4 Myths About Air Duct Cleaning You Need to Know

Air duct cleaning is as easy as ABC, right? Perhaps it’s something we can skimp on and get away with as homeowners. Hmm, time to think again. The task of sprucing up a home’s air ducts has its fair share of do’s and don’ts and commonly held beliefs that are easily misinterpreted. Thankfully, there are professionals to help clear the muddied waters. It’s important to debunk some of the misconceptions surrounding the whole issue. Let’s peek at some of the myths surrounding air duct cleaning.

Myth #1: Air Duct Cleaning Can be a DIY Project.

Why hire a professional when I can do it? Well, we’ve all been there: trying to rationalize the choice to take on a difficult assignment by ourselves. I know I have, only to later realize that it’s not always as easy as it initially looks. Can you do as thorough a job as an expert would? I probably wouldn’t give air duct cleaning a whirl unless I have access to high-powered industrial tools such as blowers, vacuums, and pneumatic brushes, which, admittedly, most people don’t. 

Dalles air duct cleaning can also be messy, complicated, and tiring. I can imagine a scenario where you fail to follow the right resealing procedures after the cleanup or are unable to do it on your own. Suppose you create a mini dust storm in your home as you attempt to clean the ducts. What would that mean? You would have to call a professional to redo the job. With that in mind, it’s better to involve experts from the get-go.

Myth #2: There is No Relationship Between Unclean Air Ducts and Overall Health

While it’s fair to think so, this is a myth we need to bust. A system that regulates or controls the air we breathe will likely have a trickle-down effect on our respiratory systems and general wellbeing. For instance, the growth of mold in the ductwork may occur due to the presence of moist air in the system. Mold buildup creates the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, leading to poor air quality. It’s also worth noting that other allergens such as pollen, dust, and smoke affect indoor air quality. 

Consequently, as we soak up contaminated air, the unfortunate is bound to happen. Those of us susceptible to respiratory issues may quickly come down with flu-like symptoms or even experience breathing difficulties. It could also aggravate allergies and trigger illnesses such as asthma, sometimes with devastating consequences. Do we have to wait until it’s too late to control the quality of the air we breathe indoors? Hopefully not.

Myth #3: Harsh Chemicals Are Needed to Clean Air Ducts

This is a bit of a stretch as far as myths go. Why would a cleaning service provider use hazardous chemicals knowing all too well they could harm people’s health? I would deem this unacceptable. I also believe that professionals tasked with such work owe their clientele a duty of care. Not because it’s ok to do so, but as an obligation to do right by them. With the right tools, Hood River air duct cleaning need not create additional hazards in the home. 

 Most people would be apprehensive about using chemicals in cleaning a system that directly affects the air we breathe. Such fear of toxins is understandable and justifiable. That’s why it’s important to ascertain from a cleaning expert the non-use of harsh chemicals before commencing work. I would also be keen to know about the chemical-free options available for dealing with mold-laden areas in a home environment.

Myth #4: Air Ducts Barely Get Dirty and Cleaning Them is Optional

A home’s ductwork performs the critical function of promoting airflow through the house. Isn’t it prudent to think that such a system would require upkeep from time to time? Out of curiosity, I once poked around the air duct system in my house only to find surfaces caked in grime. That’s all I needed to realize just how dirty it can get. I even got around to swapping the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning filter, and boy, oh boy! The thing had turned from white to a shade of grey due to dust accumulation. 

Circulating air carries dust mites, pollen, and dander, among other debris, which ends up in the air ducts. We can’t even rule out the possibility of vermin creating a nesting place in neglected air ducts. As part of the ventilation system, air ducts directly impact the quality of the air we breathe in our homes and, by extension, help maintain a healthy indoor atmosphere. Overall, regular, routine upkeep and cleaning of air ducts must be part of a home’s maintenance schedule.