What You Need to Know About Duct Cleaning

You may have heard about duct cleaning, but you may not fully understand what it is and why it is an important part of HVAC maintenance. As a homeowner, you likely already know that you should have your HVAC system services twice a year in the Spring and in the Fall to make sure it is in good working order when making the switch between heating and cooling with the changing seasons. Regular HVAC maintenance in Knoxville is one of the best ways to keep your home comfortable and your HVAC system operating efficiently. Duct cleaning is an additional step that can be used in conjunction with your preventative maintenance plan to maximize comfort and air quality.

Let's take a look at some of the important things you need to know about duct cleaning and why you should include it in your HVAC maintenance in Knoxville.

Do I REALLY Need Duct Cleaning?

Whenever a service comes with an additional fee, it can be met with skepticism that it is all just a money-making scam! During your research, you may find a few forum threads sharing horror stories about fly-by-night cowboys who took their money and did a poor job of cleaning the ducts or, even worse, caused damage to the ductwork. However, this is not representative of the true experience when you work with a reputable HVAC company. The key is to look for HVAC maintenance in Knoxville, provided by a qualified professional with the training and experience to provide quality duct cleaning. At GENT Heating and Cooling, we use the latest in duct cleaning technology. Our Rotobrush BrushBeastTM is the most powerful duct cleaning system on the market, and it has enough power to remove even the heaviest build-up of dirt and debris!

How Do I Know When to Clean My Ducts?

While duct cleaning is an important part of HVAC maintenance in Knoxville, it is not something that you need to schedule regularly, like your preventative maintenance calls. Instead, it is something that is done when necessary, so you will need to have some idea of what to look out for so you know when to book a duct cleaning service. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are a few specific situations where duct cleaning is needed. These include the following:

1. When you can see a substantial amount of visible mold growing in your ductwork
2. You have a potential infestation of insects, rodents, or other pests in the air ducts
3. If the air ducts are clogged, or if you are experiencing large amounts of dust being released from the registers

Scenario number 3 is the most common reason to book duct cleaning, especially if your home is 10 years or older. It is normal for the returns to get dusty as they pull air through the vents, and you can dust or vacuum them to remove the build-up. However, if you start to notice decreased airflow or an excessive amount of dust, then it is worth scheduling a duct cleaning to rectify the problem.

Duct Cleaning Benefits The Whole HVAC System

Professional air duct cleaning benefits the whole of your HVAC system, not just the ductwork. A full duct cleaning should cover the air ducts, coils, drains, registers, and grilles. It is important that you use a professional provider who offers this type of HVAC maintenance in Knoxville. Duct cleaning provides several benefits to an HVAC system and can enhance both system performance and indoor air quality. Here are some key ways it helps:

• Improves Airflow Efficiency - Ducts accumulate dust, debris, and even mold over time. This build-up can restrict airflow, forcing the HVAC system to work harder to move air through the ducts. Cleaning the ducts removes these obstructions, allowing for smoother airflow, which helps the system run more efficiently and may even reduce energy costs.
• Extends HVAC System Life - A cleaner system doesn't need to work as hard, reducing wear and tear on components like the blower motor and the heat exchanger. By reducing strain, duct cleaning can extend the HVAC system's lifespan.
• Enhances Indoor Air Quality - Pollutants like dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores can circulate through the air ducts. When the ducts are cleaned, these allergens are removed, resulting in better air quality. This particularly benefits people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.
• Reduces Unpleasant Odors - Over time, odors from cooking, cleaning agents, pets, and other sources can become trapped in the ductwork. Cleaning the ducts can remove these lingering smells, leaving your indoor air fresher.
• Improves Temperature Consistency - Clean ducts allow air to flow more freely, resulting in more consistent heating or cooling throughout the home. This helps avoid hot or cold spots and ensures each room reaches a more even temperature.
• Reduces the Risk of Mold Growth - Moisture can accumulate in ducts, especially in humid climates, leading to mold growth. Mold spores can spread throughout the home if ducts are left uncleaned. By cleaning the ducts and potentially treating them for mold, you can mitigate this risk and improve the air quality.

In conclusion, duct cleaning is a valuable part of HVAC maintenance that can significantly enhance the comfort, efficiency, and air quality of your home. While not needed as frequently as regular maintenance, scheduling duct cleaning when necessary can help prevent potential issues like reduced airflow, mold growth, and poor indoor air quality. When performed by a qualified professional, duct cleaning offers lasting benefits, such as extended HVAC lifespan, improved energy efficiency, and a fresher indoor environment. Investing in this service as part of your HVAC maintenance plan in Knoxville ensures that you maximize the health, safety, and performance of your home's heating and cooling system year-round.

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Gent Heating and Cooling provide heating and air conditioning for residential and commercial clients in Knoxville, Knox County, and the surrounding East Tennessee area. Over 20 Years experience. Customer Service is Our Top Priority. We strive to be on time, provide accurate estimates, and have most replacement products on our service vehicles.

Call 865-213-3818 or email office@genthvac.com

www.gentheatandcool.com