7 Signs It's Time to Schedule Professional Air Duct Cleaning

Maintaining a pristine home environment often involves diligent cleaning efforts, including occasional DIY air duct cleaning to ensure air quality. However, there comes a time when professional expertise becomes a necessity. 

Whether due to years of accumulated dust, persistent allergies, or the aftermath of renovation projects, certain situations demand the attention of seasoned professionals. 

But how do you know when your air duct cleaning has gone beyond your capabilities and you need to call in experts? In this guide, we'll explore seven unmistakable indicators that it's time to schedule that essential professional air duct cleaning session.

Can You Clean Your Air Ducts Yourself?

Yes, you can. We’ll be real with you — cleaning air ducts is not rocket science or quantum mechanics that only a select few can do. It can be a simple and manageable process, especially when you’re doing routine DIY air duct cleaning. 

However, as tempting as these can be, it is extremely challenging to do a deeper cleanup of your air ducts without special equipment or training. In addition, the training and expertise that come with professional air duct cleaning services may be the difference between the longevity of your HVAC system and having to get a new one.

But by using a professional air duct cleaning service, it is less likely for them to damage the ductwork as they clean, and also, they can also identify air leaks or other problems.

7 Signs That You Need Professional Air Duct Cleaning 

While regular surface cleaning is a common practice, some critical aspects, such as the home's air quality, often go overlooked. Here are seven signs that call in professional air duct cleaning experts:

1. There's dust everywhere in the home. 

A clear sign that air ducts need cleaning is the presence of dust in your home. If you turn on your HVAC system and get a puff of dust released, this means your air ducts are dirty. 

Also, you may find that you are constantly cleaning up your home. As much as cleaning is a necessary task, no one enjoys it. So, when you find that you are continuously finding dust and dirt in your home even after cleaning, this means you need to get the air ducts cleaned. 

2. Unpleasant odor from ducts

Another obvious sign that your air ducts need professional cleaning is the presence of odor. If you realize that your home has a terrible smell, and you can't seem to find the source, you might need to have the air ducts checked just to be sure. 

3. Unstable airflow in the house

One of the quickest ways to know that you need professional air duct cleaning is when you notice inconsistency in the airflow around the house.

The airflow in the bedroom, kitchen, living room, and any other room should be of the same quality. Once this consistency is present, you should call an air duct cleaning service to check out your air system. 

4. Insects and rodent infestation in your air ducts

No one likes pest infestations, as they make life perfectly unbearable. However, it is essential to clean out your air ducts after a pest infestation. This is necessary to prevent the spread of allergens and other disease-causing microbes. Insect droppings, bacteria, and viruses, if they spread, can cause serious health problems.

5. Strange noises when your air system is on

If you have lived in your house for a couple of years, it is a given that you know how your HVAC system sounds when operational. So, when you do hear strange noises other than the general motor sound, your air ducts could be experiencing some problems related to dirt and more. Consider calling in professional air duct cleaning experts to come check it out.

6. No records about previous air duct cleaning

If you live in an old house with no idea when the air ducts were last cleaned, it is important to get them cleaned as soon as you can. While the air system might not show any signs that it needs cleaning, the lack of previous cleaning records means that there has been an accumulation of dust over time. 

7. Your home has just undergone a major repair

If your house has just undergone a major repair, you can be sure that your HVAC system has sucked up dirt and dust unless it was off or completely covered during the renovations.

This is due to the messy nature of construction work. Therefore, it is always a good idea to secure professional air duct cleaning services as soon as you finish major home repairs or renovation.

What Happens During Professional Air Duct Cleaning?

When your air ducts are being cleaned, there are certain steps taken that distinguish it from the cleaning done by amateurs. These are: 

1. Air Duct Inspection

This is a step that involves the visual inspection of the air ducts that lead to the return and supply registers. This step is so simple that you can do it. It is done to confirm the buildup of dirt, dust, and other contaminants in the air ducts. Sometimes, the technician can use a camera system to show how much cleaning would be required before the cleaning actually begins.

2. Creation Of Negative Pressure

Once the air duct inspection is done, the technician will then use a portable vacuum collection device to suck out the contaminants. The vacuum collection device is connected to the duct that’s located closest to the air handler. Once this is done, an access hole is created, through which a hose is inserted, and a seal is made around the hole. The register is further sealed to make the vacuum more effective. 

When all these are done, as the vacuum is turned on, negative pressure is created, and the dust particles are sucked out. This process is performed on both the supply and return sides of the HVAC system. 

3. Debris Agitation

After the ductwork has been put under negative pressure, the register is uncovered, the ducts are cleaned, and the cover is replaced to maintain the pressure.

With this process, the professional uses other tools like rotating brushes, handheld vacuum cleaners, and compressed air tools to sweep away the dirt and debris. 

Taking the Next Step

After recognizing the signs that you need air duct cleaning, the next step is to prioritize the well-being of your household by entrusting the task to experienced professionals. With a thorough cleaning process, the air quality in your home will improve, reducing allergens and enhancing overall comfort. 

If you’re looking for reliable and expert air duct cleaning services in Utah, Crystal Clean Vents is where to look. With a team of seasoned professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, we can help get rid of contaminants in your air ducts, leaving your home with fresh, clean air. 

Reach out to us today and let’s schedule your air duct cleaning!