The ductwork of your heating and cooling system is a critical component of home comfort. However, ductwork can hurt indoor air quality if it gets dirty or clogged and starts returning airborne contaminants to your living spaces.

If you are having problems with your duct system, it may be time to consider professional duct cleaning. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends duct cleaning under three very specific circumstances:

Mold can be seen growing within the duct system or on components of your HVAC equipment. Mold and mold spores can be a serious threat to respiratory health, so if there’s visible mold in the duct system, it should be professionally removed.

Ducts have become living spaces for rodents, insects, small animals, or other vermin. Not only will these creatures produce irritating noise, but you’ll also be exposed to their fur, saliva, excrement, nests, and body parts if they’re blown out of your ductwork. The risks of these biological contaminants can be high, so if your ductwork has unwanted guests, get rid of them, then consider a professional duct cleaning to clean up the mess.

Ducts contain substantial amounts of dirt and debris, up to and including total blockage of airflow. Particles will be dislodged and returned to your home’s indoor environment as air flows through the ducts. Worse, if the ducts are completely clogged, the conditioned air from your HVAC system will not be able to reach your home and provide heating or cooling. If your duct system is excessively dirty or clogged, it needs professional cleaning.

Check the qualifications and claims made by any duct cleaning contractor you’re considering. Duct cleaning has been shown to prevent health problems, according to the EPA. Ask questions and check references as you would for any other service contractor.

Pipe Works Services was established in 2000, and since then, we have provided professional heating, air conditioning, and plumbing services to customers in Chatham and the surrounding New Jersey communities. Contact us today for more information on professional duct cleaning and its benefit for your HVAC system and the occupants of your home. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chatham, NJ, and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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