Cleaning Ventilation Ducts: How-to Guide

Are your ventilation ducts due for a cleaning? Wondering how to get the job done? RenoQuotes.com has exactly what you need to effectively maintain your home’s ventilation system. 

How Often Should Ventilation Ductwork Be Cleaned?

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To effectively deep clean your ducts, you’ll need an array of equipment and tools. As a rule of thumb, the SFP method—suction, friction, and pulsion—is best used for heavy-duty cleaning. Said method employs a powerful mass negative air flow sensor, which is installed in line with the heating system.

Such an installation is designed to vacuum the ducts, dislodging anything stuck inside. This sensor is 25–50 times more efficient than a traditional vacuum. Next, to dislodge all dust and dirt inside your vent ducts, using agitation equipment is paramount. Rotary brushes, air nozzles, and air whips can be used to that effect. By hiring professionals, you benefit from their knowledge and skills to clean other parts of the ductwork, such as the bathroom fan or kitchen range hood.

As for dryer vents, it’s highly recommended to have them cleaned every two years. If neglected, it can become a fire hazard on account of the lint build-up that will eventually clog your vent.

Who to Hire to Clean Vent Ducts?

Heavy-duty ventilation duct cleaning must be performed by a specialized professional given that they have the right tools and expertise needed to reach all nooks and crannies, efficiently eliminating dust, airborne allergens, and contaminants. Hiring an industry expert guarantees the best cleaning, preserving indoor air quality.

How Much Does It Cost to Clean Ventilation Ducts?

Plan on spending between $400–$800 to have your vent ducts cleaned by a professional service company.

How to Clean Home Ventilation Ducts, and Does Cleaning Air Ducts Really Make a Difference?

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Recognizing when your vent ducts need cleaning is paramount. Truth is, that the cleaning frequency hinges on several factors:

• Size of residence

• Occupancy rate

• Whether there’s a dog, cat, or other family pet

• Geographical location (city or countryside)

However, note that in general, once every five years is the recommended frequency. If you’re vulnerable to respiratory allergens, you may need to have your ventilation ducts cleaned more often. Along the same line, if you’ve recently carried out home improvement work, or if you just moved into a new house, you may want to take the opportunity to carry out a thorough cleaning.

Why Is It Important to Have Ventilation Ducts and Air Vents Cleaned?

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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, there’s no conclusive evidence that ventilation duct cleaning prevents health problems for dwellers. However, as mentioned above, those who suffer from dust-related allergies and intolerances need to carry out a frequent and effective cleaning routine.

Moreover, by inspecting the ventilation ducts, one can detect other problems or underlying issues. For example, if you spot mould, then there might be mould elsewhere, spreading through the ductwork. The spores could then become airborne, travelling throughout your house.

Finally, duct cleaning can improve the efficiency of the connected devices.

Finding a Reputable Company to Clean and Repair Ventilation Ducts

It isn't hard to find a company offering ventilation duct cleaning services. On the other hand, not all services are equal in terms of quality. In the media, we sometimes hear about people who were pressured into signing a contract by door-to-door salespersons or cold callers with an "offer you can't refuse." 

If you’ve been contacted directly, without soliciting the service yourself, tread carefully! In fact, according to Paul Hannah, an expert quoted by the Toronto Star ("Is duct cleaning worth it?," published on March 31, 2013), contacting the service company yourself is the best course of action. Avoid signing a contract for an offer that's too good to be true—it probably is. Lastly, if you live in Quebec and agree to sign a contract with a door-to-door company representative, note that you have 10 days to terminate it (see the rules of the OPC). This 10-day cooling period also exists in other provinces such as Ontario (info here), and Alberta (info here). If you live in another province, check with your local consumer protection agency for more information. 

FAQ About Ventilation Duct Cleaning

Can I DIY clean my ventilation duct?

Yes, you can clean ventilation ducts yourself, but it’ll be surface work only. To thoroughly clean your ventilation system, including non-accessible or built-in ducts, hiring a specialist is recommended since they have the right equipment and tools suited to such a process.

How can I DIY clean air ducts?

To clean air ducts, start by powering off the ventilation system. Remove the grilles or registers, dusting them using a vacuum or brush. Next, use a heavy-duty vacuum with a brush nozzle to remove dust and debris found inside accessible ventilation ducts. If you notice a good amount of dust and dirt building up, or mould growth, it’s best to hire an HVAC technician.