Sings You Need Air Duct Cleaning

Is it time for air duct cleaning? Regular maintenance is essential for your HVAC system to make it function well, just like any other major appliance or your car. Air duct cleaning is one service that you can consider to prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Even though you regularly replace your HVAC filters, your HVAC system can get dirty from everyday use. Unluckily, your air ducts can become a favourite place for allergens, dust, and dirt to hide. This dust and dirt can cause indoor air quality problems and make your HVAC system work harder. A less efficient heating and cooling system can not only increase your energy costs but also reduce the system’s lifespan.

Do you want to know if your ducts need cleaning? These are five signs that your air ducts are dirty.

Signs of rodent or insect infestation

Sometimes, insects, mice, and squirrels can get into your air ducts and can leave behind all kinds of bacteria. Rodents can make nests in your ductwork and leave droppings, which will send tiny fecal spores through the ducts. These spores can enter your home and pollute the air quality.

Unfortunately, rodents love to live in the ductwork. They will chew through it or seek out unrestricted paths. Your home’s ductwork can become a highway for rodents once they have moved in. Rodents can leave a trail of droppings in your ductwork, and you may also discover chewed-up materials and unpleasant odours, which is a sign of infestation.

Remember that rodent infestations may require more than just air duct cleaning. It is essential not to ignore this issue as it can cause severe structural damage and make your HVAC system less efficient, which will result in higher energy bills.

Dust

When dust builds up in your air ducts, it can be hard to notice. You may only realize this when you start experiencing symptoms of allergies or asthma flare-ups. Dust particles contain different materials, some containing potent allergens that can cause allergic reactions and other health problems.

Clean air is always better than polluted air. Dust buildup is one reason why you should have your HVAC system professionally cleaned at least once a year because it can be hazardous to release the dust from the ductwork on your own.

Keep dust from building up by making sure that you replace your HVAC system filters regularly. These filters are the gates of your HVAC system. When they are clogged, it can make it harder for air to pass through the ducts.

Mould

Moulds are fungi that can grow almost anywhere. Many people are aware of this fungus it is because it can be dangerous for human health. Mould growth can contribute to high moisture levels in your air duct, which is terrible news for the HVAC system and your and your family’s health.

The best way to check if your ductwork has a mould problem is to look for its signs. You can see tiny black spots with a magnifying glass. These spots are fungal spores. If you find these spores in your air ducts, the next step will be to have them checked by a professional company to assess the damage.

The first line of defence against moulds is to make sure to clean your HVAC system filters regularly. If you have severe mould problems, it may require cleaning more frequently or replacing some ductwork parts.

Increasing Energy Costs

According to energystar.gov, your HVAC system can account for roughly half of your home’s energy costs. A most efficient and effective way to reduce those high energy bills is by having your ducts cleaned regularly.

When clogged with dirt and dust particles, the efficiency of your heating and cooling system can be reduced by 10%. But when you have the system cleaned professionally, your HVAC system will work more efficiently, and you can also save money on energy costs.

Your Home Is Newly Built or Undergone a Renovation

Sometimes, you may live in a newly built house or have your homes recently renovated. In these cases, it is crucial to check for possible leaks, gas overflowing from the vents, and issues with the electrical wiring.

The difference between having a professional do an inspection or checking out on your own is that you can easily miss several common signs. And if you don’t check them out early on, it may lead to expensive problems in the future.

In addition, a professional company will know what kinds of HVAC equipment are suitable for your home and can also help you compare different types of units based on their efficiency and price.

Unexplained Respiratory Problems

If you or your family members are experiencing unusual respiratory problems, then the first thing that you need to check is your heating and cooling system. Remember that dust, mould, and other allergens can contribute to these issues.

If you are experiencing allergies, then it’s crucial to have your HVAC system checked out. It may require regular cleaning or replacement of some parts.

If you have asthma, you should hire professionals to clean your air ducts and furnace vents once a year to prevent dust particles from building up inside them. This way, your HVAC system will be able to deliver clean and fresh air into your home.

Unusual Odours

If you can smell a weird odour coming from your air ducts, then it is a sure sign that you should clean your system. Sometimes, this odour may indicate gas leaks or other issues with the wiring or furnace itself. It’s best to have the system checked by a professional company immediately before any severe damage occurs.

Air Duct Cleaning – Conclusion

If you’re wondering how often your air ducts need to be cleaned, then it depends on several factors. First and foremost, you will have to determine the condition of the HVAC system. If there are no dust particles after vacuuming, there is probably no reason for a professional cleaning.

If you notice any mouldy spots, it’s essential to have your ducts inspected by a professional company. Having them cleaned right away is better – the sooner the problem is discovered, the smaller it will be and easier to manage.

Having your HVAC system checked by professionals regularly is an integral part of ensuring it lasts for a long time. Be sure to have your ducts checked periodically and clean them out when needed. Doing so can help reduce energy costs, provide healthy air circulation in the home, and prevent dust particles from building up inside them, which cause allergies or respiratory issues.