When we turn on our heating system for the winter, we activate a system that continually circulates air throughout our homes. This air travels through the system’s ductwork, a long series of metal pipes extending from the furnace or heat pump to every room in the house. Warm air flows from our furnace, through the supply ducts, and out at registers and vents. Cooler air is brought back to the furnace through the return ducts, where the air is warmed and circulated again.

As the air circulates, it can pick up a variety of contaminants and expel them into your home’s indoor environment. If material such as dust, pollen, mold and animal hair has accumulated in the ductwork, these substances can end up inside your home where you and your family can inhale them.

A thorough professional ductwork cleaning can help reduce levels of these airborne contaminants and ensure that the air flowing through your heating system is free of particles that reduce indoor air quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends duct cleaning when:

• There is a noticeable amount of mold present in the duct system or on system components.
• Ducts are infested with vermin such as insects, rodents or other small animals.
• Ducts are clogged with debris and are releasing substantial amounts of these contaminants into your home’s interior air.

Duct cleaning can be an effective part of the system’s annual maintenance service. A clean system runs better and more efficiency, and is less likely to break down because of filters that get dirty too quickly.

Hire qualified duct cleaning professionals such as members of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). Beware of contractors who make overly ambitious claims of the benefits of duct cleaning; many of these claims may not be fully supported by facts. Ask questions and check references as you would before hiring any contractor.

Since 1969, Bradley Mechanical has been Central Virginia’s source for HVAC, plumbing, and indoor air quality needs. Contact us today for more advice on cleaning your ductwork or to schedule an appointment for professional inspection and cleaning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about duct cleaning and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Bradley Mechanical services Richmond, Chesterfield, Glenn Allen, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights and surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!     

Air duct photo via Shutterstock