5 Top Signs Your Air Ducts Need Cleaning

On average, Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors. Unfortunately, this is also where some pollutants are often up to 5 times higher than outdoors. Having a high-quality HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning) system helps maintain air quality indoors.

HVAC provides thermal comfort and adequate ventilation with filtration. However not having regular maintenance, including its air ducts (ductwork), affects its performance.  

How Do Air Ducts Work?

HVAC systems fill the supply plenum with heated or cooled air that is sent through the ductwork. Regular inspections and cleaning of these ducts are crucial for maintaining optimal airflow and system efficiency. Fortunately, HDSS-6020 duct access doors provide convenient entry points for inspectors and cleaning professionals

How do you know your air ducts need cleaning?

Signs of Dirty Ducts

1. Dust Are Coming Out of the Air Vents

If a puff of dust or smoke comes out of the vent after you turn on your air or heat conditioning, your air ducts are dirty. You shouldn’t see or smell anything coming from the vent if your HVAC system is working correctly. 

Try switching your system off and wait for a few minutes before turning it on again. If you smell or see smoke, avoid using it before a technician checks it. The air ducts might be clogged, or there’s a mechanical issue with your system.

2. Increased Energy Bills

Rising energy bills are expected, especially during the hot and cold seasons. But if you haven’t noticed weather changes and your bill has gotten more expensive, there might be an issue with your HVAC system. 

Check your bill if there are any new fees or service charges. Do you think you used a lot of energy last month? If the answer is no, your air ducts might have worked harder to heat or cool your home. Chances are there’s even a blockage in your ductwork.

3. Molds

HVAC systems can develop condensation that can result in mold growth in the ductwork. Though it’s not easy to visually detect them, they usually have a musty odor. If you confirm their presence, it’s always best to act quickly and call professionals. They are capable of identifying and resolving mold issues quickly.

4. Your House Was Recently Renovated or Built

Construction often leaves a mess no matter how diligent contractors are in cleaning up. Unless your HVAC system is turned off and completely covered during the construction process, dust and dirt tend to get to the ductwork. 

Construction dust can contain particulate matter that nobody wants to breathe. These tiny particles can go to your lungs and even your bloodstream, causing health problems when inhaled.

5. Air Ducts Infested with Insects or Rodents

There are times when insects and rodents hide in your air ducts, leaving behind bacteria. When rodents find their way, they make nests and leave droppings and fecal spores. This can result in contamination of the air you breathe in your home. 

Uncleaned rodent infestation in your air ducts could lead to significant structural damage. It also makes your HVAC system work inefficiently, resulting in higher energy bills. 

Health Effects of Dirty Air Ducts 

Dirty ducts don’t only damage your HVAC system, but they also cause health problems to your family. The symptoms include: 

• Headaches
• Low-grade fever
• Lethargy and feeling unwell
• Cold symptoms: coughing, sneezing, congested or runny nose, sore throat or throat irritation
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Wheezing, difficulty breathing, and asthma or allergy attacks at home (but not elsewhere)
• Eczema, rashes, or hives

Hiring Professionals for Air Duct Cleaning

Though you can clean your air ducts in some cases, this might be a bad idea. HVAC systems come with complex parts that average homeowners may not understand. Moreover, cleaning companies like PuroClean have specialized tools and training to spot and resolve other issues. 

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