Do I really need duct cleaning?
Most Orange County homes don't need annual duct cleaning. The EPA recommends duct cleaning only when there is: visible mold growth inside ducts, vermin (rodent or insect) infestation, significant debris from construction or renovation, or recent water damage. Routine cleaning without these conditions is mostly cosmetic and may not improve indoor air quality. Aerosphere Electric does honest visual inspections before recommending.
How much does duct cleaning cost in Orange County?
Duct cleaning in Orange County costs $350-$850 at Aerosphere Electric for a typical single-family home. Pricing includes: visual inspection, vacuum cleaning of all supply and return runs, sanitization, condenser coil cleaning, and filter replacement. Beware of $99 'duct cleaning' offers - these are loss leaders for upsell pitches.
Does duct cleaning improve indoor air quality?
Sometimes. Duct cleaning can help if: ducts have significant mold or vermin, you've recently renovated, or you have visible dust at registers. For most homes, sealing duct leaks and upgrading the air filter (to MERV 13+) provides bigger IAQ improvements than cleaning. Aerosphere Electric recommends what's actually needed.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
Every 12-18 months. Clogged dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires - lint accumulates and ignites. Signs you need cleaning: clothes take longer to dry, dryer feels hot, you smell something burning. Aerosphere offers dryer vent cleaning ($150-$300) typically combined with other service calls.
Is duct sealing different from duct cleaning?
Yes. Duct sealing fixes leaks where conditioned air escapes (typical homes lose 20-30% of conditioned air to duct leaks). Duct cleaning removes debris inside the ducts. Sealing usually delivers more energy savings than cleaning. Aerosphere Electric does both. Duct sealing $400-$1,500. Title 24 testing may be required after major sealing work.
What is the difference between duct cleaning and duct replacement?
Duct cleaning vacuums and sanitizes existing ducts (keeps them in place). Duct replacement removes old ducts and installs new ones - needed when ducts are damaged, crushed, mold-contaminated beyond cleaning, or sized incorrectly for your HVAC system. Replacement costs $1,500-$5,000+ for typical homes. Aerosphere Electric assesses which is needed.
Should I do duct cleaning when I install a new AC?
Sometimes. If your old AC was leaking refrigerant, ran with a dirty coil, or pulled in unfiltered air, cleaning may help. If your ducts look clean during the AC install inspection, skip the cleaning. Aerosphere Electric inspects ducts during every new install and only recommends cleaning if warranted.
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