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Is Duct Cleaning Worthwhile?

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There’s a bit of controversy over whether it’s worth it to have your air ducts cleaned. Even the EPA, which admits that indoor air quality is often poorer than outdoor air, is agnostic on the subject (more on that later). So should you bother? If you do, how often is often enough? And how do you know it’s being done right? Last question first: you call Medley Services for AC duct cleaning. The other two questions? Well, let’s take a closer look.

The Case For Duct Cleaning

There are dozens of reasons for duct cleaning, many of which you’re probably breathing in right now without realizing it. Dust doesn’t just accumulate on furniture and ceiling fans, after all; it’s slowly building up in your ductwork. And dust is a cocktail of all sorts of things that won’t do your respiratory system any favors—everything from dead skin cells to animal and human dander, fibers from your clothes and upholstery, dust mites, and insulation fibers (the latter of which can also mean asbestos in some older homes). 

But it doesn’t stop there. If you go outdoors, you’re tracking in pollen and other outdoor contaminants. If anyone in your home is sick, your ductwork is recirculating viruses and bacteria. Moisture from a leaky roof, pipe, or plumbing fixture can result in the growth of mold and mildew. And some unfortunate Carrollton home and business owners have even found rodents, living or dead, in their ducting. We’d tell you to take a deep breath and relax, but at this point you might be wondering how long you can hold your breath!

When, And How Often, You Need Air Duct Cleaning

In most homes, dust is an inconvenience. But as we’ve already seen, dust might be the least of your worries. So if you notice an odd smell when your HVAC system kicks in, you see streaks or black marks around grills and registers, or—most importantly—if you or a family member is suffering from respiratory symptoms at home that seem to clear up as soon as you’re outside, you should give us a call. When it’s done properly, a duct cleaning can last you three to five years, and you can ensure cleaner ducts (plus better system performance) by being diligent about house cleaning, filter changes, and HVAC maintenance in the meantime. 

Why Medley Services For Air Duct Cleaning?

Earlier, we mentioned that a number of sources—including the EPA—were of two minds about the usefulness of duct cleaning. If you have questions, ask and we’ll be happy to give you clear, direct answers. But if you’re wondering why you should call Medley Services for duct cleaning, we’ll let the EPA shed some light on the subject

“While the debate about the value of periodic duct cleaning continues, no evidence suggests that such cleaning would be detrimental, provided that it is done properly.”

The italics up there are the EPA’s. For us, “done properly” means cleaning your system from end to end—your furnace and AC, your blower unit, supply and return registers, and grills—and also installing high-quality filters and odor-control products and performing a visual inspection to ensure everything is shipshape before we leave.
Remember, a cleaning that’s poorly done will only loosen up and recirculate contaminants that are left behind. An inexperienced tech with the wrong equipment can damage your ducting, leading to expensive repairs. When it needs to be done right (and there’s no reason to do it any other way), call Medley Services.

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