Blog - Heating and Cooling- HVAC

Duct Cleaning Services: When To Schedule An Appointment

Author: Ask Nicor Services | Friday, December 28, 2012

Forced-air home heating and cooling systems utilize ductwork to deliver conditioned air into the home. Those ducts may accumulate dust and mold, and perhaps impact indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) takes a cautionary stance when it comes to duct cleaning, recommending it only when ducts show signs of:

• Visible mold buildup in the ductwork. Mold and mildew negatively impact home air quality. Further, mold issues often originate at the HVAC system. Duct cleaning involves expert removal of mold in the ducts and at the HVAC coil. Be sure to have a sample of mold tested before securing the service, however.
• Rat, rodent, or other vermin infestations in the ducts. Rodents and insects may leave droppings inside of the ductwork, which are then spread through your home's air supply. If you hear any skittering, scratching or clawing, or if you see any vermin emerging from the system, get help.
• Large amounts of dirt or dust at the supply registers. A key indicator of dirty ducts, a release of dust when the HVAC system cycles on may cause you to question the condition of the ducts.
• Unexplained health issues including allergies, eye problems, congestive issues or breathing difficulties that only occur when occupants are in the home. These ailments may be related to the condition within the ductwork. Since ductwork is generally only accessible with the proper equipment, in the case of mold, vermin or dust buildup, duct cleaning professionals have the tools to access the system and diagnose duct problems.

It may also make sense to have duct cleaning services performed if you're unsure when they were last checked. If you’ve been living in a home and can’t remember your last cleaning, or if you've moved into a new home, you may want to schedule duct cleaning.

If you have questions about duct cleaning, contact Tradewinds Heating & Air Conditioning.  Our experts have a track record of proven success providing for the heating, cooling, and duct remediation needs of Chicago’s west suburbs.