Have you noticed little wisps of dust puffing out when you turn on your HVAC system? Can you see dust coating the grill on the return air register? These may be signs that your Ocean City, Maryland, home’s ducts need a thorough and professional cleaning. Most of us spend between 60 to 90 percent of our time indoors, and a properly working HVAC system and clean ducts can vastly improve the quality of your home’s air. Clean ducts sound good — but how much will a professional duct cleaning cost you?
How Much Will It Cost to Clean My Ducts?
Have you started researching how much duct cleaning costs? If so, you’ve undoubtedly uncovered a range of prices. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a typical clean should cost between $450 and $1,000. The exact amount, of course, depends on what needs to be done.
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) and HVAC experts agree that you should be careful of a ridiculously cheap quote. Companies that give an insanely low quote are probably only going to do a partial job. Alternatively, they may add extra costs after they start the job. If duct cleaners claim to find black biological growth in your ducts, be suspicious. They will most likely offer to clean it for you at an exorbitant fee. Before you agree, ask for evidence and have it tested.
Factors Affecting the Cost
Various factors influencing the cost of a clean include the following:
- The size of your ducts. Larger structures have more vents and ductwork, meaning higher labor costs.
- The duct material. Ducts can be made of different materials, such as insulated fiberglass, sheet metal, or non-metallic flexible material. Flexible ducts are tricky to clean and may cost more.
- The amount of ductwork. The more vents and registers your home has, the more time is needed to clean them, resulting in higher labor costs.
- The location of your HVAC equipment. If your ducts are in difficult-to-reach areas, they will take longer to clean, which increases the labor costs.
- Asbestos. Older buildings may have asbestos in some of the duct areas. Removing the asbestos is a specialized procedure that will hike the duct cleaning cost.
- The amount of buildup your HVAC system.
- The chemicals biocides and sealants used in the cleaning.
When Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?
According to the EPA, the watchdog for environmental matters, ducts must be cleaned if there is visible biological grown in any part of your HVAC system, if you have an insect or rodent infestation, or if your ducts are clogged with debris and dust. However, the NADCA recommend that you have your ducts cleaned in the following situations as well:
- If you have heavily shedding pets.
- When you move into or remodel your home.
- After a flood or fire when contaminants or moisture have built up.
- When someone smokes inside.
- If you have some infestation.
- If someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma.
Give us a call to check the state of your ducts.
Why Should I Have My Ducts Cleaned?
Having your HVAC ducts cleaned is certainly worth the investment. Clean ducts help to prevent health issues from overwhelming your family. A professional duct cleaning can also help you eliminate unpleasant odors and avoid pricey mechanical issues in the future. As an added bonus, clean ducts equal less dust, which makes cleaning your living space easier.
Adding regular duct cleanings to your HVAC maintenance schedule can increase the efficiency and lifespan of your system. When your HVAC system is clogged with dust, biological growth, allergens, and pet dander, your system will not be able to work efficiently, resulting in higher energy bills. But with a good clean, it can once again distribute clean and fresh air efficiently. Although cleaning your ducts may seem to be a pricey operation, in the long run, your HVAC system is one of your home’s biggest investments. The last thing you need is to unnecessarily have to buy a new HVAC system.
Griffith Energy Services caters for all your HVAC needs. Achieve high-quality air with our unparalleled duct cleaning service. Call us now at 888-474-3391.
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