Mt. Tabor Chimney Company

FAQ’s for Air Duct Cleaning

Q. How often should I have my air ducts cleaned?
A. Air ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years. There is some variation to this depending upon your own situation. If you have small children or indoor pets you will probably need to have them cleaned every 2 years. If you have family members with any breathing related conditions, including but certainly not limited to asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other breathing conditions every 2 years or even annually depending upon the severity.

Q. How are air ducts cleaned? I have read ads for two different approaches.
A. That is correct. There are two different approaches to cleaning air ducts. Both are very good at cleaning and both will do the job.
The first involves negative air. The concept is that a single large suction line is attached to the air duct system. Then, air is forced into the ducts, one at a time, and all the debris is blown and sucked into the single suction line and removed to a vacuum machine. All the remaining ducts are sealed as each one is cleaned. The air blowing through the ducts is high pressure to ensure that all the debris build up is removed. The second method involves positive air and a power brush. Each duct is cleaned individually. A spinning brush and vacuum line is pushed through the entire duct line and pulled back out. This is push-pull action is repeated until the duct is clean. The process is then repeated in each duct in the home. None of the other ducts needs to be sealed off since the debris is being removed as it is stirred up by the spinning brush. In both approaches, the vacuum is HEPA filtered to prevent any debris from being released back into the home during the cleaning process.
Both approaches will thoroughly clean the ducts. Neither approach will absolutely remove 100% of the dust in the ducts. There will always be some minute amount of dust in the ducts. And no, it does not mean that you will not have to dust furniture any more. The design of the system and the likelihood that the ducts leak and pull air from other than through the filter will guarantee that dust will re-enter the air duct system.

Q. I just got a coupon in the mail promising that a company will clean my ducts for $99.00. Is that too good to be true?
A. Each air duct cleaning company approaches pricing differently. When you see an ad like that, you must ask them to clarify exactly what will be cleaned for that price and what will not be cleaned for that price. Those items that will not be cleaned need to be clarified as to whether or not they are available at an additional fee. It is also important to know if the cleaning technician will offer those additional services at the time of the appointment.
As with all home services, call around and get multiple quotes for the work you want done. Be consistent in asking the same questions to each company and if you have any question about the fees, keep asking for an explanation until you are satisfied.


	Home About Us Products & Services Service Quote Newsletter Contact Us Links FAQ

FAQ’s for Air Duct Cleaning Q. How often should I have my air ducts cleaned? A. Air ducts should be cleaned every 3-5 years. There is some variation to this depending upon your own situation. If you have small children or indoor pets you will probably need to have them cleaned every 2 years. If you have family members with any breathing related conditions, including but certainly not limited to asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, pneumonia, or other breathing conditions every 2 years or even annually depending upon the severity. Q. How are air ducts cleaned? I have read ads for two different approaches. A. That is correct. There are two different approaches to cleaning air ducts. Both are very good at cleaning and both will do the job. The first involves negative air. The concept is that a single large suction line is attached to the air duct system. Then, air is forced into the ducts, one at a time, and all the debris is blown and sucked into the single suction line and removed to a vacuum machine. All the remaining ducts are sealed as each one is cleaned. The air blowing through the ducts is high pressure to ensure that all the debris build up is removed. The second method involves positive air and a power brush. Each duct is cleaned individually. A spinning brush and vacuum line is pushed through the entire duct line and pulled back out. This is push-pull action is repeated until the duct is clean. The process is then repeated in each duct in the home. None of the other ducts needs to be sealed off since the debris is being removed as it is stirred up by the spinning brush. In both approaches, the vacuum is HEPA filtered to prevent any debris from being released back into the home during the cleaning process. Both approaches will thoroughly clean the ducts. Neither approach will absolutely remove 100% of the dust in the ducts. There will always be some minute amount of dust in the ducts. And no, it does not mean that you will not have to dust furniture any more. The design of the system and the likelihood that the ducts leak and pull air from other than through the filter will guarantee that dust will re-enter the air duct system. Q. I just got a coupon in the mail promising that a company will clean my ducts for $99.00. Is that too good to be true? A. Each air duct cleaning company approaches pricing differently. When you see an ad like that, you must ask them to clarify exactly what will be cleaned for that price and what will not be cleaned for that price. Those items that will not be cleaned need to be clarified as to whether or not they are available at an additional fee. It is also important to know if the cleaning technician will offer those additional services at the time of the appointment. As with all home services, call around and get multiple quotes for the work you want done. Be consistent in asking the same questions to each company and if you have any question about the fees, keep asking for an explanation until you are satisfied.