You’re finally getting around to HVAC installation in Staten Island. But before your contractor starts installing that shiny new furnace and air conditioner, there’s something we need to talk about: your ductwork.
Cleaning those ducts before your new system goes in can make a huge difference in how well everything works and how long it lasts.
Here’s why this matters and when you actually need to worry about it.
Your Ducts Might Be Dirtier Than You Think
Air ducts are hidden highways running through your house, and over the years, they collect a lot of stuff you probably don’t want to think about. Dust and construction debris usually contain allergens, mold spores, and even toxic chemicals from building materials.
If you’ve been living in your house for years, or if the previous owners had pets, smoked, or did renovations, those ducts have seen some things.
If not properly maintained, your ducts may become contaminated with particles of dust, pollen or other debris, and if moisture is present, the potential for microbiological growth like mold increases. Once all that gunk is in there, it doesn’t just disappear. Every time your system runs, it can circulate those contaminants right back through your home.
Now, we’re not saying every house needs duct cleaning before HVAC installation in Staten Island. But there are definitely situations where it’s essential.
When Duct Cleaning Is Actually Necessary
The HVAC industry has some companies out there trying to sell you duct cleaning you don’t need. The EPA states that duct cleaning is not considered a necessary part of yearly maintenance, and duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems.
So, when do you actually need it?
The EPA lists three specific situations where duct cleaning is necessary:
- substantial visible mold growth in your ductwork
- vermin or rodents infesting your vents
- ducts clogged to the point that debris and dust particles are being released into your home
If you’re getting a new system installed and you’ve got any of these issues, cleaning your ducts first is a must.
Think about it this way: would you put a brand-new, expensive engine in a car without changing the oil filter? Same concept here.
Also Read: When to Schedule Regular HVAC Services in Staten Island?
Recent Construction or Renovation? Clean Those Ducts
If you’ve had any construction or remodeling work done recently, this is especially for you.
Construction produces a vast amount of dust and debris, sawdust, drywall particles, insulation fibers, and even paint fumes get pulled into your home’s HVAC system.
Even if your contractor was careful and everything looked clean when they finished, you’d be shocked at how much accumulates in your ductwork, and once it’s in there, it does not just disappear by itself. After construction, it’s beneficial to consider duct cleaning, which typically costs around $500 to $600.
It’s also best not to run your HVAC system during the construction period at all, wait until the work is done and the place is cleaned properly. But if you already ran it (and most people do), getting those ducts cleaned before installing your new system is money well spent.
What Happens If You Skip the Cleaning
What’s the worst that could happen if you just go ahead with the HVAC installation in Staten Island without cleaning your ducts?
A few things, actually, and none of them are good.
First, any dust, grime, debris, or other impurities that have gathered in your air ducts will be circulated through your new furnace and air conditioner.
Your new system is designed to run efficiently and last for years, but starting it off with dirty ductwork is like asking it to run a marathon with one hand tied behind its back. The system has to work harder to push air through contaminated ducts, which means higher energy bills and more wear and tear on components that should last 15-20 years.
Plus, let’s talk about what you’re breathing. Inhaling dust and construction debris over time can result in respiratory issues, exacerbate asthma, and trigger allergies, with children, older residents, and people with pre-existing health issues at greatest risk.
Trust the Experts to Take Care of it for You!
When you’re ready for HVAC installation in Staten Island, you want a team that’s going to do it right from the start. RK Plumbing & HVAC Services LLC has been helping homeowners and businesses in Staten Island get the most out of their heating and cooling systems for years, and we know that proper preparation makes all the difference.
Our experienced technicians will inspect your ductwork and give you honest advice about whether cleaning is necessary before your new system goes in. We’re not interested in selling you services you don’t need, we’re interested in making sure your new HVAC system runs efficiently, lasts as long as possible, and keeps your indoor air quality where it should be.
Let’s get your home comfortable the right way, from the ducts up. Reach out to us!
