Why Cleaning Air Return Ducts is Important For Air Quality

After a summer season in Rhode Island, it’s almost time to turn on the heat in your home. Prepare your air ducts and HVAC system before the colder days are here.

As part of your home’s heating and cooling system, air return ducts require regular maintenance. During the year, a lining of dust and toxins collect in the duct work and are then circulated throughout the rooms of your home. Not only does this affect the energy efficiency of the HVAC system, it also lowers indoor air quality that can affect your health.

Here are the key reasons why you should schedule an evaluation and cleaning with a HomeAdvisor heating and cooling contractor:

1. Reduce levels of toxins from mold and mildew

It doesn’t take much for mold and mildew to start growing, particularly in humid conditions. When circulated through the air ducts, mold can be a serious health hazard. Once mold has taken hold, you’ll need to regularly clean ducts to keep these toxins under control.

2. Reduce levels of dirt and dust

During the year, dirt and dust will naturally start to accumulate not only in the duct system but in heating and cooling registers. Regular duct cleaning by a professional will include the replacement of old filters with new as well as an inspection for leaks.

3. Remove odors from pests

Pests and rodents can crawl into the air ducts, causing foul odors from droppings and dead vermin to circulate through the duct system and into your home.

4. Save on monthly energy costs

The presence of dirt, dust, mold, and toxins can cause air filters to get dirty much quicker, forcing the HVAC system to work much harder. Regular air duct maintenance improves the efficiency of the system, resulting in both maintenance and energy cost savings.

As well as regular cleaning of air ducts, you can improve indoor air quality by opening windows when weather permits to allow the natural circulation of fresh air through your home. If possible, use a HEPA filter vacuum and switch to cleaning products that are non-toxic.

To get your home healthy, contact a HomeAdvisor HVAC professional in Rhode Island to schedule an inspection. You’ll get expert advice about the air ventilation in your home so you can improve indoor air quality as well as extend the life of your HVAC system by having it run at peak performance.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor