What’s Inside Your Air Ducts? A Look at Common Contaminants

Ductwork is mostly out of sight; we don’t often think too much about what’s lurking inside the HVAC air ducts in our homes and businesses. And that’s likely because we don’t really think too much about them at all, unless there’s an obvious issue, like an air blockage or uneven heating or cooling. The truth is, there are a whole host of things that can realistically accumulate in ductwork, and removal requires professional attention. At Scrubber Ducts we’ve seen what neglected air ducts can hide and the contaminants they can harbor, and we’re here to help you avoid contaminating your home or business.

Contaminants In Air Ducts

It could be difficult to imagine how material enters the HVAC system in your home or office, but it’s really more common than you might think. Open doors and windows and everyday activities or occasional construction can produce contaminants that can enter ductwork through return-air vents, gaps or leaks in ductwork, and inadequate or improperly installed filtration systems. Over time, ductwork can potentially collect a wide range of materials carried into or through the system, resulting in a thick buildup that can become host for other undesirable contaminants.

Household Dust

Dust can be a mixture of textile fibers, soil and outdoor particles, skin and hair, debris from cooking and household activities, and materials from other indoor and outdoor sources. Dust is always flowing through the air in your home, and it isn’t necessarily a sign of dirty ducts, but if you’re starting to notice substantial dust or debris accumulation in living spaces or around air vents, that’s a clear sign that there’s an issue. As dusty air recirculates, contaminants can be released into occupied spaces in the home or business, causing issues for those with sensitive respiratory systems.

Dirt and Outdoor Debris

Outdoor material can enter a home on shoes, clothing, pets and through open windows and doors. Fine pollen or dirt particles can eventually make their way into your HVAC system. If you are having landscaping done, if there is construction nearby in your area, or if the season is especially dry and windy, airborne dirt and debris can get into your home and start to build up in your HVAC system.

Pet Hair and Dander

Pet hair falls from your pet all day, every day. It can be a struggle to keep on top of collecting it, and sometimes it becomes airborne and enters ductwork. But these visible strands of fur or hair are not the only concern. Pet dander is the much more common irritant and allergen and it consists of much smaller particles of shed skin that also includes proteins from saliva and/or urine. Dander is common for any pet that has fur, hair, or feathers. Homes with multiple pets or heavy shedders can have a lot of dander flying through the air and into the HVAC system.

Construction and Renovation Debris

Everyone loves the end result of construction projects, but the process is always a messy one, try as you may. Home improvement projects can produce large amounts of drywall dust, sawdust, wood particles, insulation fibers and general construction dust and debris. Even the most rigorous cleaning regime won’t get it all. And if registers or returns aren't adequately protected during renovation, some of that material is bound to enter the HVAC system and recirculate or build up in the ductwork. This is as much a concern with new construction as it is with renovation.

Mold and Moisture

Excess moisture is the catalyst that makes excess dust and debris a real concern. This is because when moisture is introduced to the biologic material in dust and construction debris, it can quickly become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and fungus. Dark, dank ductwork is the ideal place for mold to hide, and when ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, if leaks are present, or if the temperature differential or humidity levels in various parts of the home are extreme, condensation can result and moisture can easily accumulate. Moisture inside an HVAC system can create conditions that support microbial growth. This is particularly of concern for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.

Insects and Pest Debris

While not the most common occurrence, especially in newer homes, older HVAC systems can leave open the possibility of pests entering duct systems or other HVAC components. They may leave behind droppings, nesting material, remains, unusual odors or sounds and other visible debris as proof of the infestation, and these materials can be the ideal host for mold and fungal growth. Damaged duct materials can also be a sign of pests. Professional evaluation by a pest removal company can conclude whether pests are in fact making your HVAC ductwork their home.

Everyday Household Debris

Depending on the home's duct configuration and registers, miscellaneous household material can also hide out in your ductwork. For instance, small pieces of paper, food crumbs, children's toys, pet-related debris and other items can easily fall through registers and end up lodged in ductwork. Even if they don’t create a major obstruction, they can still provide a surface for moisture and bacteria to grow.

How To Keep Ductwork Clean

As a homeowner you are regularly cleaning floors, furniture, counters, and other visible surfaces to remove dust, dirt, grime and debris. Did you ever think that you should be doing the same for your home’s HVAC system? Just because ducts remain hidden doesn’t negate what can be lurking there and contributing to poor indoor air quality, allergies and respiratory illnesses. Recirculating contaminants can also make your home dustier and dirtier than ever, no matter how often you clean. Taken together, these are clear signs that your home or office HVAC system is in need of a deep cleaning. If that’s the case, then it’s time to contact Scrubber Ducts and schedule your duct cleaning appointment right away.

Our skilled technicians will inspect your home or business HVAC ductwork and recommend a course of action to remedy any buildup. On the day of the appointment, we will protect your home by covering vents and creating negative pressure thanks to our high-powered external vacuum system, ensuring that debris travels out of your home and into our trucks, where it’s captured by fine filters. We then use high-powered rotating brushes and air whips to agitate and dislodge debris and built up dust, after which we suction the contaminants out of ductwork. Compressed air tools may also be used on very stubborn debris. We ensure that related components are cleaned, and once a final inspection is complete, we remove protective coverings and leave your home cleaner than we found it.

It may be tempting to try and DIY a duct cleaning solution, but it truly is not worth the effort. Professional grade equipment is made to access more of the duct system than a home or rented vacuum could ever hope to tackle. Industrial filtration alone is a reason to go pro for your next duct cleaning, but so is the fact that many DIY projects can actually go against manufacturer recommendations. At Scrubber Ducts our technicians follow National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) protocol–we ensure undamaged ducts that are clean and debris free when we leave your property.

While it isn’t directly connected to your home’s HVAC system, the dryer vent can also be a major source of household dust and debris if it is not regularly and thoroughly cleaned. In fact, these two services go hand in hand. We would recommend having both done on a set schedule to ensure the best indoor air quality possible.

Scrubber Ducts Is Your Source for Air Duct Cleaning in Cleveland

Not everything found inside ductwork is automatically dangerous or a reason to panic, but some contaminants can cause serious issues if they are allowed to accumulate. While some dust and particulate accumulation is normal, significant debris, renovation dust, pest contamination, or moisture-related problems deserve professional attention. Professional services offering air duct cleaning in Cleveland can perform an inspection to help determine what's actually inside the system and whether cleaning is needed now or in the future–following a schedule is your best bet.

Wondering what may be hiding inside your home's ductwork? Scrubber Ducts helps homeowners and business owners in communities throughout Northeast Ohio to achieve the best indoor air quality possible with our residential and commercial air duct cleaning services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for air duct cleaning and take control of your indoor air quality.