FAQ
PT Duct Cleaning #1 Best in the Chicago Area
Educated consumers make the best customers, so we offer answers to some frequently asked questions.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? PT Duct Cleaning is ready to provide the information you need to make an informed choice about how to keep your home or workplace clean, safe, efficient and odor-free. Contact us with any question you have about air duct cleaning in the Chicago area.
What is air duct cleaning?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency definition, duct cleaning refers to the cleaning of forced-air components of your heating and cooling system, including the supply and return air ducts as well as registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers, heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motors, fan housings and air handling unit housings.
How often should I clean my ductwork?
That depends on a number of factors, including whether the structure in question is a residence or a commercial space. Several things that have to be considered when deciding how often ducts should be cleaned, including:
– Is there high usage of the space?
– What is the space used for?
– What is the desired level of cleanliness for the space?
We consider these questions and others before creating a plan to suit your needs. Perhaps, for example, a rarely used warehouse overflow space doesn’t need to remain as clean, safe and odor-free as your bedroom. Some homeowners who are sensitive to indoor pollutants have us clean their ductwork every year. The ductwork in any home should be cleaned at least every three years, however.
When should I consider having my air ducts cleaned?
You may need to clean your ducts sooner than every three years if you notice specific problems, including:
– the presence of mold growth inside sheet metal ducts or on other components of your heating and cooling system.
– ducts that are infested with rodents, insects or other vermin.
– ducts that are clogged with dust and debris.
– ducts that release particles into the home or business from your supply registers.
Are there health benefits of cleaning my HVAC system?
HVAC systems are known to collect mold, fungi, bacteria, dust particles and other contaminants. Cleaning your HVAC system removes these contaminants and improves your indoor air quality, perhaps helping with indoor allergies and certainly giving you peace of mind that your home is clean and safe.
If I heat my home with gas, should I still have my chimney inspected and cleaned?
Gas is generally a clean-burning fuel, but a gas chimney can become obstructed by bird nests and other debris. An inspection is the best way to ensure the safety of your home and family. You can never be too careful with the lives of the people care about.
How do I prevent air duct contamination?
Whether or not you decide to have the air ducts in your home cleaned, committing to a good preventive maintenance program is essential to minimizing duct contamination. To prevent dirt from entering the system, use high-efficiency air filters recommended by the manufacturer of your system and change them regularly. Change them more often if you notice that they’re very dirty or severely clogged when you change them at your usual interval. Also, make sure you don’t have any missing filters and that air can’t bypass filters through gaps around the filter holder.
