Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned?

Duct Cleaning May Not Solve All Indoor Air Quality Problems

 

It is impossible to say whether or not air duct cleaning in your home would be beneficial. You may be considering having your air ducts cleaned simply because it seems logical that air ducts will get dirty over time and should be occasionally cleaned.

There are 3 situations when Jackson Total Service recommends duct cleaning:

1)    There is substantial visible mold growth inside hard surface (e.g., sheet metal) ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.

2)    Ducts are infested with vermin, e.g. (rodents or insects); or

3)    Ducts are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris and/or particles are actually released into the home from your supply registers.

Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. It is important to keep in mind that dirty air ducts are only one of many possible sources of particles that are present in homes. Pollutants that enter the home both from outdoors and indoor activities such as cooking, cleaning, smoking, or just moving around can cause greater exposure to contaminants than dirty air ducts. Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to your health.

Since conditions in every home are different, Jackson Total Service cannot give a one price fits all estimate for duct cleaning.  Plus, sometimes the contamination may be a symptom of a larger problem.  Over 90% of homes have hidden air control problems. Jackson Total Service offers an optional test that allows us to identify the root cause of a dusty or unhealthy indoor air problems and will evaluate if you need your air ducts cleaned.  It will help you understand all your options, and frankly will save you money in the short run and in the long run. It actually costs a lot less than a good duct cleaning.  As a side benefit, it identifies many things you can do to save energy and money and improve comfort.

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL.  We are located at 3727 Enterprise Ave 34104. 

Feel free to contact us at (239) 643-0923 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com or www.facebook.com/jacksontotalservice

 

 

Are you in the market for a new heating and cooling system?

The summers in Naples, Florida are hot, humid and too long.  Suffering in a home that is downright uncomfortable is no way to live.  Your first inclination may be to purchase a new air conditioning system.  But don’t rush into that decision. 

Would you be upset if you purchased a new air conditioning system and your home was still hot & humid, dusty and uncomfortable?  If you make the wrong choice now, you probably won’t be able to justify tearing it out and starting again. You’ll literally have to live IN your decision for as long as you own your home.

There may be three (3) main causes for your suffering:

1.       Your home’s air ducts might be leaking.

2.       The insulation in your home may be insufficient.

3.       Your existing air conditioning system may not be properly sized for your home.

So, how do you find out if your home is contributing to your suffering?  By working with an air conditioning contractor that takes a “Whole House Approach.”  This “whole house” process involves utilizing special instruments and calculations needed to properly diagnose and solve any pre-existing problems with your home’s ducts and thermal envelope. 

Your HVAC contractor should be capable of performing these essential engineering steps:

1.       A thorough inspection and measurement of your home, including insulation levels & window sizes

2.       An Infiltrometer test to measure your home’s air infiltration rate

3.       Duct leakage, airflow and pressure tests to uncover & measure any pre-existing duct inefficiency

4.       Recommendations to simultaneously improve your duct system, home insulation and air infiltration

5.       A computerized design load calculation and equipment selection conforming to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America Manual J

Be careful when buying a new air conditioner or heating system. The wrong system, improperly installed, could sentence you to years of discomfort, unhealthy indoor air and high utility bills. Take the time to do it right.  It costs less to do it right up front. Invest the time, become an educated consumer, and get a system you will enjoy for years to come. It is not a question of IF you want to pay for it or not. You WILL pay for it in higher energy costs and discomfort. 

Jackson Total Service is an air conditioning, plumbing and electrical contractor in Naples, FL. 
Contact us at (239) 643-0923 3727 Enterprise Ave Naples, FL 34104 or on the web at www.jacksontotal.com