Which Ducts Need to Be Cleaned?

Bridge City Duct Cleaning provides both Residential duct cleaning and commercial duct cleaning and furnace maintenance services in Saskatoon and area. Our team are professionally trained, qualified, bonded, and factory-trained furnace & duct, cleaning technicians.If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Make sure to clean your ducts regularly!” But here’s the catch—when most people in a cold city like Saskatoon think of “duct cleaning,” they picture the furnace, right? A lot of folks assume that getting their ducts cleaned means they’re also getting their furnace cleaned, but in reality, duct cleaning and furnace cleaning are two very different things. So, let’s dive into which ducts need to be cleaned, why it’s important, and how furnace cleaning is a whole other task.

The Ducts That Need Cleaning

Let’s do a quick overview. Firstly, let’s get clear on which ducts are included in “duct cleaning.” Simply put, when we refer to “duct cleaning,” we’re talking about the air ducts that distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home. These ducts are part of your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system and are responsible for carrying air from the furnace or air conditioner to every room in the house.

However, not all parts of your HVAC system need to be cleaned in the same way. Here are the ducts that do need attention:

1. Supply Ducts

   These are the ducts that carry warm or cool air from your furnace or air conditioner into the rooms of your home. Over time, dust, pet hair, and other debris can accumulate in the supply ducts, reducing airflow and air quality. Clean supply ducts will improve your home’s air circulation and help your system run more efficiently.

2. Return Ducts

   Return ducts are the opposite of supply ducts. They carry air from your rooms back to your furnace or air conditioner for reconditioning. Like the supply ducts, return ducts can get clogged with dust, dirt, and other pollutants. Dirty return ducts can lead to poor air quality and strain your HVAC system. Cleaning them helps ensure that the air being pulled back into your system is clean and healthy.

3. Ventilation Ducts

   These ducts are part of the ventilation system in your home, which helps maintain air circulation and remove indoor pollutants. While they may not always need cleaning as frequently as supply and return ducts, it’s still important to have them checked and cleaned if you notice musty odors, increased dust, or poor air quality in your home.

4. Ducts with Visible Mold or Debris

   If you notice visible mold, pet fur, or other debris inside any of your ducts, it’s time to get them cleaned. Mold in ducts is especially concerning because it can spread throughout the house, potentially causing health problems for people with allergies or respiratory issues. The longer you leave mold in your ducts, the harder (and more expensive) it will be to get rid of.

Why Furnace Cleaning Is NOT the Same as Duct Cleaning

Now, let’s clear up a common misconception: duct cleaning is not the same as furnace cleaning. This is where things can get a bit confusing for homeowners, especially since both tasks are related to the HVAC system. But while they’re linked, they serve different purposes.

• Furnace Cleaning

  Furnace cleaning is specifically focused on the furnace itself, including the blower motor, the heat exchanger, the burners, and the evaporator coil (if you have air conditioning). Regular furnace cleaning is important because it helps your furnace run efficiently and reduces the buildup of dust and debris that could cause your furnace to overheat or break down. Furnace cleaning is generally a yearly maintenance task that ensures your furnace is operating safely, effectively, and without creating excess dust or allergens.

• Duct Cleaning

  Duct cleaning, on the other hand, is all about the ducts that carry air throughout your home. It’s about clearing out dust, pet hair, and debris that can build up over time and restrict airflow. Duct cleaning is more about maintaining healthy air quality, ensuring your system runs smoothly, and preventing the spread of pollutants throughout your home. This is true for both Residential Duct Cleaning and Commercial Duct Cleaning.

The key difference is that while furnace cleaning involves the components inside your furnace, duct cleaning focuses on the ductwork that carries air. Just because your furnace has been cleaned doesn’t mean your ducts are automatically clear of dust and debris!

How Often Should You Clean Your Ducts?

The frequency of duct cleaning depends on a few factors, including your home environment, whether you have pets, and if anyone in your home has respiratory issues. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to clean your ducts every 3-5 years. However, if you notice any of the following, it might be time to schedule a cleaning sooner:

• Excessive dust or debris accumulating around the vents
• Musty smells or signs of mold in your home
• Reduced airflow or higher energy bills (which could indicate a blockage in the ducts)
• If you have recently remodeled or renovated your home, as construction dust can get into the ducts
• If you’ve recently experienced a pest infestation, as rodents and insects can sometimes make their way into the ductwork

Don’t Forget the Benefits of Clean Ducts

When you clean your ducts, you’re not just getting rid of dust. You’re also improving your home’s air quality, reducing allergens, and making your HVAC system more efficient. Cleaner ducts mean your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, which could help reduce energy costs and extend the lifespan of your system.

The Bottom Line: Know Which Ducts Need To Be Cleaned—and When

To sum it up: duct cleaning and furnace cleaning are two separate services that both play an important role in keeping your HVAC system running smoothly. Duct cleaning focuses on clearing out dust, debris, and pollutants from the air ducts that distribute air throughout your home. Furnace cleaning, on the other hand, ensures the furnace itself is working efficiently and safely.

Both services are important, but they serve different purposes. If you want to improve air quality, reduce allergens, and ensure your HVAC system is running efficiently, don’t forget to clean your ducts—and remember, getting your furnace cleaned is a separate task that requires a professional’s attention as well.

Need help? Contact us to assess your ducts and furnace and make sure both are in tip-top shape for braving the weather in Saskatchewan. Your air (and your HVAC system) will thank you!