One thing that so many homeowners neglect is the air ducts that carry the heat and cool air throughout their home. How long has it been since you've had your air ducts cleaned? Do you even know what the forced air system is pushing into the air that you breathe because you haven't had those ducts cleaned? Here, you'll find a bit of information that can help persuade you to take action and get your ducts cleaned and a few tips to help you keep them clean once they're done.

Knowing What's in the Ducts

What's in the ducts isn't exactly pleasant. Sure, you have the dust mites and mold particles, but what about rodent feces, carcasses, and insect secretions? When the forced air system kicks on, it picks up and carries small particles of the contaminants lining the walls of the ducts which you then breathe in with every breath you take. This can lead to some serious health issues for those that suffer from respiratory issues and allergies.

Getting the Ducts Cleaned

The best and, really, the only way to get the duct work in your home completely clean is to hire a duct cleaning company to come out and do it for you. Without their equipment, there really is no way of reaching all of the components of the system.

Another good thing about having professionals come out and do it is that if they notice a problem with the ducts—like leaks—they'll point them out to you and possibly make the repairs for you, depending on the services offered by the company.

Keeping the Ducts Clean

First, stay on top of changing the furnace filter each month. This filter is your first line of defense when it comes to preventing contaminants from reaching the ducts. There are also small vent filters that you can install on the vents throughout the house. These filters catch the debris before it can fall down into the vents, and it keeps the stuff that would fly out of the vents in.

One more thing that you can do from time to time is extend your vacuum hose down into the ducts and carefully suck the dust and dirt out that the hose will reach. You may have to clean your vacuum afterwards, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Talk with your local duct cleaning professionals today to find out what can be done to improve the quality of air for tomorrow.