FAQs

What is air duct cleaning?

Air duct cleaning is a process of thoroughly removing dust, debris, mold, pet dander, allergens, and other contaminants from a home's ductwork system and restoring it back to new. This helps improve indoor air quality in your home and improves the HVAC efficiency of your furnace.

Why should I get my air ducts cleaned?

Getting your air ducts cleaned is an important part of maintaining a healthy home for you and your family. Discover the duct cleaning solutions. Stale smells from pets, smoke, cooking, or mold can linger in your HVAC ventilation ductwork system. Air duct cleaning also helps with increasing your HVAC system efficiency, helping your heating and cooling system run more efficiently and reduce energy bills.

How often should I clean my air ducts?

Most companies, including the National Air Duct Cleaning Association typically recommend every 3 to 5 years, or sooner if you've done renovations, have pets, or live in an area with high pollen or dust. Schedule today!

Do I have to leave my home during air duct cleaning?

No, you do not have to leave your home during the air duct cleaning process if the service is performed by a trained and professional company like Dustout . The cleaning is done in a safe and controlled manner using proper equipment and containment methods. While you may hear some noise from vacuums or tools, it's completely safe to stay home during the entire procedure.

What to expect during air duct cleaning service?

Here's what to expect during the service the technicians will need access to your HVAC system, vents, and return ducts throughout your home. You may hear loud noises from high-powered vacuums or compressed air tools; this can be disruptive but is completely normal.

Tips for your air duct cleaning?

Let your air duct cleaning company know about pets, kids, or health concerns ahead of time so they can accommodate you.

Do you have to make holes in my ductwork during a duct cleaning service?

Yes, but it's completely normal and safe. To properly clean your air ducts, technicians often need to create small access holes in the ductwork. This allows specialized tools to reach deep into the system for thorough cleaning. At Dustout, these holes are made carefully and only where necessary. Once the cleaning is finished, all holes are professionally sealed using sheet metal patches, screws, and foil tape—fully compliant with code. These patches donot impact airflow, energy efficiency, or your HVAC system's performance.

Do I have to turn my furnace off during the air duct cleaning process?

Yes, your furnace must be turned off during the air duct cleaning process, and here's why: Running the furnace while cleaning is unsafe and will blow dust and debris throughout the home and could damage the HVAC equipment. With the system off, technicians can access and clean all parts of your ductwork more effectively, without interference from airflow. High-powered duct truck and agitation tools used during air duct cleaning require the system to be inactive to work properly.

How long does the air duct cleaning process take?

Typically, the air duct cleaning service takes about 2 to 4 hours. The furnace will be turned off the whole time of the cleaning. The exact time depends on home size larger homes naturally require more time to clean and homes with multiple systems and zones also take longer. Ductwork complexity: More intricate layouts or hard-to-reach vents may extend the cleaning time. Dustout technicians work efficiently while ensuring thorough and professional duct cleaning. We aim to minimize disruption to your home while maximizing the performance and cleanliness of yourHVAC ductwork system.

How do I know if I even need my air ducts cleaned?

There are several signs that it might be time for a duct cleaning service. If you notice dust blowing from your vents when the system is running, that's a clear indicator. Excessive dust buildup on your furniture, especially if you're dusting more frequently than normal, can mean your air ducts are circulating debris throughout your home. Call Dustout today for your free in-home estimate 855-228-2526! Lingering, unusual odors when your furnace kicks on could be caused by mold, mildew, or even pests inside the ductwork. Inconsistent airflow between rooms is another common symptom of buildup or blockages in your ductwork system.

What equipment will be used during the duct cleaning process?

At Dustout we use several types of duct cleaning equipment from Hepa vacuums to portable Hepa filtered duct cleaning equipment for our high-rise commercial duct cleaning projects. Our go-to-duct cleaning equipment for residential homes is our powerful duct trucks that create over 15,000 CFM of vacuum suction so you can rest assure that no dust will be left behind. Learn more at godustout.com

When choosing a residential air duct cleaning company what questions should I be asking?

Do you follow the NADCA standards for duct cleaning (National Air Duct Cleaners Association)? NADCA sets the industry standard for proper air duct cleaning services.
Are you licensed and insured? This protects you from liability if something goes wrong during the duct cleaning service.
How long have you been in business? Experience matters, companies with a solid history are more likely to deliver quality work.
Do you have references or online reviews? Check reviews on Google, Yelp, Bing, Facebook and Angi to verify customer satisfaction.
Will you share before-and-after photos? This ensures transparency and lets you see the results.
How long will the service take? Quality jobs take 2 to 4 hours depending on size. If a company says it only takes 30 minutes, that would be a red flag.
Do you guarantee your work? A satisfaction guarantee shows the company stands behind their service. At Dustout we guarantee our work for three months.

Will getting my air ducts cleaned out reduce my energy cost every month?

According to a peer-reviewed study cited by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), professional HVAC system cleaning, including air duct cleaning can lead to significant improvements in system performance. The research found that fan and blower energy consumption can be reduced by 41% to 60%, and airflow can increase by up to 46%. These findings support the idea that routine HVAC and air duct cleaning can not only improve indoor air quality but also boost energy efficiency and lower utility costs. Learn more: ACHR News – HVAC Cleaning Research, NADCA Energy Study Summary

Will getting my air ducts cleaned help with my asthma?

Yes, getting your air ducts cleaned out can help with asthma especially if your air ducts are circulating allergens, dust, mold spores, pet dander, or other irritants through your home. If moisture is present in your duct system, mold can grow and spread spores into your home triggering asthma attacks. Clean air ducts mean cleaner air, which is essential for people with respiratory conditions like asthma. While air duct cleaning isn't a cure for asthma, it can reduce environmental triggers and improve your overall indoor air quality, making your home a healthier place to breathe fresh clean air.

Will my house be cleaner by getting air duct cleaning done in my home?

Yes, your house can be noticeably cleaner after getting duct cleaning done. Here's why:

• Less dust settling on surfaces: Dirty air ducts circulate dust throughout your home. After cleaning, you'll likely see less dust on furniture, floors, and vents.
• Cleaner indoor air: Removing debris, allergens, and contaminants from your HVAC system means the air you breathe is fresher and healthier.
• Reduced dust and odors: Duct cleaning helps eliminate particles like dust, pollen, pet dander as well as musty smells.

Why is air duct cleaning so important?

Air duct cleaning plays a key role in maintaining a healthy home environment. By removing built-up dust, allergens, mold spores, and other harmful contaminants from your HVAC system, it significantly improves indoor air quality. Cleaner air by Dustout can help reduce allergy flare-ups, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory issues particularly for children, seniors, and anyone with existing health conditions. Regular duct cleaning with Dustout will support a safer, more comfortable living space for everyone in your household.

How can I improve my indoor air quality?

To enhance indoor air quality, it's important to minimize pollutants and improve airflow. You can achieve this by keeping your home clean, managing humidity, using air purifiers, and maintaining proper ventilation. Avoid smoking indoors, keep your air ducts clean and make sure your HVAC system is regularly serviced. Routine cleaning of vacuuming your carpets and rugs regularly, dust surfaces with microfiber cloths, and cleaning hard floors often to eliminate allergens, dust, and other airborne particles that impact air quality of your home.

What service area does Dustout cover for residential duct cleaning service?

Dustout proudly service's all Southeast and Mid-Michigan, including Saginaw, Genesee, Midland, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston Counties. For a complete list of cities where we provide expert air duct cleaning services, check out our service area.

How long has Dustout been in business for?

Since 2010, Dustout Air Duct Cleaning and Duct Sealing has proudly served residential and commercial clients throughout Mid-Michigan and Southeast Michigan, delivering expert air duct cleaning and duct sealing services with a commitment to cleaner, healthier indoor air.

What is dryer vent cleaning?

At Dustout our dryer vent cleaning involves removing built-up lint, debris, and blockages from the 4-inch exhaust pipe that runs from the back of your dryer to the outside of your home. Over time, lint accumulates inside this vent, reducing airflow and increasing the risk of fire. Professional cleaning clears the entire vent line, including the lint trap housing, flex hose, and exterior vent hood, to ensure safe and efficient dryer operation. For more information visit Dustout Dryer Vent Cleaning.

How often should my dryer be cleaned out?

Annual cleaning is recommended for most households to protect against fire hazards and maintain efficiency of the dryer. More frequent cleanings of every 6 to 9 months may be necessary if you have a large household with pets, with heavy dry usage. View Better Homes & Gardens

How long does the dryer vent cleaning process take?

At Dustout the dryer vent cleaning process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes for a standard residential dryer vent setup. However, the exact time can vary depending on a few factors:

• Length and complexity of the venting system
• Amount of lint buildup or blockages
• Whether the dryer needs to be moved or reconnected
• Accessibility of the vent (e.g., roof vents take longer)

How often should I clean out my lint trap on my dryer?

You should clean out your dryer's lint trap after every load.
Here’s why: Preventing fire hazards, a clogged lint screen is highly flammable. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of dryer fires in your home. Also improves efficiency, a clean lint trap allows better airflow, helping your dryer run faster and use less energy.

What are signs that my dryer vent needs to be cleaned out?

Here are some common signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned: Lint buildup around the dryer vent or outside dryer vent is blocked, clothes take too long to dry, and dryer shuts off unexpectedly. Learn more at Dustout Dryer Vent Cleaning.

Why is my dryer taking more time to dry my clothes?

At Dustout, we understand that a clogged dryer vent is one of the top reasons clothes take longer than usual to dry. Other common issues such as a full lint trap, a kinked or blocked vent hose, or incorrect dryer settings—can also affect drying efficiency. Learn more about these issues at Dustout Dryer Vent Cleaning. To keep your dryer running at its best, clean the lint trap after every load and schedule professional dryer vent cleaning with Dustout at least once a year. Book your service today at Dustout Scheduling. These simple steps can improve drying performance, prevent overheating, and lower the risk of fire.

What is a UV light?

A UV light is a light that is installed in your duct system to kill any bacteria or mold that is growing in your system.

How much does UV light installation cost?

UV light installation costs $850 for the light and installation.

How long does a UV light last?

A UV light cell lasts about 2 years. It also comes with a 2 year warranty from the manufacturer.

How long will it last?

Guaranteed for 10 yrs. in residential applications. Based on testing, sealant has an expected life of at least 40 years.

Is the sealant safe?

Sealant is Non-Toxic and has been used in hospitals, schools, surgery centers, and government facilities all over the world. The sealant has been tested by an independent lab and found to have extremely low concentration of VOC's, during sealing time only. The primary component has NO OSHA maximum exposure limit.

What is the sealant material made of?

Primary component is Vinyl Acetate Polymer, used in water-based paints, hair spray, and chewing gum.

How long does it take to dry?

Drying time is less than 2 hours

How do I know if my ducts leak?

According to the Department of Energy, homes leak between 25% and 40%. In simple terms, that means air is not getting to designed spaces causing hot/cold spots in the house, excessive dust, and high energy bills.

Do ducts need to be cleaned before sealing?

Extremely dirty ducts should be cleaned. We recommend the technician assess the condition of the ducts prior to sealing.

Can I clean my ducts if they are sealed?

Ducts of all material types can be successfully cleaned after sealing.

Will my house smell?

There is a mild odor, like Elmer's Glue, during sealing. Odor should dissipate by next morning (or before).

Should I be in the house?

We prefer that no one is in the house during sealing due to impact on productivity. If you are pregnant, senior, or infant, or utilizing medical equipment we do encourage you to leave as a simple safety precaution.

How big of a leak will be sealed?

Up to a 5/8” hole can be sealed during normal range of productivity.

What about leaks that are too big?

Broken and disconnected ducts and large leaks need to be fixed prior to sealing. If a hidden large leak is uncovered during sealing, process is stopped, and a solution is discussed.

How does it work?

Duct sealing, utilizing the patented Aeroseal process, takes a non-toxic liquid sealant, heats and dries it to become an aerosol mist. The mist travels through a pressurized duct system and seals visible, invisible, and inaccessible leaks in the system. We guarantee it and it is certified.