If you've ever wondered whether you should get your ducts cleaned, and then how often, then you are about to have your questions answered.
There are few things to keep in mind when considering if and often you should get your ducts cleaned.
First, how well do you breathe in your home? If you have absolutely no problems breathing indoors then you either have good air or are used to it.
While you may be acclimatized to the air in your home, walk outside and take a deep breath.
If it's noticeably fresher your indoor air must be addressed.
Having your ducts cleaned will affect the air quality in your home, and will most likely be felt by those who have breathing troubles.
Some people cite a lack of scientific consensus on the efficacy of duct as proof that the benefits are over-stated, but this has more to do with the average business size.
As small, local businesses there aren't many duct cleaners inclined to sponsor a study.
Cats and dogs in the home are the next concern.
Animals slough off their skins cells twice as fast as humans, and there is their hair coming off as well.
So there are many irritants coming off your pet, and a good portion of it is getting into the ducts.
Pet dander is actually one of the main allergens there is, and keeping it out of you ducts is key for good indoor air quality.
Besides, have you ever taken a sniff of your dog or cat after a week or so without a bath? You may love your pets dearly but are you sure you want your home to smell like them? Maybe you would like that smell But visitors to your home won't.
How many people live in the home? Humans do the same thing to the ducts that pets do - the more there are, the stuff gets caught in the ducts.
Skin cells are the biggest single factor in dust, and if there are a lot of people in the home, there will be a lot of skin in the ducts.
People also have the habit of somehow getting things down in the ductwork - be it wrappers, toys, food, or anything else...
It's a basic principle - if there a lot of people in the home, the ducts will be that much dirtier.
How dry is your basement? Many a new homeowner has called us because they tore up the carpet or drywall to find black mould setting up shop in their home.
Walls and floors don't usually present much of a repair problem, but getting the ducts in order requires a professional with the proper training and equipment.
We recommend duct cleaning as a precautionary method regardless, as the dangers of inhaling the mould spores are well known and quite substantial.
There are other factors to consider as well - such as if there were recent renovations, if you just had your furnace replaced, if you smoke indoors, if your cold air return vents are on the floor versus the walls, and others.
It boils down to wanting to live in a clean home.
Most people want their living space to be clean, and for that to be the case the ducts need to be cleaned as well.
At what intervals you have your duct cleaned will depend on the issues raised above, but if you have never had it done you should start right away.
So the answer to "Should I have my ducts cleaned?" is yes, although how often you get the service done spends on the conditions in your home.