Are you planning to clean your air ducts? But you are confused between the air duct sanitizing and cleaning options. Well, don’t worry as we will discuss them in detail in this blog and help you understand the difference. So to find whether air cleaning is better or sanitizing keep reading the coming sections.
What is Air Duct Cleaning?
Air duct cleaning involves the removal of dirt, dust, debris, and other contaminants from your HVAC system’s ducts, vents, and registers. This process is essential for improving indoor air quality, enhancing your HVAC system’s efficiency, and potentially reducing energy costs.
Here are the key points that an air duct cleaning process must cover:
- Remove physical contaminants
- Improve airflow
- Bring down energy costs
What is Air Duct Sanitizing?
Air duct sanitizing takes the cleaning process a step further by targeting harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. This process involves the application of specialized sanitizers to the ductwork to kill these pathogens and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
The key elements of thorough duct sanitizing can involve:
- Eliminates harmful microorganisms
- Reduces health risks
- Improves indoor air quality
Also Read: What to Do if You Find Mold in Your Air Ducts?
What are the Key Differences Between Air Duct Sanitizing and Cleaning?
Both processes are equally important for your ducts. However, their primary differences can include:
Scope of Cleaning
The process of air duct cleaning primarily focuses on just removing physical contaminants like dust, dirt, and debris from your air ducts.
However, air duct sanitizing goes beyond cleaning as it targets and eliminates harmful microorganisms that may be present in the ductwork.
Cleaning Methods
Air duct cleaning normally involves mechanical cleaning techniques, such as brushing and vacuuming, to remove physical contaminants.
Air duct sanitizing also involves a similar process. But it goes one step ahead because it involves the application of specialized sanitizers that are designed to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. Professionals can apply these sanitizers through fogging, spraying, or other methods.
Health Benefits
Duct cleaning can influence improving indoor air quality. As it will remove dust and allergens from the ventilation. However, it is not the best method if health is your main concern.
Sanitizing is a better option if you want a better healthier environment inside your home. Duct sanitizing is more reliable as it can completely remove allergens from your ducts.
Frequency
Air duct cleaning is usually done every 3 to 5 years for most homes. But if you have pets, allergies, or other things that make dust and dirt worse, you might need to clean them more often.
However, you will not duct sanitizing as often as cleaning. It’s usually recommended every 2 to 5 years or when you need it. It’s especially good after water damage, mold problems, or if you’re worried about the health of the people in your home.
Cost
Air duct cleaning is usually cheaper than sanitizing because it’s simpler. On the other hand, air duct sanitizing often needs special equipment and things to apply sanitizers, so it’s usually more expensive
How to Choose the Right Option?
The decision of whether to opt for air duct cleaning or sanitizing depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
Indoor Air Quality: If you have concerns about indoor air quality, particularly if you or someone in your household has allergies, asthma, or a weakened immune system, sanitizing your air ducts may be beneficial.
Recent Events: If your home has experienced water damage, mold growth, or a pest infestation, sanitizing your air ducts is recommended to eliminate potential health hazards.
Budget: Consider your budget when deciding between cleaning and sanitizing. While cleaning is generally less expensive, the long-term health benefits and potential cost savings from improved indoor air quality may justify the investment in sanitizing.
Do You Need Help With Air Duct Sanitizing or Cleaning?
No matter whether you opt for air duct cleaning or sanitizing you will get its benefits. However, if you compare both options then sanitizing is a better option. It not only cleans the ducts but also ensures that all the harmful bacteria and other elements are removed from your ducts. So, whenever you plan to clean your ducts you should go for sanitization as it is a better option.
If you need any help with air duct cleaning or sanitizing feel free to call Flat Rate Air Duct Cleaning, your trusted and certified professionals.