Did you know that the presence of mold, dust, pollen, and insect droppings can have a direct impact on your indoor air quality? It can even impact the healthiest people. One sure way to improve the air quality and comfort in your home is by taking advantage of frequent duct cleaning services.
And, if you are just not sure whether your ducts could use some cleaning, this guide will provide you with some signs to watch out for.
Signs Your Ductwork Needs Cleaning
If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, here are some signs that may indicate your ductwork needs to be cleaned:
Visible Debris and Dust in Vents & Ducts
A telltale sign that your ducts could use some cleaning is seeing visible dust and debris in your vents. This is a clear sign that your ducts are clogged and need to be cleaned.
When you turn your furnace on, you may even notice small puffs of dust. This indicates that your air ducts are dirty since they typically won’t release visible debris when they are clean.
Clogged Air Filters
If your air filters are constantly becoming clogged, and you need to frequently change your air filters, this could be indicative of a bigger problem. It’s clear that you should have your filters changed frequently, but they should never get clogged several days after replacing them.
If this continuously happens to you, it’s worth having your air ducts checked. Moreover, you should have your air filters changed every few months. It’s typical for filters to trap pollen, dust, and other contaminants throughout the year.
Foul Odor
Do you notice a foul odor coming from your ducts? This could be another telltale sign that you are dealing with some major issues. Foul or unpleasant smells could come from your air duct system, especially if you are unable to pinpoint the exact location.
Try to get up close to the vents to see if you can confirm your suspicion. It’s also worth calling a technician to come out and check your air ducts.
Presence of Mold & Mildew
Mold and mildew growth may be seen either inside or outside your HVAC system. While dust can impact your health, the effects of mold are a lot worse. Both mold and mildew can exacerbate respiratory conditions and worsen allergy symptoms.
Moreover, mold and mildew can spread rapidly throughout your home. Don’t delay in taking action if you notice mold near or around your vents or AC units. Aside from having a technician inspect your ducts, it’s advised to purchase a dehumidifier.
Poor Airflow
If the airflow in your home is either unstable or poor, this is another sign that your air ducts need to be cleaned. Noticing inconsistent airflow throughout your home is never a good sign, as it should all be the same.
Infestation in Air Ducts
Another obvious sign that your air ducts need to be cleaned is the presence of rodents or insects in your vents and ducts. You may be wondering why it’s necessary to have your air ducts cleaned following a pest infestation.
The answer is simple. It’s done to prevent allergens and other microbes from spreading in your home. Bacteria, insect droppings, and dander can all be dangerous to your health.
Build-up of Dust
Frequent accumulation of dust is yet another sign that you should call a technician to clean your air ducts. Continuously finding dust and dirt throughout your home, even after you clean, is never a good sign. This only proves that you have a large amount of dust that has built up in your HVAC system.
Odd Sounds in the Ductwork
It’s typical for an HVAC system to make different noises while running. Sometimes this can make it difficult to recognize when a real issue arises.
One thing is for certain: your ductwork should never make a lot of unusual sounds. If you are hearing things that are beyond the typical motor noise, it’s almost certain that you have issues with your air ducts.
No History of Prior Air Duct Cleanings
If your home is old, and you are unable to find any records or recall when your air ducts were last cleaned, have a technician come out and inspect them. Chances are high that your air ducts need to be cleaned, especially if you can’t remember when they were cleaned last.
