If you think you’re safer indoors than outdoors, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would disagree. The agency states that the air in homes and some buildings has more pollution than outdoor air. That means you have a higher likelihood of developing health problems if you rarely get out for fresh air.
So what’re you breathing indoors? If you’re something of a master chef, you could be breathing carbon monoxide from fuel-burning stoves. If you live in an old home, you could be breathing dust mites and airborne particles from mold or asbestos. Whatever indoor air pollutants circle around your home, you need to clean up. But it might not be cheap.
The Cost of Cleaning
The first system to look at for cleaning is the air ducts in your home. Because these ducts serve as the pathways for your HVAC system, removing dust and contaminants, they play a crucial role in helping you breathe clean air. If they’re clogged with debris, infested with pests, or showing signs of mold growth, they’re going to circulate pollutants in your home. So you’ll need cleaning services for air ducts.
But how much does duct cleaning cost?
On average, cleaning services charge $368 for air ducts. Current costs also indicate you can pay a range between $268 to $483. If you live in a big house, it’ll have more ducts and the rate could go up to $700. Some larger jobs cost $1,000, according to the EPA and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA).
The price you pay will depend on the extent of contamination, the size and kind of ductwork, and accessibility of the system. The more difficult it is to clean the more money you’ll have to shell out.
Is Cleaning Worth the Expense?
Clean air ducts are not the only way to ensure you’re not breathing pollutants indoors. And there hasn’t been conclusive reports demonstrating the health benefits of spotless ducts. But it does have an effect on the efficiency of your HVAC system, not just the air quality in your home. So the expense can be worth it, provided you get the job done when it has to be done. Look for signs that it needs cleaning:
- Strange odor
- Rising heating or cooling bills
- Dust around the home
You’ll want to get it cleaned every five to seven years, which means it’s an expense you can anticipate.
Duct cleaning requires preparation, so make sure your service does the following:
Before the cleaning starts, technicians have to check the system has to be checked for asbestos. If there is, that needs to be taken care of before the cleaning.
If there is none, then technicians get on with placing protective covers for your furniture and appliances.
The right service not only uses the right equipment but also follows standards from NADCA.
Clean air indoors is an investment you need to make. Just think about the medical and hospital costs of developing respiratory illnesses from dirty air. And if you can’t afford to pay for a cleanup now, maybe open your windows more or take more walks outside to get some fresh air.
