Virginia – On average, every couple years our homes could greatly benefit from a professional duct cleaning. In that time, high levels of dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the ductwork and warrant the cleaning. Even worse, insects and vermin could take up residence in your ductwork and create a number of problems. Still, there are preventative measures you can take to reduce the accumulation of dust or discourage an infestation of pests.

While performing the preventative measures below will not guarantee clean ducts for life, they will surely reduce your risk of contamination.

Keep Your Air Ducts Clean!

• Change Your Air Filters Regularly: First and foremost, this is your top priority. Your air filter is your ventilation system’s primary line of defense. Should this filter become too clogged with debris, it will no longer be able to prevent the flow of contaminants into your ductwork. The lifespan of your filter will be printed on its outside packaging. If it is past expiration, change it as soon as possible.

• Change Clogged Filters: Though filters have an expected lifespan, particularly heavy loads of dust can clog them prematurely. About halfway through their lifespan, give a quick weekly inspection of the filter to make sure it is still functioning properly. Should the air filter be clogged, promptly replace it with a fresh one.

• Construction or Renovation Work: This is a dangerous time for your ventilation system. Sawdust and other construction debris can easily enter your ductwork during construction. Make sure your contractor (or yourself if this is a DIY project) seals off the return and supply registers and you do not run your HVAC system until all the dust is cleaned up after the project is completed.

• Remove Dust and Vacuum Regularly: The dust in your ducts is oftentimes coming from the dust in the rest of your home. Be sure to dust and vacuum your home regularly to cut off the supply of contamination at the source. This will also help keep your filter operating at peak condition throughout its entire lifespan.

• Proper Humidifier Use: Improper use of your humidifier could lead to problems in your air ducts. We recommend the Healthy Climate Power Humidifier which will automatically detect and regulate the humidity levels in your home!

• Schedule Your Clean & Check: Your heating and cooling system must also be in tip top shape to prevent ductwork contamination. In the summer, your AC will need to be cleaned and likewise your furnace will need cleaning in the winter. As part of your two annual Clean & Checks, the technician will clean the AC coil and the drain pans which will help keep your ductwork free of debris.