Have you created your spring cleaning list yet? While most residents of North Charleston think about issues like furniture, windows and carpets, it is important to add the air conditioner and air ducts to your list. System cleaning and optimization ensures that your indoor air quality and comfort will be ideal when summer arrives.
Air Conditioner and Air Duct Cleaning
Spring maintenance of your AC system includes a variety of steps. An HVAC professional will do a visual inspection of all important components of the indoor and outdoor units. He will also clean your coils and condensate pan. During this service he also inspects your ducts, making recommendations for additional repairs as needed.
How Often Should I Clean My Air Ducts?
Many residents never clean their ducts. In fact, many don’t even realize that system tune-ups are available. Duct cleaning isn’t always necessary, but annual AC cleaning and service should be scheduled to keep your unit in optimum condition. If you are meticulous about having a system tune-up each year, your ducts will remain cleaner. Air duct cleaning will only be recommended when needed.
Conditions in Your Ducts
There are some specific issues that can affect your household if your ducts and AC system are neglected. Dust and other irritants can settle in your ducts, creating irritation when the AC is turned on for the summer. Leaks can cause poor air pressure, leading to limited comfort throughout your home. Leaks can cause significant energy loss as well. They also make it possible for rodents and insects to get into the ducts and your home. Minimally, the dander left by these critters can be irritating, but in some cases the presence of rodents and insects can result in exposure to disease. An evaluation of your ducts during a tune-up will allow a technician to note specific issues to be corrected. Cleaning and sealing will follow as indicated so that your indoor air quality and comfort can be improved.
Can I Clean My Own Ducts?
Ducts are installed within the structure of your home. It’s difficult to know distances and directions, and most homeowners who try to do their own cleaning are limited by the reach of a vacuum hose. Berkeley Heating & Air Conditioning uses specialized equipment to brush out material stuck to duct walls. Remote cameras allow us to obtain a visual understanding of conditions. Our equipment reaches farther and is more flexible than a household vacuum. Personal efforts tend to be limited and ineffective at reaching those recessed areas, meaning that there is minimal improvement of indoor air quality.
Additional Air Quality Interests
As you consider how spring cleaning should be handled in your HVAC system, it’s a great time to think about an air quality assessment. We can take air samples to determine specific pollutants present in your home. This will provide us with the ability to make targeted recommendations for addressing allergies and other health concerns related to your home environment. As a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, we are able to recommend and install innovative equipment for air purification, mold control and air monitoring. Call us to set up your assessment.
