Are you a first-time homeowner who just bought an older house? Before you move furniture, pets, or your family into the new home, take a look at what you need to know about the HVAC system, indoor air quality, and duct cleaning.
Should You Clean the Air Ducts?
The new-to-you older home you just bought has ducts that have likely seen better days. Whether the ducts are a decade old or were installed sometime in the twentieth century, the labyrinth of metal boxes or tubes that carry heated and cooled air throughout your home may have moderate to severe wear.
While you can easily see evidence of wear on the exterior of the ducts or other parts of the HVAC system, you may not know what the interior looks like. Before you take apart the ducts to get a good view, consider a professional duct cleaning if:
- You want a clean start.
You want to clean the floors, walls, windows, and kitchen cabinets before your move-in date. But what about the ducts? Get a fully fresh start in your older, new home with this HVAC service.
- The HVAC system has a mold problem.
Mold in the ducts or your HVAC system is a reason to schedule a professional cleaning service. A qualified contractor can also inspect the system and find hidden mold.
- Your home has a pest problem.
If the home inspector found mice, rats, or another pest in the HVAC system, clean the ducts before you use the heater or air conditioner. Pests can leave behind fur, feces, or other potential contaminants.
- Air barely trickles from the vents.
Blocked ducts can stop heated or cooled air from entering your new home. An HVAC or duct cleaning contractor can inspect the system, find the clog or clogged area, and help to clear the air.
- You have allergies.
Poor indoor air quality can intensify asthma or allergies. If the previous homeowners had pets, didn't clean well, smoked, or used irritating chemicals, a pre-move in duct cleaning service can reduce your allergy risks.
- The previous owners smoked.
Years of indoor cigarette smoke can accumulate on the walls, flooring, and in the ducts. Dirty ducts may recirculate the smoky smell throughout your new home. A duct cleaning eliminates this issue and leaves your home with a fresh smell.
Now that you know why you should consider a pre-move in professional duct cleaning, you can take the next step and find the just-right contractor for the job.
Who Should Clean the Air Ducts?
Air duct cleaning isn't a do-it-yourself job. As a first-time homeowner, you may not have a go-to HVAC or duct contractor in your phone's contact list. To find a qualified cleaning company:
- Ask your real estate agent.
The real estate professional should have extensive knowledge of local contractors. If they can't recommend one specific company, they can help you to better understand what to look for or connect you to past clients who've used the same type of contractor.
- Talk to your new neighbors.
A friendly meet and greet is the perfect time to ask about local contractors. Ask your new neighbors if they've used a local cleaning or HVAC company and what they thought of the service.
- Ask coworkers.
Did you recently relocate for your job? Your new coworkers may have recommendations for an HVAC or duct cleaning company in the area.
- Join an online community.
Local social media communities and neighborhood apps can help you to find contractors and get real-world reviews.
Before you hire a duct cleaner, ask the contractor for references, a full estimate, and a description of their cleaning methods.
Does your new home have dirty ducts? Contact
C.J. Services, Inc.
, for more information.
