There are many air duct cleaning kits available in the market. Many of them are priced at less than twice the average of commercial air duct cleaning. So, you might think that using an air duct cleaning kit is more reasonable compared to hiring a professional service.
So, before we get on to comparing the two methods, here’s how to use an air duct cleaning kit:
How to Use an Air Duct Cleaning Kit?
Cleaning kits come with several tools. The main machine is the size of a small but thick briefcase, and it comes with a set of hoses, pipes, and cleaning heads. It uses a pulse cleaning mechanism to clean up the dust and debris inside the air ducts.
Here is a step-by-step instruction for the usage of an air duct cleaning kit at home:
- The first step is to attach the pipes and hoses to the main machine.
- Then screw off/ take out the vent cover where you want to clean.
- Gradually insert the pipe with the diameter-appropriate cleaning head.
- Turn on the machine and push and pull the pipe to get every corner of the cylinder-shaped or rectangular duct.
- Slowly pull out the pipe while doing the push and pull technique to clean thoroughly.
Air Duct Cleaning Kit vs Professional Air Duct Cleaning
While air duct cleaning kits might seem cheaper than hiring a professional company for air duct cleaning, there are some differences that do justify the price difference.
Debris and Air Quality
Air quality is the index that gauges the pollutants in the air. While dirty air ducts do lower the air quality, cleaning them with an air duct cleaning kit doesn’t make a difference.
According to research, agitating the dust and debris from the inside surfaces of the duct disseminates the particles into the air. If the particles are not quickly vacuumed, they make their way into the indoor air, making no difference, or mostly worsening the air quality.
Suction Power
Professional air duct cleaning companies use industrial grade equipment that has a suction power of up to 12,000 CFM. Compared to the 5,000 CFM suction power of the kit, the difference is clear.
The professional equipment can quickly vacuum the particles, so they do not disseminate in the air. Even some $99 air duct cleaning companies just “blow and go”. Meaning that they use small equipment to clean, not focusing on the air quality.
Duct Damage
Even though the air duct cleaning kit has cleaning heads with nylon bristles, when they are supplied with suction, they whip around violently, damaging flexible ductwork. It might also do more damage to ductwork that is already a little damaged.
Complete Cleaning Solution
Professional air duct cleaners assure that the duct is inspected for any damages and mold. They also clean out the HVAC system and the vent grills. Therefore, the professional air duct or dryer vent cleaning company will assure that they leave everything clean and in perfect working condition.
Summing it Up
It can be very tempting to purchase air duct cleaning kits and save up on the professional cleaning costs. However, the kits might do more harm than good. Impacting air quality, damaging ductwork, and no option to inspect the ductwork for mold growth are some of the disadvantages of a kit.
Nonetheless, using a kit can be useful if you want to clean rigid ducting in between thorough professional cleaning. This assures that you extend the time during the cleanings and the professionals have taken care of mold, mildew, and other surface cleaning. You can also go through these tips by 4 Seasons Air Duct Cleaning to extend the interval in between your air duct cleaning.