The Duct System in Your Palm Beach Home: Clean Them, Repair Them or Both?

If your duct system is dirty, you may be left wondering if repairs are really necessary, or if a professional cleaning will do the trick. To assist you in making your decision, here’s a quick guide to assessing your air ducts and choosing an HVAC professional that you can trust.

1. FInd the source
Before you can consider fixing the problem associated with your dirty duct system, it’s important to pinpoint the culprit. If your home has leaky ducts, for example, the problem could be that unfiltered air from an attic or crawl space is making its way into the system and wreaking havoc. This can also lead to moisture problems, and the growth of mold or mildew. A reputable contractor will be able to assess your ductwork through a quick and simple blower test. If your ducts are found to be leaky, they should be repaired promptly after cleaning.

2. Consider the material
Not all duct systems are created equal. Newer homes and houses that are equipped with metal ductwork with no lining are the easiest to clean and maintain. Flexible ductwork is also, generally, simple to clean. Flex ducts are made of a wire coil that is covered by thin plastic and wrapped in insulation and a foil backing. Although this makes it easy for a qualified professional with the correct tools to clear away dirt and debris, other issues may not be so simple to attend to. Should the ducts have sustained severe mold growth, a replacement may be necessary. The trickiest ducting is constructed of fiberboard. If the dirt buildup or contamination is substantial, it will likely need to be replaced.

3. Choose a contractor
Unfortunately, there are those in the duct cleaning business who will try to take advantage of you. Always insist upon working with a well-established, credible contractor who will have your best interests in mind.

For a professional opinion on whether you should clean or repair your ductwork, contact us at Preferred Air Conditioning, Inc. We proudly serve residents of Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Wellington, Port St. Lucie, Delray and the surrounding areas.