Heating and cooling contractors in the 2020s are just as likely to offer duct cleaning as they are standard maintenance and repair. Duct cleaning has become big business at a time when most of us are more concerned about the quality of the air we breathe. But did you know that how a contractor goes about cleaning your ducts depends on where you actually live?
Duct cleaning is heavily influenced by climate and environmental factors. To demonstrate the point, let’s take a look at two states with completely different needs: Utah and Virginia. Duct cleaning in these two states shares some similarities, but there are also significant differences that would not go unnoticed by an experienced HVAC technician.
Duct Cleaning in Utah
Utah enjoys a relatively dry climate. That means there is less risk of moisture collecting in HVAC ducts. But it also means a higher prevalence of dust, dirt, and allergens. Utah’s suburban and desert areas are the most susceptible.
A bigger concern, according to Superior Water & Air, is the fact that the Beehive State is subject to extreme temperature changes. Utah summers can be very hot. Conversely, frigidly cold temperatures are common during the winter. Such pronounced fluctuations force furnaces and air conditions to work overtime. How does this impact duct cleaning?
Superior W&A says that ducts in Utah tend to be subject to a lot of dust, debris, and allergen buildup. They say regular cleaning is necessary to keep ducts free of contaminants. Regular cleaning also helps with another phenomenon found in Utah: winter inversion.
Cold Air Traps Pollutants
Winter inversion is a scenario in which cold air sweeps over the landscape, trapping pollutants close to the ground. High levels of smog are one of the results of the phenomenon. Unfortunately, pollutants in the air then infiltrate homes where they easily make their way into HVAC ducts.
Winter inversions force HVAC systems to work harder during the winter months. If routine maintenance isn’t conducted, a system will still have to work harder during the summer because buildup in the ducts prevents efficient airflow.
Duct Cleaning in Virginia
Virginia’s climate is quite different. The state is subject to hot and humid summers followed by cool winters. The biggest problem for Virginia HVAC contractors is high humidity. It increases the risk of moisture building up in ductwork, thereby contributing to mold and mildew growth.
Where Utah contractors are more concerned about dirt, debris, and allergens, Virginia contractors always need to be concerned about mold and mildew. People can get sick if their ductwork is contaminated. That is why experts in Virginia recommend regular duct inspections.
The Pollen Problem
On a less serious note, Virginia also has a big problem with pollen. Seasonal changes see to it that pollen starts flying in early spring and continues throughout most of the summer. Pollen can easily build up in ductwork, making life very uncomfortable for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory conditions.
Some Virginia HVAC contractors recommend duct cleaning services annually or biannually. Homeowners may be able to get away with cleaning every 3-5 years if they live in urban areas where heavy pollen is not an issue.
The Goal Is the Same
Even though Utah and Virginia HVAC contractors approach duct cleaning from different angles due to environmental and climate impacts, the goal is always the same: improving both indoor air quality and HVAC efficiency. Regular cleaning keeps furnaces and air conditioners at peak performance while ensuring homeowners and their families are breathing clean air. Now that you know, how long has it been since your last cleaning?
