Duct cleaning can improve indoor air quality and the performance of your heating and cooling system. Therefore, knowing when to schedule a consultation with your local HVAC contractor is important. Aside from improving efficiency, reducing odors, and preventing emergency calls, duct cleaning can also avoid costly duct repair or replacement.
Once you recognize the signs of an issue, the sooner you can call a professional to determine if air duct cleaning is necessary. Here are 10 signs it’s time to schedule a duct cleaning consultation:
1. Dusty/Dirty Vents: If your vent covers are coated in dirt and debris, it’s a sign your ductwork is contaminated. Therefore, check the vent grills around your house once a month. Any dust present is being blown out from inside the duct. Another troublesome sign is if puffs of dust are visible when the HVAC unit starts. Persistent dust throughout your home, despite frequent cleaning, is also a sign of dirty ducts.
2. Frequently Clogged Air Filters: Air filters should be changed at least every 90 days, or more often if you have allergies, pets, or lots of dust in your home. If an air filter is coated in dust just a few days after installation, your air ducts may be filled with debris. Consult with a professional to determine if you need an air duct cleaning.
3. Your Allergies Are Getting Worse: If you or anyone at home experiences increased allergy or other respiratory symptoms while indoors, these may be caused by dust, mold, and other particles trapped in ducts. These particulates can circulate continuously. Only by cleaning air ducts can this process be eliminated.
4. Undesirable Odors Throughout Your Home: Unpleasant smells without an obvious source may be blowing in from your air registers. Unclean ducts can release many types of odors, including musty or burning smells. Check your HVAC vents to determine if these are from the ductwork. Call a pro to look for dust, mold, vermin, or other sources and address them.
5. Mold Is Visible Near Your Duct System: Mold spores take hold and grow in dark, humid places. Dust and other debris provide a source for mold to feed on. It can grow very quickly, contaminating your ductwork and circulating spores around your home. If you see mold growing near a grill, assume it’s elsewhere and have your air ducts examined and cleaned by a professional.
6. Your Air Ducts Are Noisy: Noises can mean many things. Your ductwork may need to be sealed, secured, or repaired. A duct cleaning can reduce noise because dust, dirt, and debris buildup can increase friction. Signs of a blockage include banging, rattling, and popping noises.
7. Airflow Issues In Your House: Weak airflow often means dirt is building up in your duct system. If all the vents are open, yet the airflow is weaker than it should be or the temperature is different in each room, schedule an air duct cleaning consultation. Any buildup or blockage will continue to restrict airflow and strain your HVAC system.
8. Pests Are Invading Your Home: Pests, especially insects and rodents, find air ducts to be a warm, safe place to take shelter. Not only do infestations result in odors from fur, shells, and droppings. Pests can release allergens and germs that can make you very sick (another reason air duct cleaning is important). Consult with a technician if you see vermin in your ductwork, smell them, or hear them scurrying about in the duct system.
9. Your Energy Bills Are Higher: Utility bills tend to fluctuate seasonally. However, you should be accustomed to what your power bills cost throughout the year. An unusual spike can mean dirty ductwork is reducing HVAC system efficiency. And since the system must work harder, costly repairs may be needed if the problem isn’t resolved. A duct cleaning consultation can spot problems to fix so you avoid paying for costly repairs later.
10. Your Home Was Recently Repaired or Renovated: Repair, construction, and renovation work are messy, no matter what steps a contractor takes to protect your home. Your HVAC system should be turned off and vents covered during the project. Even still, fine dust and particulates can make their way into ductwork and build up. Therefore, an air duct cleaning should be completed after any major home improvement project.
How Often Should My Air Ducts Be Cleaned?
Generally, HVAC professionals recommend a full duct cleaning every three to five years. However, don’t hesitate to call when the aforementioned issues occur. Air ducts don’t need the same routine service as the rest of your heating and cooling system, but having them cleaned when necessary can protect your home and family.
Do I Need a Professional for Duct Cleaning?
A basic cleaning can be completed with a vacuum and some brushes. But it’s impossible to reach every part of your duct system. Whether you notice any warning signs or it’s been a while since your ducts were cleaned, hire a contractor to assess and clean your air ducts. The job costs a few hundred dollars, depending on home size and air duct accessibility, but is worth it in the long run.
Call Waldrop for an Air Duct Cleaning Consultation
At Waldrop Plumbing – Heating – Air, we know how important duct cleaning is for your home’s HVAC system. Our licensed, NATE-certified, and insured HVAC technicians use the latest equipment and techniques to clean air ducts and improve airflow, efficiency, and indoor air quality. They can also provide high-quality air duct repair or replacement. To schedule air duct cleaning and other services in Upstate South Carolina, call (864) 536-0887 today.
