Your Air Duct, Dryer Vent, and Chimney Questions Answered

More often than not, your air ducts need to be cleaned. However, there are times when your air ducts may need to be replaced. The most common cause of ductwork replacement is age. Ductwork over the age of 10 should be replaced. If your ductwork is older then you can expect degradation in the seams, seals, and connections. Other signs of needing a ductwork replacement include:

• lack of airflow
• uneven temperatures in your home
• damage, dents, or holes in the ductwork
• mold growth
• noisy or loud while operating
• improper installation

Contact Fresh Air Duct Cleaning to determine if you truly need your ductwork repaired or just cleaned.

Here at Fresh Air Duct Cleaning, we only use state-of-the-art technology by leading manufacturers in the United States. When it comes to cleaning air ducts, we use two major pieces of technology:  Rotobrush® BrushBeast™  and Air-Care™ Negative Air Machines. These two leading companies have developed efficient and effective machines that allow our technicians to complete the job to the fullest.

The BrushBeast is equipped with four vacuum motors and a 420 RPM brush. This machine can remove dirt, dust, dander, pollen, and other pollutants from your air ducts. As it removes the pollutants from the air duct, it sucks them, so they are unable to escape.

The negative air machine connects directly to the air ducts and removes toxic gases from the air. Creating a vacuum in your air duct filters allows the air to be filtered and not escape. The filtered air is separated from carbon monoxide, radon, and other deadly air pollutants.

Each of our technicians is trained and internally-certified on each of these machines, so they can deliver the results you want.

Creosote is a chemical that is let off by wood. As it enters the chimney's flue, it meets cooler air, which causes it to condense. By doing so, it sticks to the surface of the chimney. Specific types of wood produce more creosote than others. You should avoid woods that are wet to the touch. Damp wood will produce more creosote, and you'll need more frequent cleanings. You should also be mindful of the type of wood you burn in your fireplace as some woods produce more creosote than others. It is important to remove creosote from your chimney because it never goes away until it is cleaned. As you continue to burn, more and more creosote is added to the existing layers. Without annual cleanings, the creosote will create a blockage, and the chimney will become inoperable.

We do not recommend you use a chimney cleaning log to substitute a chimney sweeping. Chimney cleaning logs or creosote sweeping logs cannot clean your chimney the same way a professional chimney sweep can. Chimney cleaning logs are only effective in loosening the creosote on the chimney's flue. This will assist in your sweeping efforts, but it does not perform the job to its fullest. 

Your dryer vent tubing or duct attached to your dryer should be metal. Metal tape or fasteners should also connect the tubing correctly. If your tubing is plastic, then have it changed immediately. Plastic dryer vent tubing is considered a fire hazard and should be replaced with a metal version.

When it comes to metal tubing, there are many different types you can have. Aluminum foil ducts are some of the most common because of their wide availability and price. These tubes are flexible and collapsable, which gives them ridges on their sides.

Another duct type is the slim duct or periscope duct. This type of duct was created to fit into tight spaces. The periscope duct is not very long and should be placed to the closest point to the outside as possible. Your dryer will most likely be close to the wall and in a small space.

Finally, you may potentially have a rigid metal duct, which is usually used for concealed areas. It may be on the wall, floor, or ceiling of your home. This is the most efficient type of dryer duct because it has a smooth interior allowing air to pass through at a higher rate. Rigid tubes and vents act as speedbumps slowing down the air and causing the dryer to work less efficiently.

Yes! You can clean your own dryer vent. Many hardware stores sell dryer vent cleaning kits. These kits containing a brush and flexible attachments to get through the entire vent. It is important to know that these dryer vent cleaning kits are not as effective or efficient as the technology our team uses. For a completely clean dryer vent, call Fresh Air Duct Cleaning.

Yes! Your attic most certainly needs to be insulated because it is a critical area in which air affects your home's temperature. Without proper attic insulation, you can expect your home to be less energy efficient, and you'll spend more money on energy bills. The temperatures outside of your home will also greatly impact your home's air, which is another reason attic insulation is necessary.

Insulation is rated by the R-value, which is how well it is at preventing heat from entering and exiting the home. Depending on where you live, the R-value varies. The map below is what Energy Star recommends based on where you live in the United States.