When was the last time you thought about the air quality in your home? If your air ducts are filled with dust and debris, you could be breathing in more than just fresh air.
Cleaner air and lower energy bills all start with something as simple as air duct cleaning. For expert air duct cleaning services in Olympia, WA, get in touch with our professional HVAC technicians at Sunset Air.
What Is Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning is a thorough maintenance service that clears out dust, debris, and pollutants from your HVAC system’s ducts.
This helps improve the air you breathe indoors and makes your heating and cooling system work more efficiently by removing buildup that can block airflow and trap harmful particles.
What Are the Benefits?
Air duct cleaning might not be something you think about often, but it’s the key to keeping your home’s air fresh and your HVAC system running smoothly.
Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy with a professional air duct cleaning service in Olympia, WA:
- Clean ducts mean cleaner air. Regularly clearing out dust and allergens from your ductwork prevents them from circulating throughout your home.
- When your ducts are clear, your HVAC system runs more efficiently, cutting down on energy use and lowering your utility bills. It also reduces wear on the system.
- Clean ducts reduce strain on your HVAC system, helping it last longer and minimizing the chances of expensive repairs.
- With clean ducts, air flows more easily, leading to even temperatures and improved comfort throughout your home.
- Duct cleaning helps eliminate lingering smells from smoke, pets, or cooking that can get trapped in your system.
How to Know If You Need a Duct Cleaning Service
Before deciding on duct cleaning, do a quick visual inspection by removing vent covers and using a flashlight to see if you actually need to have your ducts cleaned. Here are a few simple ways to check:
- Take off your vent covers and look inside with a flashlight. If you see a lot of dust or debris, it might be time for a cleaning.
- If you notice something that looks like mold, consider getting it tested. If it’s confirmed as mold, cleaning is a good idea.
- If you see signs of rodents or insects in your ducts, like droppings or nests, it’s time to get them cleaned.
- If your HVAC system is blowing dust out of the vents, that’s a clear sign your ducts need attention.
How Air Duct Cleaning is Done
At Sunset Air, we go beyond standard duct cleaning by using the latest and most advanced equipment to ensure your ducts are thoroughly cleaned.
Unlike some companies that simply place vacuums on your registers, we take a more effective approach to get into every corner of your ductwork. Here’s how our process works:
Step 1: Inspection and Preparation
We start by removing your vent covers and using a high-powered flashlight and inspection cameras to carefully assess the condition of your ductwork. This helps us spot any dust, mold, or other debris and find what areas need cleaning.
Step 2: Deep Duct Cleaning
Instead of relying on basic vacuums, we cut small access holes into your ductwork to reach every nook and cranny.
We attach powerful vacuums to these holes to remove as many contaminants as possible, including dust, mold, and debris that could otherwise be missed.
Step 3: Coil Cleaning for Better Efficiency
The EPA estimates that dirty HVAC coils can reduce your system’s efficiency by up to 21%. As part of our comprehensive approach, we thoroughly clean the coils to prevent airflow restrictions and avoid issues like freezing during the summer, making your system run more efficiently and effectively.
Step 4: Removing All Contaminants
Our powerful vacuums and equipment remove not just dust but also harmful allergens, bacteria, and mold. Whether your home is new or old, your ducts can accumulate dust, insulation, and debris, all of which can restrict airflow and affect air quality.
Step 5: Fan Blade and Dryer Vent Cleaning
Dust on your fan blades can reduce airflow, and clogged dryer vents can be a fire risk. We make sure to clean both to keep your HVAC system working efficiently and safely.
Step 6: Final Touches and Sealing
Once we’re done cleaning, we carefully seal the holes we made in your ducts. We also use special chemicals to remove grease and grime, especially in areas where cooking or candles have caused buildup.
How Often Should Ducts Be Cleaned?
The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning your air ducts every three to five years. However, this can change depending on a few things.
If you have pets, deal with allergies, or live in a place with a lot of air pollution, you may need to clean your ducts more often.
It’s also a good idea to clean them after home renovations or when moving into a new home to make sure the air quality is fresh from the start.
How Much Does Air Duct Cleaning Cost?
The cost of air duct cleaning in Olympia, WA depends on the size of your duct system and how dirty it is. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a full cleaning.
This service not only improves the air quality in your home but also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, which could lower your energy bills.
Choosing a Duct Cleaning Service in Olympia, WA
Not all duct cleaning companies are equally reliable or skilled, so it’s important to do a bit of homework.
- Make sure to get written quotes from at least three different companies, and have them show you any problem areas in your ducts before you commit.
- The EPA reminds homeowners to be wary of anyone making big claims about health benefits from duct cleaning or suggesting it should be done regularly as part of HVAC maintenance. That’s not always the case.
- Also, be cautious if they recommend chemical treatments; take the time to understand both the pros and cons before agreeing.
- Don’t forget to check reviews, ask for references, and look into any complaints. Make sure the company is experienced, follows industry standards, and has the proper licenses in Washington state.
- If they charge by the hour, ask how long the job will take and get a clear, written estimate of the total cost and what’s included before they start.
We have professionals on staff, ready to help.
Sunset Air has been the most trusted HVAC provider in South Puget Sound and Western Washington since 1976. Our licensed and experienced technicians deliver quality service, whether you’re looking to install, maintain, clean, or repair your system.
From air duct cleaning to full HVAC installations, we make sure the job is done right the first time. Call us to book your HVAC service today. We serve customers in South Puget Sound and Western Washington, including areas like Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and beyond.
