Understanding Why You Need to Clean Your HVAC Air Ducts in Staten Island, NY

Did you know that the air you breathe within your home has the potential to be more contaminated than the air outdoors?

What Is Ductwork?

Many New York homes have heating and air conditioning units within the walls that evenly distribute temperature-regulated air within our house. We call this “ductwork”. Anytime you turn your air conditioner or heater on, your house maintains an even temperature because of the duct layout.

Can Dirty Air Ducts Make You Sick?

Yes, dirty air ducts can make you sick as they become filled with debris, allergens, and other pollutants which are then circulated throughout the air in your home. Dirty ductwork can result in:

• Breathing issues which include short and long-term lung damage
• Unwanted allergic reactions
• Aggravated asthma symptoms
• Headaches
• Sinus-related problems such as congestion and sinus infections
• Fatigue
• Irritation of the throat
• Dry skin
• What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Ducts?
• Forgetting to clean your air ducts could lead to lasting problems not just for your health but for your home as well. For example, it can cause:
• Mold or mildew buildup
• Higher monthly energy bills due to the strain on the internal HVAC system
• Decrease in airflow to the home from dust clogging the air ducts
• Increase in pest activity and possible infestations
• Decrease in the overall indoor air quality
• Odd musty odors

What Causes Poor Air Quality?

Pollutants and contaminants that lead to poor indoor air quality include:

• Nicotine from cigarette smoke
• Dust mites
• Insects
• Moisture
• Rodent droppings
• House building supplies such as drywall, asbestos, lead, and other irritants
• Chemicals from cleaning and other household products
• Pet dander
• Pollen

While not visible, these specific sources can often be identified with a musky or sour smell coming from the vent while the unit is running. These pollutants are especially dangerous during the extremely hot and cold months when your unit is typically running constantly.

How Are Air Ducts Cleaned?

At Reliable Heating and Cooling, our professional technicians operate through several steps that ensure you are getting the optimal service.

• First, we examine the ducts and evaluate the extent of cleaning needed.
• If any leaks or cracks are identified, we will address those so that they don’t interfere with the cleaning process.
• Then, using the negative pressure of a high-powered vacuum, our highly trained technicians quickly and safely remove any pollutants or debris.
• This may be followed up with a thorough brushing to remove any stubborn contaminants.

How Do I Keep My Ducts Clean?

 To prevent your ducts from future contamination, consider the following:

• Change your HVAC air filters regularly – every 30-90 days on average
• Invest in an air filter that is high-quality and recommended by the manufacturer
• Ensure that there are no gaps in the filter alignment which can cause air to bypass
• Be diligent about the removal of dust inside your home with the use of a HEPA-filtered vacuum or regular cleanings

Contact Reliable Heating & Cooling Today

If you are experiencing side effects from poor indoor air quality - such as trouble breathing, dizziness, fatigue, or nasal irritation - you may need to have your air ducts evaluated by our professionals. With over 15 years of experience, we have become a trusted source of HVAC maintenance in Staten Island, NY. We are so confident in our service that we won't bill you until the job is done; expect no hourly rates to be charged. We are family owned and operated so your needs are always prioritized. Call today and speak with one of our licensed Staten Island duct cleaning professionals.