How to know it’s time for residential duct cleaning

Ducts circulate the air in your home, including everything that’s in them; dust, dander, and other undesirable substances all go through your ventilation system. While no one likes the idea of living in a home with poor air quality, you may not know when you’re inhaling it. Here are a few signs that mean you should call one of our professional duct experts to come take a look.

Mold

This is a health issue for just about everyone since breathing in mold can make you sick and exacerbate other existing conditions like asthma and other respiratory problems. Your home’s duct system is dark and moist, making it a hospitable environment for mold. If airflow is restricted enough, mold can flourish.

Visible Mold

If you can see mold growing on your registers or air ducts, call for residential duct cleaning — the same goes for any other place in the house you find mold. No matter where it starts, your HVAC system will eventually carry it to every room in your home.

Mildew Smell

Even if growing mold isn’t visible, you might be able to smell it — mildew, ammonia, or even a sour stench. If the odor worsens when your heat or air conditioning is running, call an HVAC specialist to conduct an official inspection.

Visible Dust

If you can see dust or dirt billowing out of your vents while the system’s on, you most likely have quite a mess in there. If you dust regularly, yet still find dust on your tabletops and counters within days, this could mean there is dust sitting in your ducts. Not only does this compromise your respiratory health, it means more vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing just to keep your home clean.

Clogged Air Filter

If you keep up with proper HVAC maintenance (meaning you change your filter at least once every six months) but still find dirt and dust clogging up your air filter, you probably need your ducts cleaned. If you don’t swap out your air filter as often as you should, you could be aggravating the problem.

Dusty HVAC Unit

Inspect the inside of your furnace or air conditioning unit. If there’s dust built up in the furnace compartment or air conditioner coils, you have too much dust in your ducts, which impacts your system’s efficiency and shortens the life of your unit(s).

Foul Odor

If you pick up on the scent of rotten garage, you may have a deceased animal somewhere in your system. While it may just be a mouse or injured bird that’s made its way inside, it could also be part of a more significant pest problem. If necessary, call a pest control service.

Energy Bill Spike

If your electric bill has suddenly spiked without explanation, there could be something going on with your HVAC system. If you’ve already tried the typical troubleshooting measures like changing the filter or adjusting the thermostat, then there exists another reason your HVAC system is working harder than it should. It may be due to a motor or blower fan clogged with dirt. Since airflow is reduced, the more energy is needed for it to run, which ultimately raises your utility bill. Your ductwork may also be the source of the buildup, resulting in your system overworking itself to compensate. 

Increased Allergies

If you find that your allergies aren’t easing off as the allergy season comes to an end, there may be a secondary issue at play. If you’re suffering symptoms such as sneezing, sore throat, and itchy eyes, your air ducts may be the culprit.

Allergens and Poor Air Quality

Much like dust, allergens collect inside your ventilation systems. Each time you run the air, your system redistributes pollen and various allergens throughout your living space. If dust clogs your ducts, your system cannot cycle fresh air. Between the excess dust and allergens, you may be perpetually stuck in allergy season. The best way to combat this issue is to have the ducts serviced by a trusted duct technician.

Pet Dander

Four-legged friends, while good for the soul, can be hard on your ventilation systems. Shedding and dander can absorb into the air filters and cycle through your ductwork. On top of that, indoor-outdoor pets welcome outside particles into the house with them. Having your air ducts clean will help clear the air for you, your family, and guests that are particularly sensitive to pet dander. For more information about how we can ensure you get the most out of your HVAC system and accompanying ductwork, contact AirWiz Duct Cleaning today! .