Your HVAC air ducts move a lot of air. For a 3-ton air conditioner typical in residential installation, the ducts will convey at least 1,000 cubic feet of air every minute. That’s not all that’s moving through your ductwork, however. Airborne particulates including dust, dirt, lint, pet dander, fungal spores, as well as moisture from water vapor in the air, also accumulate on the inside surfaces of air ducts. Over the years, household ductwork may become a repository of irritants and contaminants that are continuously recirculated. In addition, the presence of dust, grit and dirt inside the ducts can contaminate HVAC components like the evaporator coil, reducing energy efficiency and cooling performance, as well as cause excess wear and tear on the blower and other moving parts.
Do your air ducts need cleaning as often as some people claim they do? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, probably not. However, there are certain circumstances where both the EPA and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) agree that at minimum a thorough inspection — perhaps followed by professional duct cleaning — are definitely called for.
Qualified professional duct cleaning that meets NADCA standards isn’t done in an hour. It entails full sweeping/vacuuming of the entire span of ductwork as well as cleaning ancillary components exposed to duct airflow like the A/C evaporator coil and furnace plenum. Here are some of the conditions that warrant a duct inspection and possible cleaning:
- Mold growth has been verified inside the ducts.
- The ductwork has been infiltrated by water, such as from a leaky roof or broken pipe.
- A professional inspection reveals signs that vermin or insects are inhabiting the ducts.
- You can actually see dust or dirt emitting from the registers in rooms when the HVAC system cycles on.
- Individuals living in the house have particular allergic sensitivity to airborne particulates.
- Efficiency and performance of HVAC system components is degraded by dirty ducts.
Since 1922, Terre Haute has trusted Paitson Bros. for straightforward answers and quality service. Ask us about an air duct inspection to determine whether you can benefit from professional cleaning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Terre Haute, Indiana about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about air ducts and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 812-645-6859.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “BrooklynJohn/Pixabay”
Jeff Paitson is a third generation business owner who continues to run the business with the same values that have been passed down from previous generations since 1922.
Jeff’s belief is that the business belongs to Jesus Christ; therefore 10 percent of the company’s profits go toward the Maryland Community Church.
Jeff is a Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce member and in his spare time, he enjoys 
Ethan Rayburn is a lifelong resident of Terre Haute and a 2005 graduate of Purdue University.
An Eagle Scout, Ethan spent four years as a non-profit executive with the Boy Scouts of America before joining Paitson Bros. as a comfort advisor and later General Manager. In that role, Ethan has brought a renewed enthusiasm for customer care, integrity, value, and service to Paitson Bros. Heating & Air Conditioning.
Ethan enjoys singing and was a member of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club. He also enjoys playing and coaching soccer, spending time with his family and two young boys, and volunteering his time and resources with his church, Terre Haute First Baptist Church, which he has attended from a very young age.
Paitson Bros
1 (812) 232-2347
Serving the Wabash Valley, IN Area Since 1922