Post-Construction Duct Cleaning in Independence, MO
Building and remodeling fill ducts with drywall dust and sawdust. Jake And Son Chimney Sweep cleans air ducts after construction in Independence, MO and 20 nearby towns.
Why construction dust ends up in the ducts
Construction dust gets into ducts because the system runs, or the registers sit open, while the work is going on. Drywall dust is fine enough to pass through a basic filter, and open floor registers collect whatever is swept across them.
Signs your ducts have construction debris
- Fine white dust on furniture that returns within days of cleaning
- Puffs of dust from the registers when the system starts
- A furnace filter that turns white or clogs in a few weeks
- Debris visible when you lift a floor register
This is one of the situations where duct cleaning is clearly worth doing. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend routine duct cleaning, but does say to consider it when ducts are clogged with dust and debris that is released into the home.
What post-construction duct cleaning involves
Post-construction cleaning follows the same method as any duct cleaning, with extra attention to the returns and the air handler.
- Inspect. We look in the supply and return runs and show you what is there.
- Put the system under suction. Loosened dust is drawn to the collection equipment, not into the house.
- Agitate each run. Brushes or air tools loosen dust from the duct walls.
- Clean the registers, returns and accessible parts of the air handler.
- Replace the filter. A new filter goes in once the system is clean.
Just finished a remodel?
Call (816) 239-8989When to schedule it
Schedule duct cleaning after all the dusty work is finished, including sanding and floor finishing, and before you move furniture back in. Cleaning earlier means the ducts fill again.
What it costs
Post-construction duct cleaning starts at $399 for one system in an average-size home. More vents, a second system and heavy debris add to that. All starting prices are on the pricing page.
Related services
See air duct cleaning for when duct cleaning is and is not worth doing, and dryer vent cleaning, which is worth checking after a laundry room remodel.
Common questions
Should I run the furnace or air conditioner during a remodel?
Avoid it while dusty work is under way. If the system has to run, cover the return grilles in the work area with filter material, close and cover the supply registers there, and change the furnace filter frequently. That keeps most of the dust out of the ducts.
Do builders clean the ducts in a new house?
Some do, many do not. It is not usually part of a standard build. If you are buying a new home, lift a few floor registers and look inside. Sawdust, drywall scraps and other debris in the ducts are common and worth having removed before you move in.
Is drywall dust in ducts harmful?
Drywall dust is a nuisance dust that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, particularly for people with asthma or allergies. It also coats the furnace blower and cooling coil, which reduces efficiency. Removing it from the ducts stops it being recirculated.
How soon after construction should ducts be cleaned?
As soon as all sanding, cutting and floor finishing are complete and the house has been swept or vacuumed. Cleaning before the final dusty stages wastes the effort. A new furnace filter should go in at the same time, and be checked again after a month.
Will a better furnace filter remove construction dust?
A higher-rated filter catches more of what passes through it, but it cannot remove dust already lying in the ducts, and that dust keeps being stirred up. Clean the ducts first, then use a good filter of the correct size to keep them clean.