Duct Cleaning in Ottawa FAQ
Why should I have my air duct system cleaned?
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have been shown to act as a collection source for a variety of contaminants that have the potential to affect health, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and very small particles of dust. The removal of such contaminants from the HVAC system and home should be considered as one component in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality.
Will duct cleaning reduce my energy bills?
Research has demonstrated that the cleaning of air handling systems may allow systems to run more efficiently by removing debris from sensitive mechanical components. Clean, efficient systems are less likely to break down, have a longer life span, and generally operate more effectively than dirty systems.
How should a duct system be cleaned?
The most effective way to clean air ducts and ventilation systems is to employ source removal methods (power brushing) of cleaning. This requires a contractor to place the system under negative pressure, through the use of a specialized, powerful truck-mounted vacuum. While the vacuum draws air through the system, devices are inserted into the ducts to dislodge any debris that might be stuck to interior surfaces. The debris can then travel down the ducts to the vacuum, which removes it from the system and the home.
What is the normal price range for an air duct cleaning service?
National industry statistics indicate that duct cleaning services typically – but not always – range in cost from $300 to $500 per air handling system, depending on the services offered, the size of the system to be cleaned, system accessibility, climactic region, and level of contamination and type of duct material.
Consumers should be weary of “blow-and-go” air duct cleaning companies. These companies often charge a nominal fee and do a poor job of cleaning the air handling system. These companies may also persuade the consumer into unneeded services with and/or without their permission.
What are sanitizers and why would they need to be used?
Sanitizers are anti-microbial chemicals applied to the interior surface of the air ducts, designed to control germs, bacteria, dust mites, fungus and all other microscopic particles. Before any sanitizers are used, the system should be thoroughly cleaned.
How can we determine if the duct cleaning was effective?
The best way to determine if the HVAC system cleaning was effective is to perform a visual inspection of the system before and after cleaning. If any dust or debris can be seen during the visual inspection, the system should not be considered cleaned. While you can perform your own visual inspection using a flash light and mirror, a professional cleaning contractor should be able to allow you better access to system components and perhaps the use of specialized inspection tools.