As a homeowner, you want to make sure that everything in your household is working at its peak. This rings especially true for your home’s HVAC system. If you’ve invested in an HVAC unit, maintenance is key to assuring it lasts to its average lifespan of 15 years and beyond. Cleaning is important, especially when it comes to the ductwork of the unit. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when looking for a professional to get your ducts clean and kept clean.

1. Don’t delay cleaning.

Whether you’re using your air conditioner in July or heater in January, you rely on your HVAC unit to be running strong all year long. Proper duct cleaning is important for the system to work to its greatest ability truly. If you’ve noticed that your system isn’t delivering the same airflow in your living space, there’s a good chance your ductwork has become clogged with dust and other contaminants. This causes an HVAC system to expend far more energy than needed, running your monthly energy bill up.

Proper cleaning will not only assure better heating and cooling of your home, but it can also prevent any health problems for you and your loved ones down the line. Allowing dust to accrue can exacerbate allergies and even trigger asthma for some people. The presence of mold brought on by moisture in ducts, or vermin excrement due to leaks and cracks in the ductwork, makes even more of a danger to your indoor air quality.

2. Consider certifications.

Duct cleaning is not a do-it-yourself job. It’s important to find a professional cleaner who has an understanding of your HVAC system. If the previous owners installed the system before you purchased your home, make an important point to consult the previous owners about who they hired to scrub their ducts and vents. The HVAC installer often will also offer their services as air duct cleaners and repair. They’ll have a greater insight into the type of duct to the inner workings of the unit.

If you are looking for a duct cleaning service yourself, be sure to look for a pro that is not only recommended but certified. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association, also known as NADCA, provides HVAC specialists with the necessary training for a well-regulated duct cleaning process. These technicians are trained to review the entirety of ductwork to inspect for anything from the slightest particulate matter to effective ways to maintain systems. NADCA contractors are regularly evaluated for their understanding of an expanding field of HVAC technology.

3. Keep a maintenance checklist.

Not only do you want proper air duct cleaning, but you may want to be sure that your contractor is equipped to handle anything that could happen to your HVAC system. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, will offer recommendations for homeowners to keep their eye on to make sure that they are getting the most from their unit. This includes inspection for mold growth, monitoring heating and cooling temperatures, and keeping note of any noises that an HVAC unit may be making.

Having this maintenance checklist allows professionals to conduct a full evaluation with even more thoroughness, able to zone in on a particular issue for your ventilation or ductwork. This could lead to unknown discoveries, like debris that could be clogging air ducts or potential pollutants seeping into the line and impacting your indoor air quality. Depending on the size of your home and your HVAC system, you may want to work out a regular maintenance schedule with a technician to assure all systems are a go.