Air Ducts

Millions of Americans have their home air conditioning and heating systems and duct work cleaned every two years. Because dirt and dust can block air flow, your heating and cooling systems may not run as efficiently as they should. Regular maintenance is a key factor to extending the life of your heating system and saving on repair bills. Dirt and dust accumulate on the inside surfaces of your duct work, providing the nutrients for molds, bacteria, mites and allergens to reproduce and grow. Every time your systems fan is on, it forces these contaminants into the air you breathe. We proudly service both Minneapolis and St. Paul as well as the entire 7 county Twin Cities Metro area.

To learn more about the residential services we offer, please continue through our site. If you have any questions along the way, please contact us at (651) 451-5800.

Procedures

Homeplace has three professional cleaning procedures:

• Air Sweep Method
• Manual Brush Method
• Rotary Brush Method

Each method uses our personally built truck-mounted vacuums with an 8-inch diameter vacuum hose for proper suction of debris from the home. All methods ensure a clean, efficient service. Our equipment includes two-stage air compressors, poly vinyl brushes, and rotary-spinning brushes, to give our customers any level of cleaning they desire.

Option 1: Air Sweep Method.

Our experienced technicians connect a powerful truck-mounted vacuum (equivalent to 53 shop vacs) to your air system near the furnace, thus creating a larger vacuum out of your ventilation system.

Highly compressed air (250 pounds) is applied with a specialized air gun through each of the supply and return vents in the home, forcing debris and contaminants to the vacuum. The debris in the trunk lines of the duct work is typically the heaviest. These trunk lines are air swept via a specialized pneumatic agitator/snake which loosens the contaminants from the interior surfaces of the ducts and forces it into the vacuum. The vacuum carries the debris to a collection point, which is mounted on the service vehicle. This procedure, known as Source Containment, ensures a clean removal from the home.

If elected: The same vacuum and air pressure tools are used to clean the components of your heating and cooling system, increasing its overall efficiency. We clean the burners, heat exchangers, pilot, blower motor, fan blades, and A-Coil (if accessible). We also check the bearings, belts, and carbon monoxide levels.

Option 2: Manual Brush Method

This is a great service for the homeowner experiencing more dust than usual, or a home that has not been serviced for an extended period of time. In addition to the Air Sweep method, this procedure also encompasses the use manual brushing in the main trunk lines. These duct brushes are made of poly vinyl material, which gives the ducting interior a good, stiff brushing, but are pliable enough to thoroughly clean the corners and damper areas. The brush is run back and forth as if the ducting were a chimney lying on its side, providing superior debris removal.

Option 3: Rotary Brush Method (Meets City of St Paul Inspector Code Requirements)

This method features the best of all three available options; Rotary spinning brushes, manual brushing, and forward and reverse air sweeps. This procedure is ideal for homes that have not been serviced for a prolonged period of time, if you are experiencing high levels of dust, have allergy issues, or simply demand the best cleaning possible.

We remove the registers, and run a rotary brush from the register face all the way back to the main trunk line to remove debris. (Which few of our competitors offer.) Our forward Air Sweep pushes that dirt back to the main trunk line to be removed by the vacuum unit. After cleaning from each register, we manually brush the main trunk lines with the Stationary brushes, and follow up with a reverse Air Sweep.

The main trunk lines are typically 2 foot by 2 foot square or rectangular. So a round spinning brush will not clean the top walls, corners or most if the interior. Especially with the 6inch diameter brushes many of our competitors use, leaving most of the dirt behind.

Homplace will manually brush out the main trunk lines with an oversized 2 foot in diameter, stiff nylon bristle brush. This brushing is similar to brushing a chimney. This is more labor intensive, but is the proper way to do the service, and does a much better job at cleaning the duct work.

A word of caution: Many companies offer a Rotary Brush procedure, but rarely are any two the same. Some are quality, and many are low priced ‘bait and switch’ offers. We strive to educate our customers how to make the choice that is best for them.

Benefits

Elimination of bacteria, molds and fungi

Deep in the darkness of your ductwork, with a minimal base of debris buildup, anyone can grow a fine crop of mold, mildew and bacteria. The fact is, every home has some level of bio-matter within the ducts. Allowing the debris and contaminants to accumulate gives the bacteria and molds the perfect environment in which to prosper. Professional cleaning of the ducts and administering an OSHA/EPA approved germicide will dramatically reduce the occurrence of their presence. All products we use are designed for residential procedures and are completely safe. MSDS sheets are available upon request.

Cleaner living environment and a reduction in housework

The longer the ductwork is allowed to go without a professional cleaning, the more debris and dust that is accumulating internally and re-circulating every time the system goes on. As the air is being pushed through the ducts, it spews dust from every vent though out your home. Having the ducts cleaned every two years reduces the circulation of all the trapped debris within. The end result is less time spent on household chores.

Savings on heating and cooling bills

Your heating and air conditioning system should be cleaned, checked and lubricated every two years. Removal of the rust scale, carbon, and debris from the interior components such as the burners, blowers, heat exchangers and pilot assembly will increase the efficiency. Absence of the debris allows the air/fuel ratio to be more correct, keeping the operational costs and carbon monoxide levels at a minimum. In short, the longer a furnace is allowed to go un-cleaned, the higher the carbon monoxide levels and energy consumption.

Fresher, healthier air

Every home in America re-circulates household dust, dust mites and their feces, molds, bacteria and pollutants from the ductwork. This unhealthy air promotes illness and triggers allergic reactions. Removal of these contaminants on a two-year basis improves the quality of the air in your home or office.

Increased system efficiency

Practically all ducting systems have contaminants clinging to the inside walls. Commonly, 1/4" to 1" of unwanted buildup can occur in just a matter of a few years inside your ductwork. This process slows down the airflow (drag co-efficiency) through the ducts and pushes the furnace/cooling system to work much harder than it is designed.

Relief from allergens

Eighty percent of the debris we call “household dust” is actually shedded human skin. We can generate up to five pounds of this each year. The other smaller components include carpet fibers, blown-in soil, pet dander, dust mites (which eat skin flakes) and their feces and miscellaneous pollutants. Scientific research is showing a direct link to allergy problems associated with dust mites. The more skin shed, the more dust mites and more allergies. Clean ductwork significantly minimizes the re-circulation of household dust.

Common Questions

How often should I have my ducts cleaned?

Both the furnace, as well as the duct work will operate at maximum capacity when serviced every two years. However, households with pets, allergy or asthma sufferers may need to be cleaned more frequently.

How long will it take to have my ducts cleaned?

Time is dependant upon the size of the home, and how difficult it is to remove the debris from the ventilation system. Our powerful equipment and specialized tools allow us to complete the average sized home in approximately 45 to 75 minutes using the air sweep method. Allow between 60 to 90 minutes for the stationary brush method, and from 1 1/2 to 3 hours for the rotary brush method. Expect more time for larger homes, and special situations. Free estimates are provided upon request.

What do I need to do to prepare my home?

Our technicians need access to every heat vent and cold air return. If possible, have large pieces of furniture pulled away from the vents. Also, make sure there is ample work space around the furnace.

Is the procedure messy?

No. Our high volume vacuum system removes the dust and contaminants from your home safely, and cleanly. You should not have to do any additional housecleaning after we have cleaned.