Our HVAC Division Manager Explains the Importance of Duct Cleaning

Q: What exactly is a ducting system? What components are involved?

A: Duct cleaning is the process in which dust and/or debris, along with other allergens and particles, are cleaned/removed from the inside of your home’s or business’s HVAC air ducts.

Q: Does every HVAC system have ductwork?

A: No, there are different types of heating and/or cooling systems for both homes and business.

Examples: Wall heaters, floor heaters, radiant electric heating, radiant hydronic heating, Ductless mini splits, and PTAC units (window/wall type). All these types of systems do not use air ducts; an easy way to find out if your home has air ducts would be to look for multiple supply registers on the floor, walls, or ceilings, this means you have forced air  heating and/or air conditioning with air ducts.

Q:  How often do you recommend cleaning the ducting system?

A: Air ducts should be cleaned every 2-3 years, sooner if you or anyone in your home or business has allergies, asthma or pets. Indoor contaminants may include: dust mites, tobacco smoke, household mold, chemicals, airborne allergens, bacteria, animal dander and carbon monoxide. These contaminants are then circulated throughout your home or office and affect the health and comfort of you, your family, or your employees.

Q: Is there a better time of year to clean ductwork?

A: Yes. The best times of the year are before the heating and cooling seasons begin, such as fall between September & October before you start your heater for the season. And, during spring between March & May before you start your A/C unit for the summer season.

Q: What are the benefits of duct cleaning?

A: The benefits of duct cleaning are that you will be breathing cleaner fresher air, which will help with allergies and/or asthma, less dust on your furniture and linens, extending the life of your HVAC equipment and it makes your system work more efficiently.

Q: Does regular maintenance and cleaning save on energy costs?

A: Yes! A clean well-maintained HVAC system & duct work will work smoother, quieter, and can improve efficiency by up to 21%.

Q: Are there safety hazards involved with not cleaning the duct work?

A: Yes. According to the EPA, indoor air is found to be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. Air duct cleaning can remove airborne contaminants such as bacteria, fungus, mold spores, pet dander and pollen which may help to alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms.

Q: What does the process involve? Is it different in homes versus condominiums or commercial buildings?

A: Different contractors use different equipment and different cleaning methods. BHP uses a push/pull and scrub method. The way this works is we use a rotating bristle brush which scrubs the inner walls of your air ducts, while simultaneously using compressed air to push all debris forward. A Hepa-filtered, high powered commercial vacuum is then used on the opposite end to pick up all the loose debris. All registers are removed from the wall, floor or ceiling and the rotating brush is inserted through each supply box to ensure all ducts are properly scrubbed.

Q: How long does it take to properly clean ducting?

A: This whole process takes up to 4-6 hours to complete for a single system, which includes either replacing the air filter(s) or cleaning them if you have an electronic air cleaner or electrostatic air filter, and we also test run your HVAC system. Larger homes and or homes and business with multiple systems will require additional time.

Q: Can anyone clean ducting, or do you have to have specialized training?

A: Yes, with the right equipment and expertise, but you should always hire a professional to do it right and guarantee the system has been properly cleaned.

Q: How much does it cost to have your ducting cleaned?

A: This depends on the size of your HVAC system, BHP charges $550.00 for up to 10-registers supply/return, and $45.00 for each additional register. Our work comes with a 90-day warranty; if you are not satisfied, we’ll come back and re-clean your air ducts. For your place of business pricing can vary; call 1-800-BILL-HOWE to schedule a free  on-site estimate.

Q: Does Bill Howe offer any maintenance programs for just cleaning the ductwork?

A: Yes, again this depends on the size of your HVAC system. With a home visit by one of our HVAC experts, we can create a duct cleaning maintenance program catered to your needs.

Did you get a chance to attend the Spring Harp fest in March? It was quite a success, with over 1000 people in attendance! There was great food, Great Music and it was 100 percent free and family-friendly! 

Rod Piazza put on quite a show, as did the rest of the all-star line-up of Southern California’s best in Blues Harmonica. The event was held at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa, California on a beautiful March Saturday. The program began at 11:30 AM and the “harmonic” sounds of the Blues could be heard until the evening hours. All the proceeds go directly to programs in San Diego putting harmonicas into schools supporting music and the arts in education. For more information, please contact us.

Next year you can expect an extravaganza even more elaborate and entertaining than prior years! If you came out to support us, we sincerely thank you. Hope to see you again next year!

Tom Safreed, Bill Howe Plumbing & Spring Harpfest 2013

At Bill Howe Heating & Air, we know that preventive maintenance on your San Diego HVAC system is critical for ensuring your furnace and air conditioner operate safely and efficiently during the heating and cooling seasons. After all, annual tune-ups not only extend the life of your San Diego heating and air conditioning unit, but also save you money on your utility bills and help prevent expensive repair costs. And with an HVAC tune-up from Bill Howe, you can expect that your system will be running at peak performance.

A heating tune-up by one of our San Diego heating and air specialists will include the following key services:

• Test for dangerous carbon monoxide levels and check for leaks.
• Clean the heat exchanger and inspect it for cracks and damage.
• Inspect the flue pipe and venting for any safety issues.
• Check the system controls to ensure the furnace starts, runs and shuts off properly.
• Adjust the burner, pilot light and thermostat for safe and efficient operation
• Check the blower motor for wear and replace the fan belt if needed.
• Clean and tighten gas and electrical connections.
• Check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
• Lubricate moving parts of the motor to prevent friction.

Additionally, a spring tune-up for your air conditioner is recommended to ensure it’s ready to go for warmer weather. A comprehensive air conditioning tune-up by one of our qualified San Diego HVAC professionals will include these essential services:

• Check input and output temperatures.
• Check and adjust refrigerant levels and pressures.
• Check for optimum airflow and change the air filter if it’s dirty.
• Clean and inspect the coils for leaks.
• Flush the condensate drain.
• Clean and tighten electrical connections and check the fuses.
• Test the safety controls.
• Check the amperage and voltage on the motor.
• Check, adjust and clean the thermostat.
• Lubricate the moving parts to reduce friction.

Bill Howe Heating & Air is a leading San Diego HVAC company dedicated to exceptional service at affordable prices. Please contact us today for all of your San Diego heating and air conditioning needs. Call 1-800 BILL HOWE (1-800-245-5469).