01 Jul Air Duct Professionals: Who are They?
Air Duct Professionals: Who are They?
If you have a home heating and cooling system, there’s a good chance that you need air ducts. Other than systems that are designed to be ductless, the ducts and vents are the only way to efficiently force hot or cold air into each room.
In order to create and maintain an effective duct system, you need help from professionals. From the design and installation to the cleaning and the repairs, their help will prove invaluable. Here are some basics that you should know about air duct professionals and what they do.
Is There More Than One Type of Air Duct Professional?
Air Duct Professionals come in more than one type. In some cases, the professional focuses primarily in one area. Others may be trained and certified to handle just about anything that has to do with duct systems.
Professionals of this type may focus primarily on the installation of new duct work. Others may be called upon if an existing duct system needs repairs. There are also professionals who focus primarily on inspecting and cleaning duct systems. A call to a local HVAC service will be all it takes to ensure someone who has the skills and experience to handle your need is on the way.
How is an Air Duct Installer Trained?
There are several ways to receive training for air duct installation. It’s not unusual for anyone interested in this type of work to pursue more than one approach. Doing so helps to provide a combination of study and practical experience.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America provide courses designed to teach the basics of installing duct systems. The courses are sometimes offered in traditional class settings, but are also available online. Successful completion provides the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion.
It’s also possible to seek certification by enrolling in classes at a local community college or technical school. This approach provides the opportunity to work with the duct materials and learn how to design functional systems. In some jurisdictions, completing a course is necessary before it’s possible to work for any of the local HVAC services.
There’s also the option of becoming an apprentice. This involves working closely with a certified HVAC contractor and learning the job under his or her care. This provides the opportunity for practical experience outside the classroom. An apprenticeship can be combined with formal studies or take place once those studies are finished.
What Type of Training is Needed to Become an Air Duct Technician?
Air duct technicians also have options for studies at technical schools or community colleges. As part of the coursework, they learn how to identify and repair existing duct systems. That includes replacing sections that are beyond repair as well as adding new sections to an existing system. The latter would be especially helpful if the customer is adding another room to the home.
On the job training is also a possibility for a technician. Under the care of an experienced professional, the trainee has the chance to take on a number of repairs and other tasks related to keeping a duct system functioning properly.
Who Manages Inspections of Air Ducts?
Installers and technicians can take on the task of inspecting duct systems. The goal is to ensure that the current system is free of any type of punctures, that the seams joining each sections are still secure, and even determining if the insulation used around the duct sections is still in good condition. In the event that there is a problem, the professional can outline what needs to be done, the cost, and how long the project will take. Once the customer provides permission, the professional will assemble the needed materials and begin the job.
How About Cleaning Air Ducts?
An air duct professional will also take on the task of cleaning air ducts. This is an important task since quite a bit of residue can build up in the system over time. Along with dust, pollen, and similar contaminants, air ducts can be the final resting place for rodents, pests like roaches, and other types of vermin. The
forced air continues to blow over all of these contaminants. That forces tiny particles into each room and ultimately into the respiratory systems of those who live in the house. Having a professional clear the ducts of any type of residue results in air that smells cleaner and is also healthier.
How Do You Know Which Kind of Professional to Call?
The good news is that you don’t have to figure out which type of air duct professional is needed. All you have to do is call a local HVAC service and tell them what’s going on. That’s a great solution but you’re not sure what the underlying cause happens to be.
Based on your description, the service will dispatch someone who has experience with what appears to be the issue. After a system inspection, that professional may find that something other than the suspected issue is present. If so, someone who is well-versed in that type of problem will be called to your home.
What Qualities Do Customers Want in All Types of Air Duct Professionals?
Customers should expect certain all types of air duct professionals to possess certain qualities. Knowledge and experience are at the top of the list. A commitment to solving the issue is also important. Punctuality also matters.
Finally, the ability to communicate effectively is important. Professionals should be able to explain the nature of the issue using terms that the customer can understand. That same professional should be willing to provide answers to any question that has to do with the air ducts. If some other issue is uncovered while resolving the primary problem, the professional should let the customer known immediately.
Could your duct system use some help today? Perhaps it’s time to replace one or more sections. Maybe it’s been quite awhile since you had the ducts cleaned. You may even need some type of minor repair. Whatever the need, you can bet that there’s an air duct professional who can take care of the issue.