Every few years, our homes build up high levels of dust, dirt, and debris in our ductwork. Though it’s natural for the dust to accumulate, it’s difficult to tell when our ducts could benefit from a professional cleaning. When is duct cleaning necessary? How can we prevent nasty contaminants like mold, bacteria, insects, vermin, and more from living in our ducts?

To avoid excess contamination in your ducts, there are a few preventative measures you can take to reduce the accumulation of dust and debris (and discourage the infestation of bacteria and pests!).

While performing the preventative measures below won’t guarantee that your ducts stay clean forever, they can reduce your risk of contamination outside of the natural buildup of dust and debris in your ductwork.

Change Your Air Filters Regularly

Your air filter is your ventilation system’s primary line of defense. If your filter becomes too clogged with dust and debris, it won’t be able to properly prevent the flow of contaminants into your ductwork.

The lifespan of your filter should be printed on the packaging when you purchase it, so keep note of when your filter will need to be changed. If it is past its expiration, change it as soon as possible.

Beware of Construction or Renovation Work

Home construction can be a dangerous time for your ventilation system. Sawdust and other construction debris can easily enter your ductwork during construction and stick around for a long time.

Make sure your contractor (or yourself, if it’s a DIY project!) seals off the return and supply registers before beginning the job. Do not run your HVAC system until the project is completed and your home has been vacuumed and cleaned.

Vacuum and Dust Regularly

Oftentimes, the dust in our ducts is dust that originated in our home. Make sure you are regularly dusting and vacuuming all the rooms in your home so you can cut off the supply of the contamination at its source.

By reducing the dust that makes its way into your ducts, you will also help keep your filter operating at peak condition through its entire lifespan.

Schedule Yearly Maintenance

One of the best ways to prevent contamination in your ductwork is to keep your heating and cooling system in tip-top shape. During the winter, your furnace should be cleaned and assessed by a technician; during the summer, your A/C. When your HVAC system is working at its best, it will better be able to prevent the migration of contaminants into your ducts.

If you feel like it’s time to get your ducts cleaned, it’s important to hire professionals that follow the guidelines put in place by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). At Four Seasons, we use H.E.P.A. filtration and powerful vacuum systems to safely remove up to 99.7% of dust, dirt, and debris from your ventilation system. Schedule your duct cleaning with Four Seasons today!