Your HVAC ducts transport heated and cooled air throughout your home. However, they can’t do that job properly when they become blocked or clogged, which happens over time under normal conditions. Consider these eight common signs that your ducts need to be cleaned.
1. Easily Clogged HVAC Filter
Routinely changing your air filter is part of maintaining your HVAC system. Even with smaller 1-inch filters, you should only need to change it every 30 to 90 days. However, dirty ducts will add contaminants to the air as the system runs. If you’re finding you need to change your air filter every couple of weeks to keep air flowing through the system properly, you may need to get your ducts cleaned.
2. Unpleasant Odors
Your HVAC system shouldn’t produce any odors as it runs, especially if it’s not the first heating cycle of the season. Odors are caused by contaminants floating in the air, including particulate matter and gases. Dirty ducts notoriously remain too moist or humid, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow and spores contaminants like mold and mildew to proliferate. These contaminants often give off a musty odor or something that may smell like dirty gym socks.
3. Dust or Mold on Your Vent Covers
As part of your regular cleaning routine, plan to check your HVAC vent covers. They should remain relatively clean, or at least as clean as the area around them. Early on, you may notice more dust on or around your vent covers. If left long enough, you may notice mold or mildew starting to grow on them. Once you see signs of mold, take care of it quickly to prevent a bigger problem from developing.
4. Poor HVAC System Airflow
The air flowing through HVAC ducts creates positive air pressure, but it’s not high pressure. Built-up contaminants in the ducts can easily restrict the air moving through the system. You may notice that it feels like there isn’t much air coming from your supply vents. A clogged air filter can also cause this issue, so always check the filter as a first step in troubleshooting.
5. Infestations In Your Ducts
Homes may eventually deal with the occasional rodent or bug. However, infestations are a completely different issue because of the number of rodents or insects and the dander and byproducts they bring. Ducts are one of the common areas rodents and insects may choose to make a home because they are relatively safe and comfortable. If you’ve recently discovered an infestation, consider having your ducts cleaned to prevent long-term air quality issues.
6. Dust Quickly Accumulates
Dusting is a crucial part of your home cleaning routine to preserve your furniture and manage your air quality. However, your home shouldn’t look like you haven’t dusted shortly after you do. Dust that quickly collects has a source that you need to find and resolve. That source could be your HVAC ductwork if you haven’t had them cleaned recently.
7. Recent Home Renovations
Home renovations are notorious for creating dust. These projects include construction renovations like adding a room, constructing or removing walls or changing flooring. However, they also include smaller projects that include mudding or wall patching and sanding. All these projects can add substantial contaminants to the air that will eventually find their way into your ducts. Consider adding professional duct cleaning services as the final step to all household renovation projects to keep your ducts free and clear.
8. It’s Been Years Since the Last Cleaning
Under normal conditions, industry professionals recommend having your ducts professionally cleaned every three to five years. If you’ve recently purchased your home or have never had your ducts cleaned, you may want to have them cleaned soon. Neglecting dirty ducts can not only cause problems with cleaning and your HVAC system performance but can also cause health issues due to poor indoor air quality. Common symptoms you may experience include:
- Increased allergies
- Congestion
- Recurrent upper respiratory irritation
- Coughing and wheezing
- Shortness of breath
AirNow Air Conditioning is the service provider of choice for property owners around Sarasota seeking indoor air quality solutions, including professional duct cleaning. Our NATE-certified technicians also provide heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair services. Call to schedule a duct cleaning appointment with our award-winning team today.
