Duct Cleaning to the Rescue!

By Marissa Joyce of Gwyn Services

As a busy mom and homeowner, my brain bombards me with questions about the upkeep of my house every day. Why does the playroom smell like feet? How do I know when my roof needs replacing? Is that a normal rattling sound or an expensive rattling sound? And then there are the ‘niche’ maintenance tasks like replacing the water filter in my refrigerator, cleaning the baseboards, or having the air ducts in my home cleaned. Does anyone even know how to stay on top of it all?

Gwyn Services is here to demystify at least one of those questions, with all you ever need to know about Duct Cleaning!

Why do I need to get my ducts cleaned?  

Your home’s heating and cooling system is much like the lungs of the house. One of the primary purposes is to keep air moving throughout your home so that the rooms stay cool, properly humid, and comfortable. Air is constantly moving through the ductwork of your home and being pushed through the vents into the rooms of your house. Over time, these ducts become encased in a layer of dust and debris that leads to a less efficient use of energy. In addition to the spread of allergens and dirt through your home.

How often should I get my ducts cleaned? 

While there is not hard and fast rule about how often a home’s ducts need cleaning, generally it’s a good idea to do it every 5 years. There are other factors that may necessitate cleaning your ducts more often. These include: having smokers in the home, after flooding or a water incident. Along with, if a resident of the home has asthma or allergies, if you have indoor pets that shed frequently, and after a home renovation project.

What should I expect when I get my ducts cleaned? 

The first step in the duct cleaning process is a visual examination of your ductwork. Your technician should ensure that there are no leaks or holes. In addition, that the components of your AC and furnace are in good working order. The entire process should take between a half and a full day, depending on the size of your home.

During the process your climate control systems will need to be switched off. Plus, there will be some noise (similar to that of a large vacuum). It is not necessary to leave home while this is happening. Although, you may want to if it is extremely hot or cold, or the noise will bother you. Technicians may need to move furniture to access vents or air returns, but your home should be clean and put back in place when finished. Your technician will also clean individual components of your HVAC system, like coils, valves, and filters.

Who should I call and how much should I expect to pay? 

Duct cleaning is an extensive process that requires proper equipment and training. Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive parts of your home. This is due to the many delicate parts that can be easily damaged. There are many companies around that offer super low-cost ‘deals’ on duct cleaning but lack the proper equipment or knowledge to do the job right. Other companies depend on the low cost lure to book a client. Yet, quickly present expensive repairs or add-ons they claim to be necessary.

A proper duct cleaning service typically costs between $500-1,000. It takes more than a man, a truck, and a shop vac to properly clean a home’s ductwork and HVAC system. Look for a company that has specialized equipment, and charges a fee based on the size of your home or air system, not one flat fee.

Gwyn Services is proud to be introducing duct cleaning services into their lineup of home repair and maintenance services. Our HVAC team is fully trained in the premiere RotoBrush technology. Which is a self-contained system that will ensure no dust clouds will escape or be pushed through your ducts into your living spaces. We charge just $35 per duct, and we are offering a 10% discount to our Triad Moms on Main clients! Gwyn Services is ready to be your one-stop shop for home repair and maintenance! Give us a call today!