Every homeowner wants their home to be as comfortable as possible during extreme weather. Regular maintenance can ensure that all utilities are functioning properly. Despite all this, you may not be aware of what’s hiding in your air ducts. Dirty air ducts can cause issues like poor air quality, high energy bills and severe health concerns. You can make a difference in your home by looking for signs that your ducts need cleaning.
Understanding Air Duct Cleaning
Most people often overlook duct cleaning and only pay attention to the dirty windows or the dusty corners. Since the ductwork is responsible for circulating air all over your house, it can accumulate with contaminants, which can make it harder for your HVAC system to do its work. Duct cleaning is an effective way to remove this buildup since it involves professionals cleaning the air ducts and associated components.
It is recommended to have your air ducts cleaned every three to five years. In some cases, it is better to do it every two to three years for the best results and maintenance.
1. Your Home Catches Dust Easily
You may be accustomed to dusting your house from time to time. However, you may notice the house becomes dusty despite recently cleaning it. This could be a sign that you need to get your ducts checked and cleaned. An accumulation of dust on your furniture surfaces is due to the dirty ducts circulating dusty air all over your house.
2. Unpleasant Smell
A foul odor coming from the vents is a clear sign of duct issues. To verify the source, you may need to get close to the air registers or have a technician examine the air ducts. An unpleasant odor is an indication of the presence of mold, bacteria or mildew in your air ducts. You may notice that this smell increases when your HVAC unit is in function. The smell not only leads to bad air quality but also makes your home a less comfortable place to be.
3. Increased Allergy Symptoms
You or those living in your house may experience increased allergy symptoms without any particular reason. Allergy symptoms range from congestion to sneezing, coughing and eye irritation. These allergy symptoms may be caused by the air ducts circulating allergens throughout the house. Duct cleaning will remove these contaminants and enhance your indoor air quality.
4. Infestations by Rodents and Insects
Insects and rodents can sometimes create homes in your ductwork, causing an infestation. Rodents may leave their waste inside the air ducts, leading to a bad odor. The smell can spread throughout the ducts and contaminate your air. A clear indication of insects inside your ducts is hearing insects crawling within your walls. As these rodents and insects move through your air duct system, they can cause irreparable damage that requires costly repairs. Call professionals right away if you suspect there are animals in your duct.
5. High Energy Bills
A sudden rise in your energy bills, even when your usage is consistent, is a cause of concern, maybe because of clogged ducts. Your energy costs could have been predictable all year round, but you suddenly encountered too high bills. When debris accumulates in your ducts, the HVAC system is forced to work harder to maintain desired temperatures. This increased energy use reflects on your energy bills when they reach a significantly high level.
6. Uneven Temperatures Throughout Your House
Another sign your ducts need cleaning is uneven heating or cooling temperature in different rooms of your house. Obstructed ducts can be behind the uneven distribution of air in your property. Dirt and debris collecting in the ducts limit airflow to some of the rooms. If blocked ducts are the reason for these temperature issues, it can be solved by having your ducts cleaned by professionals.
7. Recent Home Renovations
If your home has recently undergone renovations or had some construction work done, you may need to clean your ducts. Construction is messy and even if contractors clean afterward, some of the material may find its way into your HVAC system. Unless the HVAC system is removed before construction, you cannot guarantee dust will not get inside and get sucked into the ducts. As the dust and other materials get into the ducts, they affect their operation, leading to a wide range of issues for the homeowner.
Cleaning your ducts is not a do-it-yourself activity. It’s an advanced process that requires HVAC professionals who understand the different components of the system and have specialized cleaning tools. Cool Experts AC is a professional and dependable HVAC services company in Richardson, Texas, that you can trust to clean your ducts. We also offer air conditioning services, heating, attic insulation and whole-home purifiers. Contact us today for assured professionalism and commitment to your HVAC needs.