the HVAC system, indoor air quality, and duct cleaning.
Should You Clean the Air Ducts?
The new-to-you older home you just bought has ducts that have likely seen better days. Whether the ducts are a decade old or were installed sometime in the twentieth century, the labyrinth of metal boxes or tubes that carry heated and cooled air throughout your home may have moderate to severe wear.
While you can easily see evidence of wear on the exterior of the ducts or other parts of the HVAC system, you may not know what the interior looks like. Before you take apart the ducts to get a good view, consider a professional duct cleaning if:
- You want a clean start. You want to clean the floors, walls, windows, and kitchen cabinets before your move-in date. But what about the ducts? Get a fully fresh start in your older, new home with this HVAC service.
- The HVAC system has a mold problem. Mold in the ducts or your HVAC system is a reason to schedule a professional cleaning service. A qualified contractor can also inspect the system and find hidden mold.
- Your home has a pest problem. If the home inspector found mice, rats, or another pest in the HVAC system, clean the ducts before you use the heater or air conditioner. Pests can leave behind fur, feces, or other potential contaminants.
- Air barely trickles from the vents. Blocked ducts can stop heated or cooled air from entering your new home. An HVAC or duct cleaning contractor can inspect the system, find the clog or clogged area, and help to clear the air.
- You have allergies. Poor indoor air quality can intensify asthma or allergies. If the previous homeowners had pets, didn't clean well, smoked, or used irritating chemicals, a pre-move in duct cleaning service can reduce your allergy risks.
- The previous owners smoked. Years of indoor cigarette smoke can accumulate on the walls, flooring, and in the ducts. Dirty ducts may recirculate the smoky smell throughout your new home. A duct cleaning eliminates this issue and leaves your home with a fresh smell.
Who Should Clean the Air Ducts?
Air duct cleaning isn't a do-it-yourself job. As a first-time homeowner, you may not have a go-to HVAC or duct contractor in your phone's contact list. To find a qualified cleaning company:
- Ask your real estate agent. The real estate professional should have extensive knowledge of local contractors. If they can't recommend one specific company, they can help you to better understand what to look for or connect you to past clients who've used the same type of contractor.
- Talk to your new neighbors. A friendly meet and greet is the perfect time to ask about local contractors. Ask your new neighbors if they've used a local cleaning or HVAC company and what they thought of the service.
- Ask coworkers. Did you recently relocate for your job? Your new coworkers may have recommendations for an HVAC or duct cleaning company in the area.
- Join an online community. Local social media communities and neighborhood apps can help you to find contractors and get real-world reviews.
Does your new home have dirty ducts? Contact C.J. Services, Inc. , for more information.
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Maintaining clean air ducts in your home is essential for ensuring good indoor air quality. Over time, these ducts can accumulate dust, dirt, mold, and other contaminants that could circulate through your home and affect the air you inhale. Here are six instances when you should consider hiring a professional service to clean your home air ducts. Recent Renovations or Remodeling If your home has recently undergone renovations or remodeling, it's likely that dust and debris have infiltrated your air ducts. Construction activities often generate significant amounts of dust that can settle in ductwork, reducing air quality and potentially damaging your HVAC system. A professional cleaning service will ensure that your air ducts are thoroughly cleaned, preventing any renovation residue from contaminating your indoor air. Noticeable Mold Growth Mold thrives in damp environments, and air ducts can easily become a breeding ground for these harmful spores if moisture is present. If you detect a musty smell or visibly see mold growth around your vents or ductwork, it's crucial to hire a professional to address the issue. Mold in air ducts can exacerbate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, so timely removal is essential. Increased Allergies or Respiratory Issues If you or someone in your household has experienced an increase in allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, dirty air ducts might be the culprit. Contaminants like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites can accumulate and circulate through your home, leading to health issues. A thorough cleaning by professionals can help alleviate these symptoms by removing allergens from your ductwork. Excessive Dust in Your Home Do you often find yourself repeatedly wiping down surfaces, only to find a significant amount of dust gathering in various corners of your home? This could be a sign that your air ducts are clogged with dust and debris. Over time, dust, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants can build up in your air ducts, circulating back into your living spaces. Professional duct cleaning will not only help improve air quality but also reduce the need for frequent dusting and cleaning around your home. By removing these pollutants, you'll create a healthier environment for you and your family, potentially alleviating allergies and respiratory issues. Rodent or Insect Infestations Air ducts can sometimes become a haven for rodents or insects seeking warmth and shelter. The existence of pests in the ductwork can lead to droppings, nests, and other debris that pose risks to both your health and the efficiency of your HVAC system. These unwelcome intrusions can result in allergens and bacteria spreading, which can compromise the quality of indoor air. Moreover, the buildup of debris may block airflow, causing your HVAC system to operate less efficiently and require more energy, which could lead to increased costs and possible system breakdowns. If you suspect or have confirmed an infestation, it is imperative to call in a professional cleaning service to thoroughly clean and sanitize your ducts. After a Major Illness in the Household If someone in your home has recently suffered from a major illness, cleaning your air ducts can be a proactive step to safeguard the health of the entire household. Airborne bacteria and viruses can linger in ducts and be recirculated, potentially spreading illness. A professional cleaning can help ensure that any lingering pathogens are removed, contributing to a healthier living environment. Hiring a professional service to clean your home air ducts at these critical times can significantly improve your home's air quality, enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system, and promote a healthier living space for you and your family. Regular inspection and maintenance are key to ensuring your ducts remain clean and free from contaminants. If you need your air ducts cleaned out, contact our team at C J Services Inc for more information.
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