Get matched with top air duct cleaners in Raton, NM

To effectively clean fine dust after construction, start by dusting high surfaces like ceiling fans, walls, and window sills, allowing the dust to settle. Then, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on all surfaces, including furniture, carpets, and floors, making a second pass for thoroughness. Follow up by mopping hard surfaces with a damp mop to capture any lingering particles. It's also important to clean appliances, vacuum HVAC returns and supply vents, and replace the air filters. Properly ventilate the home to help clear out remaining dust, and avoid sweeping, which can spread the dust around.

While you can put air fresheners at the opening to ductwork, most experts don’t recommend it. You will only disguise the odors rather than treat the underlying cause. Plus, blasting the concentrated chemical fragrance into your home’s air when the HVAC system is on may be overpowering and cause respiratory issues.

One of the most common but overlooked symptoms of damaged ductwork is a spike in your utilities bill or an inability to heat or cool the house as you previously could. When ductwork is damaged, it tends to bleed air, and the result is you're paying to cool or heat your crawl space instead of your house. For handy DIYers, you might be able to find the damage by going into your crawl space, but for those unable to, you should pay a professional for an air duct inspection.

According to the EPA, it’s not considered necessary to clean air ducts except on an as-needed basis. Issues that warrant cleaning include poor airflow, reduced energy efficiency, and odd odors or noises emanating from the ducts. Of course, regularly cleaning air ducts will only improve their performance and ensure no sudden issues arise. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends cleaning air ducts every three to eight years for efficiency and durability.